The Archives is pleased to announce our newest genealogy database, Find My Past!
Find My Past is a UK-based genealogy database that features British and Irish parish records, censuses, passenger lists, birth, marriage, death, and military records. They also have extensive U.S. marriage and U.S. Catholic parish records.
Find My Past provides access to the largest collection of British and Irish newspapers online and is home to PERSI (the PERiodical Source Index), the largest index to genealogy and local history magazines, newsletters, and journals. Use Find My Past to research your British or Irish ancestors, create a family tree, and keep track of family records. They also provide DNA testing and analysis of previous DNA tests.
Access Find My Past from home with your library card through our Databases page.
|
|
|
Want to know how you can organize your genealogical research? Not quite sure how to create a timeline for your ancestor? Wonder if two people are really the same person? Using a spreadsheet like Microsoft Excel can help you organize and sort your data to streamline your research. This type of software can be a timesaver for any genealogist, beginner to advanced. Join Candace Wilmot as she walks us through how she uses Microsoft Excel to simplify her research process.
Cosponsored by the Champaign County Genealogical Society
|
|
Merriam-Webster defines a map as "a diagram or other visual representation that shows the relative position of the parts of something." Here at the Champaign County Historical Archives, we like to think there is a whole lot more to maps than that.
Our map collection covers a lot of ground. The staff in the Archives spends a lot of time pouring over maps every day trying to unravel various patron requests, such as, "Do you have a map of the Boneyard Creek before the City of Champaign made improvements?" Why, yes, we do! Or, "Do you have a map of the original Country Fair Mall and what stores were there?" Of course! A lot of map questions that Archives staff members get are about original streets and roads in the county, where they were, what they were called, and when they were platted. We have maps that can show all of that.
|
|
|
Ancestry Library Edition has extended access (again!) from home through June 30th for all library cardholders! Access Ancestry by following this link and logging in with your library card number.
|
|
A Look Inside the POW/MIA Collection
The Chanute Airforce Base’s POW/MIA collection reveals the events and programs that assisted bringing home and honoring the POWs that were held during World War II and the Vietnam War. These events and programs began at Chanute Air Force Base in the early 1970s and continued until the early 1990s. The records include correspondence; event pamphlets, flyers, and posters; images of paintings, photographs, presidential proclamations; newspapers clippings; event agendas; maps; and more. The image below and the aforementioned materials can be found in the Chanute Airforce Base’s POW/MIA collection.
A photograph of a painting by Maxine McCaffrey, titled “At the Hanoi Hilton”, depicts realistic experiences of POWs during the Vietnam War. The inscription reads: “At the Hanoi Hilton. Over 400 American pilots are held incommunicado in Communist prisons in North Vietnam subjected to physical and mental abuse contrary to Geneva Convention. How many Americans besides their own families voice concern about these courageous airmen?”
|
|
|
Did you know?
We want to hear your stories.
|
|
We are collecting photographs, stories, art, reflections, and more from community members to document COVID-19 and Racial Justice in Champaign County. Click on the images below to learn more and share your experiences.
Go ahead, we're listening.
|
|
Think You Know Champaign-Urbana?
Try our trivia quiz
|
Q. What international pilot took his Flying Cadet entrance exam at Chanute Air Force Base in January of 1924. Hint: A replica of the plane he flew internationally was on display at the Chanute Air Force Base.
|
|
|
Events at the Archives & Beyond |
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
