Skip to main content

Posts

Celebrating Black History Month - FREE Online Resources for African-American Research

A photo from the Illinois Digitial Archives'  Bloomington-Normal Black History Project collection, contributed by the McLean County Historical Society
In honor of Black History month, Fold3 is making the records in its Black History Collection available for free through the end of February!  Their collection includes over a millions records spanning the Civil War era through the Civil Rights Movement.Florida Atlantic University provides an excellent list of African-American genealogy resources!Family Tree Magazine also provides a great list of African-American Genealogy books, groups and other resources.FamilySearch offers some tips for tracing your African-American Genealogy and celebrating Black History Month.The National Archives' Library Information Center also provides some resources for researching black history.The Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society (AAHGS) promotes the rich diversity of African-American History. Honoring African American History in Illino…
Post a Comment
Read more
Recent posts

ISGS January/February Newsletter Hot off the Presses!

The January/February 2020 issue of the ISGS Newsletter is now available for EVERYONE to read and enjoy! 


Current and past ISGS newsletters are always available for members AND non-members on the ISGS Website, under "Newsletters."

Happy Reading!


© 2020, copyright Illinois State Genealogical Society
Post a Comment
Read more

Celtic Connections 2020: Registration is NOW OPEN with a Special DISCOUNT for ISGS Members!

Registration for the CELTIC CONNECTIONS CONFERENCE 2020 is now open!
The conference, co-sponsored by Irish Genealogical Society International and The Irish Ancestral Research Association, will be held at the Westin Chicago North Shore Hotel (601 N. Milwaukee Ave., Wheeling, Illinois) on July 31-August 1, 2020.

Read the conference brochure at the website and register online.

ISGS is part of the Celtic Connections "Cairde" (Friends), which means that current ISGS members will pay the discounted "Member" price on conference registration! See the conference brochure for more information!

While you’re at the website, visit the Lodging page to book hotel reservations at the CCC 2020 special rate of $129 per night and consider the appealing pre-conference activities on Thursday, July 30!

Don't delay -- sign up now!



© 2020, copyright Illinois State Genealogical Society
Post a Comment
Read more

Did You Know? ISGS Honors and Awards

DID YOU KNOW that the ISGS Honors and Awards Committee is always looking for nominees who have made significant contributions to Illinois genealogy?   ISGS offers several award categories, including: Community Service Award: This award may be given to an individual, company, or institution for service or contributions to genealogy. Nominations may be made by local genealogical or historical societies.Special Recognition Award: This award may be given to an individual for the promotion of genealogy in general or for having been a major influence toward the success of the nominating organization. Nominations may be made by local societies.Youth Award: Students are eligible for this award for a genealogical project. Nominations may be made on the suggestion of a teacher, advisor, or local society.Distinguished Service Award: A national figure may be honored for exceptional contributions or service to genealogy.Individual Writers Award: A writer or co-writers who made a significant contrib…
Post a Comment
Read more

Meet the ISGS Member Societies- Afro-American Genealogical and Historical Society of Chicago

In addition to memberships for individuals, ISGS offers an Associate Membership to genealogical societies, historical societies or other related formal organizations within the state of Illinois.
Today, we'll profile theAfro-American Genealogical and Historical Society of Chicago (AAGHSC).



The mission of AAGHSC is to: 
Encourage and promote the study of African American genealogy and historyEncourage and instruct members in genealogical researchConduct workshops, seminars or conferences annuallyLocate, preserve, index and publish private and public genealogical materials, articles and projectsPublish African American Genealogical information in a regular newsletter or other publications Preserve and perpetuate the records of African American ancestorsAssist and support libraries, programs and organizations that promote African American genealogy and history for adults and children.Current AAGHSC President is Roma Stewart, J.D., and Past President is Sheila Smith, Ph.D. 
Annual members…
Post a Comment
Read more

Happy Holidays from the Illinois State Genealogical Society!

ISGS wishes you and your family Happy Holidays and a great New Year! 

The holidays are a wonderful time to gather the family together to share new and old stories and memories. Bring a video or tape recorder so you won't miss any important pieces of information! You never know if that old story about "Uncle Hal" may reveal a clue to break down a brick wall- or if your nieces, nephews or grandchildren may someday treasure those family memories of Christmas or Hanukkah 2019!

Above is a photo of my great-grandparents, Tony and Susan Marx from Aurora, IL. Though they passed on before I was born, I have heard many happy memories of Christmases with Grandma and Grandpa Marx. Grandpa made a Nativity set completely by hand that has been passed down through the family. What holiday memories does your family like to share?

Here's to new family history discoveries and more genealogical learning opportunities in 2020!

Candace Marx, Marketing Chair, and all of the hard-working volunt…
Post a Comment
Read more

IMPORTANT ALERT FOR GENEALOGISTS - Fee Increases Impacting Federal Immigration Records

The genealogy community has recently been alerted to a proposed fee hike for obtaining federal immigration records.

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service's Genealogy Program allows family history researchers to obtain citizenship and alien registration files, visa applications, and other records documenting the lives of immigrant ancestors who arrived to the U.S. between the late 19th and mid-20th centuries. The proposed changes would nearly triple fees charged to obtain these records- and in some cases, fees would rise nearly 500 percent, from $130 to $625 to obtain a single paper file.

The Federal Registerprovides details about the proposed rate change- AND on their website, genealogists can make public comments in regards to the fee hike until December 16th. 


© 2019, copyright Illinois State Genealogical Society
Post a Comment
Read more