Town & Gown Speaker Series: World War I in Champaign County, September 18, 2014
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.
Wonderful Wednesdays
For weekly Wednesday Evening Hours in the Archives!
Starting now join us every Wednesday from 9:00am - 9:00pm for all your research needs.
Coming Home: The J.O. Cunningham Journals Make Their Way Back to Urbana
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.
Virginia Turns 100!
Happy Birthday, Virginia!
Archives volunteer and longtime Champaign County resident Virginia Lovingfoss will celebrate her 100th 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.
How a Railroad Company Helped Create a City
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.
Happy 140th Birthday Urbana Free Library!
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.
Join the Archives for the Market at the Square!
The Champaign County Historical Archives will be at the Urbana Free Library's table at the Market at the Square on the third Saturday of each month, beginning tomorrow (June 21). Stop by to view historical documents and artifacts, grab a brochure, and take a look at some of the books that feature a variety of items from our collection. We hope to see you there!
Ancestry.com Adds New Puerto Rico Records and Research Guides
Ancestry.com recently launched a new collection with more than 5 million vital records from Puerto Rico. Civil registration began in Puerto Rico in 1885, and the records can contain rich details, sometimes even mentioningseveral generations.
Have you ever heard of PERSI?
PERSI, or the Periodical Source Index is the largest host of genealogical journals worldwide. Home to over 11,000 journals, many no longer in print, PERSI is a hidden gem for researchers and genealogist alike. Indexed are roughly 2.3 million articles concerning local history and genealogy spanning from 1800 to 2009.
Easily searchable, PERSI is extremely user friendly with multiple subject heading for simple website navigation.
· Under the PEOPLE heading, users can search for ancestor names across the 2.3 million articles
Oral History of Champaign-Urbana Days
What: Oral History of Champaign-Urbana Days
When: April 21, 2014, 4 - 6 p.m.
Where: Douglass Annex, 804 North Fifth St., Champaign, IL 61820
Who: You!
Why: Learn about the history of the community and do your part to build a more inclusive local history!!
How: Show up and get involved. Spread the word.
Spring usually brings thoughts of sunshine, flowers, picnic, baseball, but what about football?
Traditionally, football is an autumnal sport where two teams face off as the leaves fall. Yet, collegiate athletes continue to train year round and even match up for special games. The Fighting Illini are no different and this weekend will bring the football players front and center, reminding us in the Archives of Illinois’ proud football legacy.
Teddy Roosevelt Visits CU
One hundred and two years ago, in April 1912, Theodore Roosevelt popped by for a vist. He spoke to a large crowd in Westside Park in Champaign as part of his primary campaign for President that year.
Ice Cream: The Health Food?
On frigid days like this we have to remind ourselves that summer will be here soon! Thinking of summer always reminds me of sweet, frozen treats. The photo above was taken in the 1920’s when Champaign was home to the Champaign Ice Cream Co. As you can see, Champaign Ice Cream Co. advertised ice cream as “the health food.” From 1913-1929 residents could satisfy their appetites for sweet summer treats and also tour the creamery.
Discover the Irish in You - FREE at Ancestry.com
Search newly released Irish collections to uncover details about your Irish heritage and find out how it all fits into your unique family story.