February 2019
Welcome to our new e-newsletter Local History & Genealogy News focusing on all things local history and genealogy! Got questions or suggestions for us? Let us know!
The Library is closed Monday, February 18th for Staff Day.
Want to get involved in the Library's strategic planning process?
The Library is seeking community members for two roles during our strategic planning process. CLICK HERE to learn more and complete the form to volunteer.

Look for more information about our strategic planning process and how you can give input via a community survey and focus groups soon!
DID YOU KNOW?
There is an ongoing used book sale in the Archives. The Champaign County Genealogical Society has gently used local history and genealogy books for purchase.
Our Photographs Collection has over one million photographs. How do you search a collection so vast? We wrote down some tips & tricks.
THE LATEST
Books, Journals, & Special Collections
From author’s website: A series of historical articles, anecdotes and village tales from the heart of America's "Corn Belt," Mahomet, Illinois.

"Diggin' Up Bones provides an intimate look at life in Mahomet in days gone by, from church suppers to bank robberies and just about everything in between. Anyone who's ever wondered about the village's history will find something interesting here." - Amelia Benner, Editor Mahomet Citizen
by Blaine T. Bettinger and Debbie Parker Wayne
From the publisher: "Genetic Genealogy in Practice provides family historians and genealogists who have just begun to explore genetic genealogy practical, easy to understand information that they can apply to their research. Readers learn the basic concepts of genetic genealogy. They then build on that knowledge as they study the testing, analysis, and application of Y-DNA, X-DNA, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), and autosomal DNA (atDNA) to reach and support genealogical conclusions. Each chapter includes exercises with answer keys for hands-on practice."
by Gerald A. Danzer
From the publisher: "Offering a rich and expansive history that extends far beyond the familiar anecdotes about Abraham Lincoln and the Great Chicago Fire, Illinois: A History in Pictures gathers drawings, engravings, photographs, maps, and other illustrations to inspire imaginations young and old to envision the history of Illinois in all its depth and breadth. Danzer explores the state's history from its earliest peoples and their encounters with European settlers, through territorial struggles and the strife of the Civil War, and into the modern era of industry and urbanization."
Seven collections of women’s clubs have recently been processed by Archives staff and are now available for researchers. 

Women’s clubs were an important social movement in United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Starting out as social and literary gatherings the clubs evolved into reform organizations for various issues like education, economic empowerment, and women’s rights.
From the Blog
On May 9, 1971 an Indiana man spotted an UFO while visiting the Vermilion River Observatory. Chanute Air Force Base investigated ...
Events at the Archives & Beyond

  • Illinois Censuses, Champaign County Genealogical Society, Tuesday, February 12, 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm | The Jean Evans Archives Room (Second Floor), The Urbana Free Library

  • Research Night with Champaign County Genealogical Society, Wednesday, February 13, 7:00 pm -8:30 pm | The Jean Evans Archives Room (Second Floor), The Urbana Free Library

We Want To Hear From You!
Put our Archivists to the test. Ask us your questions about local history and genealogy.
Champaign County Historical Archives | 217-367-4025 | E-mail | Website
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