Information for Researchers
Research Services
The Archives reference staff is always willing to help beginning genealogists, answer specific questions, or assist visitors in finding desired materials. They also can answer mail requests for specific information, but time limitations do not permit staff to do research for patrons. For more in-depth research, request our list of local researchers (fees vary) who specialize in genealogical and local history research.
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Mail-in Requests
If you are unable to visit us here at The Urbana Free Library, please consult Local History Online, the Urbana Free Library's index to Urbana municipal government documents and Champaign County history and genealogy, available to users of the Internet.
If you want copies of materials listed in Local History Online, please submit your requests in writing using the Request Form (pdf), including a non-refundable fee of $10.00 (cash or check). Archives staff will calculate the exact final cost to complete the request, including photocopying charges ($.50/page for black and white; $1.00/page for color), image scanning charges ($2.00 per scan, plus $1.00 for a CD-ROM if needed), and shipping costs, and forward this information to you (please note that a document number from our database may refer to multiple items). Once the additional payment has been received the request will be filled. As our staff time is limited, please allow several weeks to complete large copy requests. We will do our best to fill these in a timely manner and we are happy to keep you informed on the progress of your request.
For more in-depth research, request our list of local researchers (fees vary) who specialize in genealogical and local history research.
Permission to reproduce (on paper or digitally) does not constitute permission to publish in print or online. Please read, sign, and submit the Reproduction Use Form (pdf) with any applicable fees for reproduction permission.
PLEASE NOTE: Patrons assume all responsibility for questions of copyright that may possibly arise in the reproduction and in the use they make of the items reproduced.
Shipping
Unless otherwise arranged by patron, for requests weighing up to one pound, The Urbana Free Library will ship materials via first class USPS mail. For requests weighing more than one pound, materials will be shipped via parcel post USPS mail.
Make check payable to: The Urbana Free Library.
Send to:
Champaign County Historical Archives
The Urbana Free Library
210 West Green Street
Urbana, IL 61801-5326
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Interlibrary Loan
Since the Archives collection is not comprehensive, the time will come when you will need to look at material that is located elsewhere. You can determine what is available by consulting a number of bibliographies or other compilations of specific materials. The Archives reference staff can assist you in finding and using these resources. In some cases, books, censuses, newspapers and other microfilms or photocopies may be obtained through interlibrary loan. Interlibrary loan request within the state of Illinois are free of charge. There is a $5.00 patron charge per Inter-library loan request for out-of-state material which helps pay a portion of the charges lending libraries make to the archives. Interlibrary loan request forms are located at the Archives reference desk.
For the convenience of patrons the Archives sells a variety of genealogical forms at cost. These include census extract sheets, family group sheets, and ancestor charts. 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.
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Photocopying and Scanning
Nearly all material in the Archives can be photocopied except those materials which are subject to copyright restrictions or are too fragile to copy. A copy machine containing acid-free paper is located in the Archives reading room. Also available are machines for copying microfilm and microfiche. For self-service copying, copies are $.15 cents each for black & white, $1.00 for color; the machine will accept up to $5.00 bills.
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FamilySearch Affiliate Library Services
The Champaign County Historical Archives is a FamilySearch affiliate library of the FamilySearch’s Research and Library System. This designation means library patrons have convenient access to the wealth of genealogical resources available through FamilySearch. FamilySearch is the world’s largest repository of genealogical records and manages the famous Family History Library in Salt Lake City, Utah. FamilySearch is extending access to its collections by circulating microfilms of the historic records through select public libraries. It is a priceless resource for local residents interested in discovering their family tree.
There is a nominal fee of $6.00 to order microfilm. Once the film arrives, patrons can use the microfilm readers (which can print or save to your thumb drive) at the Champaign County Historical Archives to peruse it. The Archives staff can help patrons see what films are available, place film orders, and answer research questions. Patrons can also search the Family History Catalog online at FamilySearch.org to see what records Family Search has available to order though the library.
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Family History Research Guide
It is best to gather in advance as much data on them as possible on the families that you are researching. Sources can include personal knowledge, older relatives, family bibles and other documents, and oral tradition. Be sure to note the date and the source of all information. The Archives supplies a 'beginner's kit' with forms showing the kinds of information you will need to look for. Names, dates, and places are the three anchor points in your research. After you have gathered your information, you will know what you do not have and what data you need to verify. You will begin your search by working backward generation by generation.
Another good way to learn the ropes of genealogical research is by reading about the subject. In The Urbana Free Library Adult Services there are a number of useful 'how-to' books that may be checked out. These may be found by browsing the 929.1 area of the collection.
Using the library’s online catalog is the most efficient way of finding published materials in the Archives. Material may be looked up by author, title, geographical location, or subject. If you are searching for a family history, select "Subject Keyword" from the search menu. Then type the surname of the family. The call number refers you to the location of each item and should be noted. The Local History Online database is the Champaign County Historical Archives’ main resource for searching the Archives’ massive and highly diverse collection of primary and secondary materials on Urbana municipal government and Champaign County genealogy and history. Don’t hesitate to ask a librarian for help using these resources.
A selected list of what the Archives has to offer:
- Family Histories. Maybe, just maybe, someone else already has compiled information on your family.
- County or State Histories. These often contain biographical information, especially for prominent citizens.
- War Records. Records are primarily for Revolutionary and Civil Wars. Ask a librarian about writing for the actual service records.
- Vital Records. You will probably have to request copies of birth, marriage, and death records from the appropriate county or state agency, but we can help you find where to write.
- Magazine Indexes. Genealogical magazines contain a wealth of information, and indexes can help you locate information on your family or area of interest.
- Federal Census Rolls. We have census microfilm for Champaign County, the surrounding 14 counties, and some other areas. Indexes are available for many states and counties.
- International Genealogical Index (IGI). This microfilm collection contains information on vital events (birth, marriage, death, etc.) both in the U.S. and abroad.
- Passenger and Immigration Lists. These may be the key to help you identify your immigrant ancestor.
- Patriotic Society Publications. Works by the Daughters of the American Revolution, for example, can provide important clues to your search.
- Atlases. Geography can sometimes be the key to your search. Current and historical atlases are available for many areas.
- And much, much more. . . .
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House History Research Guide
Researching the history of a home in Champaign County, Illinois, begins in the Archives of The Urbana Free Library. The Archives has two indexes available free on the library website through its Local History Online database: Champaign County Historical and Genealogical Index, and the Urbana Municipal Documents Index. Search these index databases for addresses and for people’s names.
Resources in the Archives
- Vertical files by addresses in Champaign and Urbana—ask the staff for assistance
- Champaign County Plat Books both current and historical; use the Sidwell Plat Books to help calculate the tax number for the address of interest. The tax number is created using the permanent parcel numbering system, which is explained in the front pages of the Sidwell books.
- City and County Directories for 1878-present
- Cross-reference Directories
- Telephone Directories
- Title abstracts
- Grantee (Buyer) and Grantor (Seller) indexes to deeds for 1833-1928
- County Deed records on microfilm for Volumes A – Z; Volumes 1 – 75
- Building Plans and Permits
- Probate and Chancery Case Files involving resident families
- Biographical Sources: Early History and Pioneers of Champaign County; Biographical Record of Champaign County
- Histories of Champaign County: 1878; 1905; 1918
- Family Files
- Photographs and postcards
- Urbana-West Urbana Bowman Map (1858)
- 1863 & 1873 Champaign County Map
- Birdseye Views Maps of the cities of Urbana and Champaign
- Combined Atlases of Champaign County, Illinois, 1893, 1913 and 1929
- Aerial maps of Champaign County
- Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps [with color coding, black and white, and on microfilm)
Other Research Sources
The Champaign County Assessment Office maintains
(among other records) a current list of billing names and addresses
for over 68,000 parcels in Champaign County. You may visit their
office at Brookens Administrative Building; 1776 East Washington
St.; Urbana, IL. 61801. The property tax lists may also be searched
online at http://www.co.champaign.il.us/SOAOFF/Assessors.htm
The Cunningham Township Assessors Office is located at 205 West
Green Street; Urbana, IL. 61801.
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