FGS 2016 Repository Spotlight: Sangamon Valley Collection at the Lincoln Library

Sangamon Valley Collection at the Lincoln Library in Springfield, IL

The FGS 2016 Conference, "Time Travel: Centuries of Memories," location — Springfield, Illinois — offers an array of local research opportunities for attendees. 

One such opportunity is the Sangamon Valley Collection located at the Lincoln Library and the "bonus" is its proximity to the FGS 2016 Conference facilities.

Established in 1970, the Sangamon Valley Collection is one of Springfield’s valuable genealogical collections and a must-see when visiting the state capitol. The collection is housed on the third floor of the Lincoln Library, located at 326 S. 7th Street, Springfield, Illinois. It contains copious amounts of information for Sangamon County and its surrounding neighbors.

The collection is open during the following hours:  

• Monday - Wednesday 10:00 am to 8:00 pm
• Thursday, Friday 10:00 am to 1:00 pm
• Saturday 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. 

The library is within walking distance of the conference and is located at the corner of Seventh and Capitol Streets, next door to the Springfield Municipal Building in downtown Springfield.

What can you find in the Sangamon Valley Collection? 

• Photographs
• City and county directories
• High school yearbooks
• City and county documents
• Histories
• Maps
• Very extensive obituary index to the State Journal-Register (Illinois’ longest running newspaper).
• Genealogical materials from outside the area including histories from Virginia, German immigrant passenger lists, etc.
• Manuscripts (The index is online here. So, prepare before you go.)
• Microfilm resources (A PDF of their microfilm index is available here. Prepare before you go.) 

For more information on the library and collection visit the Lincoln Library website.

Early-bird registration is currently open for the FGS 2016 National Conference which will be held August 31—September 3, 2016, in Springfield, Illinois. Don't miss this valuable opportunity to research locally, to learn how to solve your research problems with methodologies and the latest technologies, and to meet family historians just like you. The discount for early registration ends July 1st, so don't delay. Register today to save!

Register today to take advantage of the early bird discount!