About the Historical Society
Premier genealogy research library for South Cook County and East Will County. Extensive collections include censuses, funeral home records, cemetery records, unique Pullman Car Works personnel files, church histories, and "Where The Trails Cross" journal.
Specialized Research Collections
The Society operates a premier genealogy research library serving the communities of South Cook County and East Will County, a region that transformed dramatically from agricultural townships to industrial suburbs during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The library's extensive holdings include complete census records, comprehensive funeral home records documenting family connections, cemetery records from dozens of area burial grounds, and church histories that trace the development of religious communities. These resources provide genealogists with the detailed documentation needed to trace families through the region's rapid transformation from rural farmland to industrial powerhouse to modern suburbs.
Unique Industrial Heritage Resources
Among the Society's most valuable holdings are the unique Pullman Car Works personnel files, a rare resource documenting workers in one of America's most significant industrial enterprises. The Pullman community and its railroad car manufacturing operation attracted workers from across the United States and Europe, creating a diverse industrial workforce whose stories are preserved in these irreplaceable records. The Society also publishes "Where The Trails Cross," a specialized journal featuring research articles, family histories, and historical studies specific to the south suburban region, helping genealogists understand the context of their family stories.
For researchers tracing families in the south suburban Chicago area, the Society provides indispensable resources covering a region that includes historic communities like Harvey, Blue Island, South Holland, Park Forest, and dozens of other municipalities that grew from rural crossroads to thriving suburbs. The library's combination of traditional genealogical resources and unique industrial documentation makes it an essential destination for anyone researching family connections in this historically significant region of metropolitan Chicago.
Plan Your Visit
Please check the organization's website for current hours, admission fees, and any special events or programs. Many historical societies offer guided tours, educational programs, and research services by appointment.
Getting Involved
Historical societies thrive on community support. Consider becoming a member, volunteering your time, or making a donation to support the preservation of local history. Many organizations also welcome donations of historical artifacts, photographs, and documents relevant to the area's heritage.
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