Introduction
Exploring your family’s history can be a rewarding journey, and Illinois offers a wealth of government resources to assist in this endeavor. From state archives to local libraries, these institutions provide invaluable records and guidance for genealogical research.
Illinois State Archives
The Illinois State Archives, located in Springfield, is a primary resource for genealogists. Established in 1829, it houses over 250 years of state and local government records, including birth, death, and marriage records, military service records, and land titles. These documents offer insights into Illinois’ rich history and can aid in tracing your ancestry.
Contact Information:
- Address: Margaret Cross Norton Building, Capitol Complex, Springfield, IL 62756
- Phone: 217-782-4866
- Website: (ilsos.gov)
- Genealogical Research: Access to various records, including birth, death, and marriage certificates, military service records, and land titles. (ilsos.gov)
- Online Databases: Indexes to Illinois State Archives and regional depository collections. (ilsos.gov)
- Address: Gwendolyn Brooks Building, 300 S. Second St., Springfield, IL 62701-1796
- Phone: 217-785-5600
- Website: (ilsos.gov)
- Genealogical Resources: Access to county histories, historical county atlases, and other materials. (ilsos.gov)
- Interlibrary Loan: Materials are available for interlibrary loan to local libraries nationwide. (ilsos.gov)
- Address: 2016 Warehouse Road, Normal, IL 61790
- Phone: (309) 452-6027
- Website: (library.illinoisstate.edu)
- Access to Local Records: Records from surrounding local counties, townships, and municipalities. (library.illinoisstate.edu)
- Research Inquiries: Researchers can make inquiries by phone or mail. (library.illinoisstate.edu)
- Address: 200 N. Main St., Bloomington, IL 61701
- Phone: (309) 827-0428
- Website: (en.wikipedia.org)
- Access to Archives: The Stevenson-Ives Library and Benjamin Hoopes Family Archives contain a wide range of materials. (en.wikipedia.org)
- Research Assistance: Volunteers are available to assist with research. (en.wikipedia.org)
- Illinois State Archives: Houses over 250 years of state and local government records, including birth, death, and marriage records, military service records, and land titles. (ilsos.gov)
- Illinois State Library: Offers access to county histories, historical county atlases, and other materials pertinent to Illinois’ history. (ilsos.gov)
- Illinois Regional Archives Depository (IRAD): Consists of seven regional depositories located on state university campuses throughout Illinois, housing records from surrounding local counties, townships, and municipalities. (library.illinoisstate.edu)
- Illinois State Archives, 2023/https://www.ilsos.gov/departments/archives/home.html
- Illinois State Library, 2023/https://www.ilsos.gov/departments/library/public/genealogy.html
- Illinois Regional Archives Depository (IRAD), 2023/https://library.illinoisstate.edu/collections/irad/index.php
- McLean County Museum of History, 2023/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/McLean_County_Museum_of_History
- Illinois USGENWEB Project, 2023/https://www.illinoisgenweb.org/
Research Services:
The Archives provides several services to assist researchers:
Visiting the Archives:
Researchers are encouraged to visit in person to conduct independent research. The Archives is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except on state holidays. It’s advisable to contact the Archives staff before visiting to ensure the availability of specific records. (ilsos.gov)
Illinois State Library
The Illinois State Library, also in Springfield, offers extensive resources for genealogical research. Its collection includes county histories, historical county atlases, and other materials pertinent to Illinois’ history. While the library staff cannot respond to individual research requests, most materials are available for interlibrary loan to local libraries nationwide. (ilsos.gov)
Contact Information:
Research Services:
Illinois Regional Archives Depository (IRAD)
The IRAD system consists of seven regional depositories located on state university campuses throughout Illinois. These depositories house records from surrounding local counties, townships, and municipalities, including birth, marriage, death, deed, probate, and tax records. For example, Milner Library at Illinois State University holds records from 14 counties. (library.illinoisstate.edu)
Contact Information for Milner Library:
Research Services:
Local Libraries and Museums
Many local libraries and museums in Illinois offer resources for genealogical research. For instance, the McLean County Museum of History provides access to a wide range of primary and secondary source materials related to Central Illinois history. (en.wikipedia.org)
Contact Information for McLean County Museum of History:
Research Services:
Online Resources
The Illinois USGENWEB Project offers free access to historical and genealogical resources. This project provides a platform for volunteers to contribute information and assist researchers in tracing their Illinois ancestry. (illinoisgenweb.org)
Website: (illinoisgenweb.org)
Conclusion
Illinois provides a wealth of government resources to assist in family history research. By utilizing state archives, libraries, regional depositories, local museums, and online platforms, researchers can uncover valuable information about their ancestry. Engaging with these resources can lead to a deeper understanding of your family’s heritage and Illinois’ rich history.