the research library IS Closed as we prepare the archives to move to the waukegan history museum at the carnegie.
we will try our best to accomodate research inquiries. please visit THE “CONTACT US” PAGE and submit A REQUEST. YOu may also send a request to info@waukeganhistorical.org
John L. Raymond Research Library
The Society’s research collections are housed in the John L. Raymond Research Library, located on the second floor of Lilac Cottage in Bowen Park. The library is named for the man who first appreciated the importance of collecting the photographic and archival history of Waukegan.
In the research library.
Lilac Cottage in Bowen Park
Research Inquiries
FOR RESEARCH INQUIRIES OR APPOINTMENTS PLEASE VISIT THE CONTACT US PAGE BELOW AND SUBMIT A REQUEST. You may also send a request to info@waukeganhistorical.org.
Library Hours
Library is currently closed for as we prepare the archives for the move to the Waukegan History Museum at the Carnegie.
Closed Christmas Day and New Year's Day
In case of bad weather, especially snow, please call to make sure the Library will be open.
Lilac Cottage, Bowen Park
1911 North Sheridan Road
Waukegan, IL 60087
(847) 360-4772
Wish List
Please keep us in mind when cleaning out your house or your relatives' houses. We accept a wide range of items. Photographs and postcards of Waukegan, especially buildings, are always needed.
Right now we are looking for Waukegan telephone directories from 1913-1923 and from 1957-1967.
Lake County Information
Information about births, deaths and marriages can be obtained through the Lake County Clerk's office: countyclerk.lakecountyil.gov. Uncertified or "for genealogical purposes only" copies are available at a reduced cost.
County Archives:
Marriage Licenses begin in 1839
Birth Records begin in 1871
Death Records begin in 1877
The Recorder of Deeds Office also has Lake County information: www.lakecountyil.gov/recorder/.
Information about wills and naturalizations in Lake County are held by the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court: www.lakecountyil.gov/circuitclerk/. Copies may be obtained in person or by mail.
Include as much information as you can for the person you are researching (name, birth date, where from, approximately when they arrived, and approximately when they were naturalized).
The fee is $5.00 per name searched (please confirm this information before sending payment by mail). This fee includes the search and the copy cost. It is not refundable if no information is found. Payment must be in cash (in person) or money order (by mail). Personal checks are not accepted. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope if inquiring by mail.
Clerk of the Circuit Court
18 N. County St.
Waukegan, IL 60085
(847) 377-3380
Research Materials Available
The following is a sampling of research materials available at the library. You can also download the list of materials (pdf).
Atlases
1861, 1873, 1885, 1907, 1913, 1926, 1935, 1936, 1944, 1963, 1976, & 1977
Books and Directories
Early Death Notices of Lake County, IL 1845-1879
First Land Purchases of Lake County-Mogg
List of Illinois Place Names-I.S.H.S.
Migration, Emigration, Immigration Vol. I & II-Miller
Newspapers in the Illinois State Historical Library
Peterson Funeral Home Records 1865-1945-L.C.G.S.
Tobin Funeral Home Records 1876-1934
Treasures From Northern Illinois-Mogg
(only a partial listing of collection)
City directories
Telephone directories
Census Records
Waukegan & Lake County
1810, 1818, 1820, 1840, 1850, 1860, 1870, 1880, 1900
Family Histories
Converse, Coulson, Darnall, Drew, Hazen, Jack, Knoll, Lush, Niblack, Sheldon, Strang, Tiernan, Wait, Walsh, White, and Whyte
Files
People File (many obituaries included)
Waukegan Historic District Homes
Proper Name and Subject Files
Histories
Waukegan & Lake County
Bridge to the Past-Wadsworth
A History of Lake County-Halsey
History of Lake County-Partridge
History of Slovenian Community 1893-1952
History of Waukegan-Holmes & Darrow
History of Warren Township-Lawson
Historical Sketches of Lake County-Haines
Historical Highlights of the Waukegan Area-Osling
How It All Began-Meads
Illinois of Today and It's Progressive Cities
Immaculate Conception Parish 1841-1949
Lake County, Illinois-Virginia Mullery
Lake County Roots-News-Sun 1997
Makers of Illinois
Meehan's Settlement (Irish in Shields Township)
Men of Illinois-Halliday 1902
Old Waukegan Days-Dunn 1929
The Past and Present of Lake County-Le Baron
Portrait and Biographical Album of Lake County-1891
St. Patrick's Church-Wadsworth 1849-1949
South Side Memories-Osling
Waukegan, It's Past & Present-League of Womens Voters
Waukegan's Legacy, Our Landmarks Revealed-1976
Waukegan Scenes, Past & Present-Gregory 1977
The Best Ever-Waukegan Theatres 1865-1919 -J. Neal
Journal Of The Illinois State Historical Society
Includes early issues (not complete) and indexes
Magazines
Victorian Homes: 1982-present
Old House Journal: 1986-present
Old House Interiors: 1996-present
Maps
Sanborn Insurance Maps 1912 and 1917, 1929
Sanborn Insurance Maps 1885-1949 (microfilm)
Military Histories
Several volumes including
Adjutant General's Report of Illinois (Civil War)
Index to 1862 Military Census of Lake County-L.C.G.S.
Roll of Honor, Record of Burial Places in Illinois 1929 (2 vol.)
Wright's Official History of the Spanish-American War
Photographs
approximately 7,000
Scrapbooks
Large collection includes
Dahl 1885-1930, Yard 1875-1894, D.A.R., Military Personnel Photo & Scrapbook 1942-1948, Waukegan Women's Club, West School
Yearbooks
Waukegan High School 1898-1990
Holy Child High School
Miscellaneous Sources
Diaries, Post Cards, etc.