American Ancestors (only accessible in the library)
Hundreds of searchable databases including vital records, cemetery transcriptions, marriage and death indexes, family histories and more.
Ancestry Library Edition (in-library use only)
Access to more than 4,000 databases and 1.5 billion names. Included are the digitized images of the U.S. Federal Census from 1790 forward, vital, church, court, and immigration records, as well as record collections from Canada and other areas.
Arkiv Digital (in-library use only)
For Swedish genealogy research. Search birth, marriage, death, military, household records and more. Access this resource from the Other Programs folder on the desktop of the public computers at the library.
Chicago Tribune Historical Archive
From Newsbank - contains 2.5 million obituaries and death notices, front pages from 1900 - 1984, and selected articles from the newspaper's clipping files. Paid ads are excluded.
Chicago Tribune Historical Database
Search the full newspaper, including advertisements, from 1849 through 1993.
History and genealogy archives featuring original documents and photographs, including military records, City Directories and Naturalization Records.
A comprehensive resource of unique primary sources, local and family histories, convenient research guides, interactive census maps and more.
Newspapers.com Library Edition
An extensive database that provides online access to 4,000+ historical newspapers dating from the early 1700s into the 2000s. Contains full runs and portions of runs of well-known, regional and state titles to small local newspapers. For a listing of local newspapers in this database, see our Local History page.
New York Times (Historical)
The complete paper—cover-to-cover—with full-page and article images in downloadable PDF, from its first issue in 1851 up to 2011.
Sanborn Maps of Illinois (only accessible in the library)
Large scale plans of a city or town drawn to the scale of 50 feet to an inch. Search the archive of maps from 1867-1970.
Search grave and cemetery records posted by dedicated volunteers.
Useful for finding resources by state or county.
An alternate site for finding resources by geographical area.
Library Databases
Chicago Tribune Historical Archive
Chicago Tribune Historical Database
Newspapers.com Library Edition
New York Times Historical Database
Online
Google News Archive
Chronicling America Newspaper Directory
Directories
Chronicling America Newspaper Directory
Wisconsin Historical Society
Where to write for Vital Records
Adoption
Genealogy.com- All About Adoption
Cyndi’s List on Adoption
Illinois Adoption Records
Illinois Vital Records
Illinois Vital Records | Find out where to write for birth, marriage, death, adoption and divorce records.
Obituaries and Cemeteries
Sonia Schoenfield, Reference Department. Cook Memorial Public Library, 413 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Libertyville, IL 60048.
If you still can’t locate an obituary, try writing to a local library or historical society near your ancestor’s final home, or contact the cemetery where your ancestor was buried (sextons may keep copy of obituary)
Passenger Lists
Castle Garden
New York State's immigration processing facility from 1855 to 1890.
Ellis Island
The main port of entry for immigrants from 1892 to 1954.
Stephen Morse
Search passenger list sites using specialized search forms.
Immigrant Ships Transcribers Guild Volunteers have transcribed over 10,000 passenger lists.
National Archives Immigration RecordsLibrary & Archives Canada
Many of our ancestors arrived in the United States through Canada.
Naturalization
Early naturalization records were filed in the counties of the states. In 1907, the process went national and records were kept at the federal level.National Archives Naturalization Records
Canada
Library and Archives Canada Ancestor Search
Czech and Slovak
Czech and Slovak American Genealogy Society of Illinois
Czechoslovak Genealogical Society International
France
Germany
Basic Research Outline for German Genealogy
Greek
Beginning a Greek Genealogical Search in the U.S.
Jewish
Polish
Polish Genealogical Society of America
Swedish
UK and Ireland
Libraries
Arlington Heights Public Library
Has an extensive book and microfilm collection as well as quality programs.
Genealogy sources abound in Wilmette's local history collection.
Schaumburg Township District Library
Great databases and monthly programs.
Chicago’s independent research library. Check their website before you go down to Chicago.
Great repository of Midwest history and genealogy records.
Ft. Wayne Indiana's public library is the second best genealogy library in the country.
Local Genealogy Societies
Lake County Genealogical Society
McHenry County Illinois Genealogical Society
Northwest Suburban Genealogical Society
British Interest Group of Wisconsin and Illinois
South Suburban Genealogical Society
CAGGNI (Computer Assisted Genealogy Group Northern Illinois)
Illinois State Genealogical Society
National Societies
DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution)
National Genealogical Society
New England Historic Genealogical Society
Family History Centers
Archives
Illinois State Archives
Illinois Historic Preservation Agency
National Archives at Chicago
Genealogy Appointments
Digging your roots? We can help you get started or further your research. Call 847-362-2330 X1134, to set up an appointment with one of our genealogy specialists.
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