Illinois Genealogy Local Resources

Records are being posted online at lightning speed by archives, libraries, societies, and by universities, commercial enterprise, and countless others.

The records online are only the "tip of the iceberg" compared to the history-rich records available through archives and other resources.

Archives
Archives have the responsibility of preserving the historical records — our heritage — while allowing reasonable access to them. In the past few years, posting original records online has vastly increased both access and preservation!

Still, vast, virtually untapped collections are available for research through archives. These can be accessed through online catalogs or published guides to their collections.

The Illinois Regional Archives Depository System (IRAD) includes seven regional depositories for the historical records of the counties of Illinois.

Libraries
Most libraries have online catalogs and resources such as maps, gazetteers, and other place-finding aids to help you locate information about Illinois. Local libraries may have collections of previous research, such as family and local histories and biographies.

Those located near state boundaries usually collect records relating to the adjacent states.


 * An online directory to Illinois libraries is Illinois libraries on the Internet: Federal, state, consortia, academic, publc and private.


 * Volkel, Lowell M., ed. Illinois Libraries with Genealogical Collections
 * Provides names, addresses, and telephone numbers of many archives, libraries, and genealogical and historical societies.
 * Provides names, addresses, and telephone numbers of many archives, libraries, and genealogical and historical societies.

Family History Centers
See Family History Center Locator and search "Illinois."

Social Media Groups

 * Facebook Illinois Research Community

Societies

 * Webinars by Illinois State Genealogical Society