Family History

The Abakanowicz Research Center has a number of resources that can help in researching Chicago family history, although we do not collect standard genealogical sources.

We have material that helps researchers searching for ancestors who lived in Chicago. For other genealogical resources, see the locations named below.

Researchers may wish to consult these other libraries and archives.

• National Archives at Chicago. Historical records from 1800 to the 1990s for the Midwest, including genealogical resources.
• The Newberry Library. Independent research library noted for its genealogy and local history resources. The Newberry has made volumes 1-39 (1969-2007) of the Chicago Genealogist available online.
• Some branches of the Chicago Public Library host a Genealogy Club (currently meeting virtually due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic). Attendees can learn more about search tips and resources for conducting genealogy research. 
• The Chicago Genealogical Society  and the Afro-American Genealogical and Historical Society of Chicago can also be a valuable resource for the family historian. 

ChicagoAncestors.org is a site developed by the Newberry Library. It includes a list of useful tools that are available online, city directories, maps, etc.