The Champaign County Historical Archives is partnering with the Student Life and Culture Archives at the University of the Illinois to present a Town & Gown Speaker Series.  Our inaugural event takes place Thursday, September 18, 2014 and looks at the local impact of World War I.  Come join us for an evening of period music, poems from a native solider, local headlines, and letters from the front lines.

For weekly Wednesday Evening Hours in the Archives!

Starting now join us every Wednesday from 9:00am - 9:00pm for all your research needs.  Read more about Wonderful Wednesdays

You may have read the Tom Kacich article in the News-Gazette a few weeks ago about the miraculous discovery of early Urbana resident J.O. Cunningham’s journals in Kerrville, Texas. The journals describing Cunningham’s 1853 arrival in Urbana have now themselves returned to the community. The Champaign County Historical Archives is pleased to announce that The Board of Cunningham Children’s Home has approved a resolution to donate the journals to the Archives. 

Read more about Night Owls Rejoice! The Archives Now Has Weekly Evening Hours.

Happy Birthday, Virginia!

Archives volunteer and longtime Champaign County resident Virginia Lovingfoss will celebrate her 100^th birthday today! Virginia was born and raised in Philo, Illinois and now lives in Urbana. At 100 years old Virginia volunteers at both the Champaign County Historical Archives and Carle Hospital.

Read more about Virginia Turns 100!

  Read more about Tenth Anniversary of Local History Online!

Read more about What is Available at the Champaign County Historical Archives?

Railroads have been a large part of the Illinois landscape for nearly two centuries. They have reshaped the terrain, commerce and even towns and cities. One such location completely transformed by railroads was the city of Champaign. Read more about How a Railroad Company Helped Create a City

  Read more about How a Railroad Company Helped Create a City

In a few days the Urbana Free Library will be approaching a very important milestone. July 2, 2014 marks 140 years of community service. The library has a rich history, all starting with a group of men interested in creating a library. Read more about Happy 140th Birthday Urbana Free Library!