Elinor Barr was a historian, author, and publisher, who researched and wrote Northwestern Ontario history. She was born in Ignace, Ontario, and initially trained and worked as a registered nurse. After receiving a degree in History from Lakehead University in 1974, she dedicated the rest of her life to that pursuit.

Some of her published works include: Thunder Bay to Gunflint: The Port Arthur, Duluth & Western Railway; Silver Islet: Striking it Rich in Lake Superior; The Frontier as Experienced on the Pre-Cambrian Shield: A Study of Ignace, Ontario from 1883-1908; and Swedes in Canada: Invisible Immigrants.

Elinor Barr's archives are held by the Thunder Bay Historical Museum Society.

The Lakehead Social History Institute is a partnership between historical researchers at Lakehead University and members of the Thunder Bay community. Active since 1997, the Institute supports and promotes historical research in the Northwestern Ontario region. The Institute facilitates research, trains new researchers, disseminates information about historical resources, conducts workshops, assists educational and community organizations, supports historical publications, and encourages local groups to preserve archival materials.