MAIN LIBRARY 847-742-2411
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SUNDAY Noon-5pm
RAKOW BRANCH 847-531-7271
2751 W. Bowes Rd. Elgin, IL 60124
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SUNDAY Noon-5pm

 

House Research

Many owners of historic buildings want to fully understand the history of their property. While unlocking the past of your home can be rewarding, the task of researching and establishing the validity of information can lead you to many sources.

How to Research A House in Kane County

A comprehensive review of sources for local house research. How to Research A House in Kane County covers resources available to you through city and county offices as well as sources available at the library.

Sources at the library include:
  • Elgin City Directories & Kane County Directories
  • Elgin & Kane County Maps & Atlases
  • Kane County Histories
  • Elgin Histories
  • Pictorial, Descriptive & Architectural Studies
  • Elgin Newspapers
  • Annual Reviews of Local Construction
  • Pamphlet Files

Elgin Newspaper and
Vital Record’s Index

The Elgin Newspaper and Vital Record’s Index is a searchable database of articles from the Courier News and Daily Herald for articles concerning Elgin.

Illinois Digital Archives

 

Illinois Digital Archives is the library's online archive of historical Elgin photographs.

City of Elgin

Historic Preservation on
the City of Elgin’s Website

Building Plaque Program
from the City of Elgin

Picturesque Elgin - 1902

Historic Preservation - 1920

Additional Online Sources

Kane County Recorder

Kane County Assessor

Elgin Township Assessor

Cook County Assessor

There Used to Be:
A Look Back at Elgin’s Architectural History
A website based on the publication by the Elgin Historical Society. Original book by Steven Stroud.