November 2019
The Library will close at 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 27 and be closed Thursday, November 28 for Thanksgiving
Saturday, October 26, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Discover photographs, documents, films, maps, and more artifacts held in the incredible archival and museum collections right here in Champaign County! Enjoy learning about these fascinating resources in a fun, interactive atmosphere. The Bazaar is  FREE  and features booths where you can chat with your local archivists and curators.

Enter our raffle for a canvas tote bag from The Urbana Free Library filled with local history books, a family history starter kit from Gaylord Archival, and other items from participating organizations.

Come see all the diverse resources and history Champaign County has to offer.
Featuring: Champaign County Genealogical Society; Champaign County Historical Archives; Champaign County History Museum; Independent Media Center Zine Library and Archives; Kent Tucker, Lincoln Collector; Museum of the Grand Prairie; Rantoul Historical Society; and University of Illinois Student Life & Culture Archives
In Illinois, as in most places, people and communities have sought to connect with other places for personal, cultural, economic, and political reasons. During our 200 years, private companies, state government, and national government have developed different forms of transportation and communication. Each form made unique contributions to this binding process by expanding the spaces used by people and economic activities.

Presented by Dr. Norman Moline , Professor Emeritus, Augustana College.

This Illinois Humanities Road Scholars Speakers Bureau presentation is co-sponsored by  The Champaign County Genealogical Society , the  Champaign County History Museum , and the  Champaign County Historical Archives at The Urbana Free Library .
Did you know?
The World Punkin Chunkin Championship has relocated to Rantoul. It will take place on the former Chanute Air Force Base, November 2-3, 2019
The Friends have an Amazon Book Shop! Support the Library and get new-to-you books all from the comfort of your home.
From the Blog
Ever wondered where the alleys in downtown Urbana got their names? Find some answers and the story behind the arches.

Halloween at Chanute

On Halloween in 1941, the Chanute Air Force Base (CAFB) saw a spooky night hosted by the Non-Commissioned Officer’s (NCO) club. “Ghosts, goblins, and broom riding witches cavorted beneath a bright harvest moon as the Chanute NCO club staged its annual Halloween Hop Saturday evening.” The event featured an award for the best costumes. The award was presented to Mrs. Hill, the wife of master sergeant Joe Hill, for her costume as Annie Oakley. Mrs. Hill’s western dress, prop gun and holster, and large ten gallon hat made for a quite compelling costume. Mrs. Hill shared the spotlight with master sergeant R. L. Jackson who humorously presented himself as “a professor of Science.” Bespectacled by horn-rimmed glasses, a professorial overcoat, and a long wig, Jackson inspired laughter amongst his fellow party goers.

Not restricted to costume contests, the event saw dancing performances, juggling acts, and even a performance by an easily distracted dog. The dog’s performance was a crowd favorite, but his exciting performance was cut short when he was duped by a spooky decorative black cat. Upon sighting this feline mystery, the dog abandoned his performance entirely! This night of devilish shenanigans and happenings was just one of many events hosted by the NCO club. The club would host three dances in the next couple of months before its end of the year party on December 31, 1941.

Now, you may ask, “What is an NCO?” NCOs were officers that obtained promotions by rising through the ranks and were not commissioned from outside of their units. The CAFB established a school for N.C.O.’s on May 5, 1943. The school provided courses focusing on leadership and communication amongst the officers. The  Chanute Collection  holds Subject Files, curated by the CAFB Historian, that provide a firsthand account of the history of NCOs at CAFB, the NCO Leadership School, the NCOs’ Enlisted Open Mess and its reimagination in the early 1980s, and the many events hosted by NCOs. 
Think You Know Champaign-Urbana?
Try our trivia quiz
Q. Which iconic building in Urbana sported this festive window artwork painted by the Urbana High School Art Club in 1949?
Events at the Archives & Beyond




  • Research Night with Champaign County Genealogical Society, Wednesday, November 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.
Want to learn about more events at The Urbana Free Library?
Champaign County Historical Archives | 217-367-4025 | E-mail | Website
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