Champaign County Historical Archives
Established in 1956, The Champaign County Historical Archives is a department of The Urbana Free Library that specializes in genealogy and local history. In 1987 it was designated the official repository for non-current Champaign County records. Although it focuses on Champaign County, the Archives holds extensive collections of works dealing with the rest of Illinois and most of the states east of the Mississippi. Whether you have Champaign County ancestors (or no connections to the county at all), are interested in local history, there is a wealth of potentially useful materials available for your research.
Materials may not be borrowed, but photocopiers are available. The Archives has eight public workstations equipped for Internet access. The Archives reference staff is always willing to help beginning genealogists, answer specific questions, or assist visitors in finding desired materials. For the convenience of patrons, the Archives sells a variety of genealogical forms at cost. Also for sale are a number of reference works relating to Champaign County history and genealogy. Copies of these materials are on display in the Archives. Be sure to check out our favorite Internet links for genealogy. If you need materials not owned by the Archives, we can often get them for you on interlibrary loan.
While group visits are welcomed, the Archives does have limited space. Therefore, advance notice of such a visit is appreciated, so that scheduling conflicts can be avoided.
Workshop Series: Genealogy & Local History
The fourth and final presentation in the library’s workshop series on genealogy and local history is scheduled for Saturday, May 30, from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. in the Lewis Auditorium. In this workshop, The Union Wore Blue: Researching Civil War Military Records, Cherie’ Weible will show you how to bring the Civil War to life by researching the military records of Union soldiers who served in volunteer, militia, and home guard units. The registration deadline is May 22, 2009. Register online at Parkland College Community Education (select Recreation and Leisure), by mail, or in person at Parkland College, or pick up an application form in the Champaign County Historical Archives at The Urbana Free Library, 210 West Green Street, Urbana.
And take a look what we have already lined up for fall 2009! We are pleased to announce a repeat of a popular workshop on historic house research, taught by local archaeologist and historic preservationist, Ilona Matkovszki. Mary Stuart, History, Philosophy and Newspaper Librarian, at the University of Illinois library will explore how to use African American newspapers to fill gaps in the historical record. Finally, we welcome two workshops by genealogy innovators, Matthew and April Leigh Helm, developers of Helm's Genealogy Toolbox/ FamilyToolbox.net, and authors of numerous publications on genealogy, including Genealogy Online for Dummies. Their workshops will cover how you can place your ancestors (and their records) into historical context, and offer a beginner’s guide to using DNA in genealogical research.
Download Flyer (PDF) | Register Online
Celebrating the Lincoln Bicentennial in 2009 Champaign County, Illinois
Follow the links below for more information.
