Established in 1956, The Champaign County Historical Archives is a department of The Urbana Free Library that specializes in genealogy and local history. In 1987 it was designated the official repository for non-current Champaign County records. Although it focuses on Champaign County, the Archives holds extensive collections of works dealing with the rest of Illinois and most of the states east of the Mississippi. Whether you have Champaign County ancestors (or no connections to the county at all), are interested in local history, there is a wealth of potentially useful materials available for your research.

Materials may not be borrowed, but photocopiers are available. The Archives has eight public workstations equipped for Internet access. The Archives reference staff is always willing to help beginning genealogists, answer specific questions, or assist visitors in finding desired materials. For the convenience of patrons, the Archives sells a variety of genealogical forms at cost. 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. Be sure to check out our favorite Internet links for genealogy. If you need materials not owned by the Archives, we can often get them for you on interlibrary loan.

While group visits are welcomed, the Archives does have limited space. Therefore, advance notice of such a visit is appreciated, so that scheduling conflicts can be avoided.