Introduction
The Illinois State Archives serves as the official repository for public records of Illinois state and local governmental agencies, safeguarding documents of permanent administrative, legal, or historical significance. Established in 1921, the Archives has been instrumental in preserving over 250 years of Illinois’ history. (ilsos.gov)
Mission and Services
The primary mission of the Illinois State Archives is to collect, preserve, and provide access to records that document the state’s history and governance. Key services include:
- Public Access: Offering in-person, mail, telephone, fax, and internet database reference services to the public, officials, and scholars.
- Records Management: Assisting state and local government agencies with the disposal, retention, and transfer of records.
- Genealogical Research: Providing resources for individuals researching their ancestry in Illinois.
- In-Person Visits: The Reference Room is open to the public during operating hours. Visitors are required to go through a metal detector upon entry. (ilsos.gov)
- Online Services: The Archives offers online databases for genealogical research and digital collections. (ilsos.gov)
- Established in 1921, the Illinois State Archives has been preserving over 250 years of Illinois’ history. (ilsos.gov)
- The Archives operates seven regional depositories across Illinois, enhancing access to local governmental records. (ilsos.gov)
- The Records Management Section assists state and local agencies with the disposal, retention, and transfer of records, ensuring proper management of public records. (ilsos.gov)
- Illinois State Archives, 2023/https://www.ilsos.gov/departments/archives/home.html
- Illinois State Archives, 2023/https://www.ilsos.gov/departments/archives/about.html
- Illinois State Archives, 2023/https://www.ilsos.gov/departments/archives/visitarchives.html
- Illinois State Archives, 2023/https://www.ilsos.gov/departments/archives/records-management.html
- Illinois State Historical Records Advisory Board, 2023/https://www.ilsos.gov/departments/archives/ISHRAB/
- Illinois State Archives, 2023/https://www.ilsos.gov/departments/archives/home.html
- Illinois State Archives, 2023/https://www.ilsos.gov/departments/archives/about.html
- Illinois State Archives, 2023/https://www.ilsos.gov/departments/archives/visitarchives.html
- Illinois State Archives, 2023/https://www.ilsos.gov/departments/archives/records-management.html
- Illinois State Historical Records Advisory Board, 2023/https://www.ilsos.gov/departments/archives/ISHRAB/
Location and Contact Information
The Illinois State Archives is located in the Margaret Cross Norton Building on the Capitol Complex in Springfield, Illinois.
Address:
Margaret Cross Norton Building
Capitol Complex
Springfield, IL 62756
Phone: 217-782-4682
Fax: 217-524-3930
Website: Illinois State Archives
Hours of Operation:
Monday–Friday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Closed on weekends and state holidays.
Accessing the Archives
Visitors can access the Archives through various means:
Records Management Services
The Records Management Section assists state and local government agencies with the disposal, retention, and transfer of records. In Illinois, no public record may be disposed of without the approval of the appropriate records commission. For information about the procedures to dispose of state records, call 217-782-2647. To dispose of local government records, call 217-782-7075. (ilsos.gov)
Illinois State Historical Records Advisory Board (ISHRAB)
The ISHRAB serves as the state-level review body for records grant proposals and facilitates cooperation among historical records depositories and other information agencies within Illinois. The Board is composed of members appointed by the Secretary of State and includes representatives from various sectors, such as local historical societies, universities, and libraries. (ilsos.gov)
Regional Depositories
In addition to the main Archives in Springfield, the Illinois State Archives operates seven regional depositories located on state university campuses throughout Illinois. These depositories provide access to local governmental records and support regional research needs. (ilsos.gov)
Conclusion
The Illinois State Archives plays a crucial role in preserving the state’s rich history and providing access to its extensive records. Whether you’re a researcher, genealogist, or history enthusiast, the Archives offers valuable resources to explore Illinois’ past.
Key Facts
Sources
Tags
Illinois State Archives, Records Management, Genealogical Research, Illinois History, Public Records, Archives Services, ISHRAB
Subcategory
Public Records
Readability Level
8th grade