Started in 2022 and incorporated in 2024, The Cast Iron Historical Society is an ambitious organization with a straightforward goal: to elevate the history and cultural impacts of iron casting through the the curation of specialized collections, compilation of comprehensive research resources, networking with sometimes disparate groups and institutions, and generally engaging with the public and making our materials available to researchers and collectors alike.
While we don’t have a physical location, that allows us to have members anywhere in the world who can focus on researching and obtaining materials from their own, local sources, which helps us in being a hub of information on a global topic.
Our focus isn’t on collecting, but our compiled resources often help both collectors and sellers in properly identifying what they’ve found. Having period-accurate identification as well as the history (or at least a lead) behind a piece makes for more meaningful collecting and more transparent sales. Sometimes those inquiries lead to us learning, too.
Beyond compiling information, The Cast Iron Historical Society has framed its perspectives on the history of iron casting from a standpoint of conservation rather than commodification. Our principles are guided by the Society for American Archaeology in promoting stewardship over ownership. We know that the sales and collecting of cast iron of all kinds is both alive and well, and incredibly exciting. We have no intention of or desire to stop it; rather, we strive to elevate iron objects to the level afforded all historic artifacts, and help to influence the use of best practices when handling them.
If you are interested in volunteering, supporting, or becoming a member, please contact us at [email protected] and we’ll be happy to talk.
The Cast Iron Historical Society 
