The Town and Country Public Library is proud to offer the Lawrence J. Martin Heritage Center archive facility to our patrons.
Opened in September of 2019, the Heritage Center houses an office for the Library’s History & Genealogy department, workspace for the Kane County Genealogical Society, all of our genealogy and local history reference materials, and a research room.
Hours
Friday: 10-2 p.m.
2nd Saturday of the month: 10 – 2 p.m.
Phone: (630) 365-2244, ext 119
Email: kcgsinfo@gmail.com
Appointments strongly encouraged.
History and Genealogy Events
Saint Patrick's Day is celebrated throughout the United States. But it has not always been so. Irish immigrants who arrived in the United States in the 19th century were treated with contempt.
Disclaimer(s)
Notice: Attending programs constitutes consent to be photographed/videotaped for library purposes.
This group will meet in-person.
Disclaimer(s)
The Library makes every effort to ensure our programs can be enjoyed by all. If you have any concerns about accessibility or need to request specific accommodations, please contact the Library.
Notice: Attending programs constitutes consent to be photographed/videotaped for library purposes.
Presentation method: Hybrid in-person and virtual. Members will receive Zoom meeting invitation.
Join us for this Kane County Genealogical Society program with Jamie Poorman.
All are welcome to attend.
This program will be held IN-PERSON at the Lawrence J. Martin Heritage Center (315 E. Shannon St., behind the library).
Presented in partnership with the Kane County Genealogical Society.
Disclaimer(s)
The Library makes every effort to ensure our programs can be enjoyed by all. If you have any concerns about accessibility or need to request specific accommodations, please contact the Library.
Notice: Attending programs constitutes consent to be photographed/videotaped for library purposes.
This group will be held in a hybrid format with both in-person and virtual options.
Email Jamie at jgehin@tcpld.org for a link to attend virtually.
Disclaimer(s)
The Library makes every effort to ensure our programs can be enjoyed by all. If you have any concerns about accessibility or need to request specific accommodations, please contact the Library.
Notice: Attending programs constitutes consent to be photographed/videotaped for library purposes.
The genealogy world has a long history of fraudsters and fabricated facts.
All Researchers Welcome
The Heritage Center is open to all interested patrons. A TCPLD library card is NOT required. Micro-film / microfiche reader and copier provided. Food/ beverages are allowed ONLY in the kitchen area.
Bags must be stored in entry lockers, subject to search, at our discretion. Only pencils (no pens), paper, laptops or other needed devices are allowed in the research room. Gloves may be required. Advance notice of your visit helps us make make materials available more easily.
Geographic Area Covered
The Heritage Center is particularly concerned with the history of the town of Elburn, the surrounding townships of Blackberry, Campton, Virgil and Kaneville -as well as their resident families. We also have books covering general history, Illinois history, DeKalb and other IL counties, and many genealogy resources.
Free Resources
Below is a list of National, State, & Local resources that may aid you in your research.
Library of Congress - Contains over 20 million catalog records for books, serials, manuscripts, maps, music, recordings, images, and electronic resources in the Library of Congress collections.
Allen County Library - One of the largest genealogy departments in the United States.
Bureau of Land Management - Contains over 2 million land patents documenting the transfer of land ownership from the federal government to individuals.
National Archives and Records Administration - Provides information about many finding aids, guides, and research tools recorded on microfilm.
Illinois State Genealogical Society
Illinois State Archives - State Archives maintains state and local government records that have permanent administrative, legal, or historical value.
The Newberry Library - An independent research library specializing in the humanities, located in the Near North Side community area of Chicago.
Aurora Historical Society - The Aurora Historical Society collects, preserves, interprets, and presents the rich, diverse history of Aurora and the surrounding area.
Batavia Historical Society/Depot Museum - The Batavia Historical Society has many collections and exhibits that delve into the rich history of the town.
Elgin History Museum - Exhibits on local history, including the Elgin Watch Company, housed in the former Elgin Academy's 1856 Greek Revival building.
Elgin Genealogical Society - The Elgin Genealogical Society is for any person who has an interest in genealogy, research or history.
Fox Valley Genealogical Society
Geneva History Museum - Geneva History Museum is passionate about collecting, preserving and educating the community about Geneva's rich history.
Joiner History Room - Joiner History Room explores the diverse stories that are part of our county’s history through exhibits, programs, and research.
Kane County Genealogical Society - The Kane County Genealogical Society is a non-profit, volunteer organization working to gather and preserve regional historical records and serve as an educational resource for those interested in genealogy.
St. Charles History Museum - Local history outfit in the former McCornack Oil Co. building featuring exhibits on the suburb's past.
Sugar Grove Historical Society - A local organization dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich history of the village, township, and surrounding areas.