The Champaign County Historical Archives recently processed the papers of Dr. Ellen Miner, a Champaign County native who practiced gynecological and obstetrical medicine starting in 1896. Dr. Miner graduated from the Medical Department for Women at Northwestern University in 1893 and returned to Champaign to practice medicine in 1896. Her well-respected practice operated out of her home, and she was an active member of the medical community in Champaign until her retirement. 

This Thursday evening, February 25th, the library will host archaeologist Amanda Butler. Her presentation "Medieval Missionaries: East-Central Illinois and its Cahokia Connection" will discuss the Collins Archaeological Complex located along the Middle Fork of the Vermilion River, northwest of Danville, and its relationship to the Mississippian civilization who built the city of Cahokia near East St. Louis, Illinois. As a preview for the event please enjoy this repost from last April on "Digginig Up Illinois' Past." 

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Have you ever found a rock that you knew must be a genuine arrowhead?

Have you ever dug a hole in your backyard hoping to discover the ruins of a lost civilization?

Have you ever wondered what life was like for the people that first settled Champaign County?

Tonight is the latest event in the Town and Gown Speaker Series, CU Hoops: Playing, Coaching and Reporting Basketball. Being held at the Bielfeldt Athletic Administrative Building, this event highlights men's and boys' basketball through the years from various perspectives. So on this Throw Back Thursday, the Archives would like to share a photo of the 1934 Philo Boys' Basketball team. 

We want to send a digital valentine to all of our wonderful Patrons.

The staff think that you’re the cutest card in the catalog! Happy Valentine’s Day! 

Love, 

The Archives 

  Read more about According to Our “References” You’d Make a Swell Valentine!

Read more about 99th Pursuit Squadron at Chanute Air Force Base, ca. 1941

The history of Champaign County’s African-American community began in the pioneer days of Champaign, Urbana, and the surrounding towns and villages. The easiest way to get started searching for African-American history in Champaign County, as with any subject pertaining to local history in Champaign County, is to search the Local History Online database. You can begin with a quick search from the homepage, which leads to an alphabetical list of results from the Local History Online index. You may find it useful to click “More Searches” and choose a keyword search of our holdings as well. What types of results will you see while searching Local History Online? Below is a list of several types of resources that you can search at the Champaign County Historical Archives. Included are references to several resources specific to Champaign County’s local African-American history and individuals.

Genealogists and local history buffs aren't the only ones who appreciate a good cemetery.

These lovely creatures were captured by our own resident cemetery aficionado, Karla.

If you don't mind spending an afternoon in a cemetery you may be interested in our upcoming workshop: Basic Cemetery Restoration. John Heider, a professional gravestone conservator, will offer a hands on class on how to properly care for Illinois cemeteries and their historic grave markers on June 4th. The class will meet at The Urbana Free Library and Roselawn Cemetery.  

Cemeteries not your thing? 

Professor Wallace M. Ewing was the director of the Ewing's Zouave Boys' Band for over 15 years during the early 20th century. 

This is an advertisement from the January 25, 1921 Courier.

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They go by many names, VHS, Videocassettes, Videotapes and for nearly 40 years they were the standard for home viewing entertainment. Today, VHS tapes have faded with the advent of the DVD, however many people (including myself) still own videotapes especially of family events.