Illinois State Genealogical Society Blog

Looking for some historical background on your Chicago ancestors? Interested in Chicago history? Be sure to check out the Chicago Stories  documentary series from WTTW Chicago!   Here you can watch each episode for FREE on your computer or tablet! A wide range of topics are covered in each episode: Did your ancestor work in the Union Stockyards? Check out this episode! Did your grandmother used to reminisce about the fantastical Christmas windows at Marshall Field's? You will love this episode! Do you remember Riverview Park on Chicago's north side? Check out this special episode! ISGS highly recommends "Chicago Stories: The Real Mad Men of Chicago," which is a great teaser for our upcoming Fall Conference, Mid Century to Modern!  Stay tuned for registration information! © 2022, copyright Illinois State Genealogical Society

Got relatives from the Peoria area? Be sure to check out the online resources from the Peoria Public Library's Local History & Genealogy Department!  The Local History Room is located in the lower level of the Main Library in Peoria, and contact information is provided if you need assistance from the genealogy room staff.  Fantastic online resources include: Videos about notable Peoria residents and history Detailed lists of onsite research resources Downloadable cemetery records for City Cemetery, including a list of burials moved from City Cemetery to Springdale Cemetery, a plat map, and more Research tips from staff members A link to the Peoria Postcards collection at the Illinois Digital Archives Peoria has a long and detailed past- get started with your family history research by visiting the Peoria Public Library's Local History & Genealogy page! © 2022, copyright Illinois State Genealogical Society

Be sure to check out the "Maps of Illinois" page at Map Of US.org! Here you can find a link to a list of facts about Illinois counties, view old atlases and map images, and check out an interactive timeline of Illinois county formation changes from 1790 through 1869. This interactive map is especially useful for family historians who are researching early Illinois pioneer ancestors, as it can help you determine if your ancestor lived in an county that underwent changes, and help determine which county holds your ancestor's records. This site is a great reference resource for Illinois county research! © 2022, copyright Illinois State Genealogical Society

ISGS is seeking Directors to fill a 3-year term on the Governing Board. Volunteering as a Director is a great way to "get your feet wet" and learn about ISGS. Directors serve an important role as advisors to the Board, and bring new ideas and opportunities to the Society. ISGS also has several other volunteer opportunities available- CLICK HERE to see current opportunities! Please contact Candace Marx, 2nd VP, at isgs2ndvp@ilgensoc.org to learn more about open volunteer opportunities! © 2022, copyright Illinois State Genealogical Society

ISGS was excited to hear about the return of the Midwestern Roots conference this year! Our friends at the Indiana Historical Society have a fantastic conference planned in Indianapolis, with a preconference this Thursday July 14th, and main conference events running July 15th and 16th! Featured speakers include Katrina Mitten, award winning artist and citizen of the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma; Tim Pinnick, well-known genealogy lecturer who specializes in newspaper and migration research; and Curt B. Witcher, Senior Manager for Special Collections at the Allen County Public Library. There also also plenty of events and activities for attendees, including a research and learning day at the Indiana State Library, a genetic genealogy workshop, panel sessions, expert Q&A, and much more! There is still time to register- CLICK HERE for more info! © 2022, copyright Illinois State Genealogical Society

CAGGNI will hold their next hybrid meeting on Saturday July 16th, at 10:30 am- join virtually or at the Schaumburg Library! Teresa Steinkamp McMillin will present, "Reading Between the Lines of the City Directory." CLICK HERE for more info and to register! Celtic Connections is back! The Irish Ancestral Research Association (TIARA) is sponsoring the 5th Virtual Celtic Connections 2022 Conference, starting July 9th! CLICK HERE to visit the CCC website! The Peoria County Genealogical Society will present their next IN-PERSON meeting at the Peoria Public Library North Branch, on Thursday July 14th at 6:00pm. Bud Linroth will present, "Railroad History in Central Illinois." CLICK HERE for more information! © 2022, copyright Illinois State Genealogical Society

July marks the 107th anniversary of the SS Eastland disaster. On the morning of July 24th, 1915, more than 2500 passengers boarded the Eastland, docked on the Chicago River .  Most of the passengers were employees of Western Electric, on their way across Lake Michigan, to a company picnic with their families. The boat began to list as more and more passengers arrived, until it eventually rolled over completely- trapping hundreds of people inside as the vessel filled with water.  The disaster claimed 844 lives, including 22 entire families, and killed more passengers than the Titanic or Lusitania  disasters. Victims were buried in several Chicago- area cemeteries, including Forest Home Cemetery,  Jewish Waldheim Cemetery, Queen of Heaven Cemetery, and Bohemian National Cemetery. Learn more about the tragic disaster, and learn how to honor the victims, with these online resources: Smithsonian Magazine Eastland Disaster Historical Society An upcoming in-person program at the LaPorte Count