MCHS research library provides public access to a wealth of resources for exploring and understanding McHenry County history. All are welcome to visit the research library in-person at our location in Union, Illinois and online through the library’s digital collections.
The McHenry County Historical Society’s Library & Archives houses an extensive and varied collection covering a wide range of topics, including genealogy and family history, local history and historic sites, community organizations, property and plat maps, and military history. Our staff and trained volunteers are available to assist you in your research process. Please note that reservations are required to secure your space in the Library reading room. Please read the Guide to the Library & Archives before your visit and contact library staff if you have any questions.
The library is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM by appointment only.
The McHenry County Historical Society Library offers fee-based services for research questions and reference reproduction requests.
Publication quality images of photographs and manuscripts for publication may be obtained.
We maintain a fee schedule reflecting prices for photographic materials and fees for reproduction and/or use as well as proper credit attributions. Permission to publish, display or broadcast Historical Society items are subject to the conditions as detailed on the Reproduction & Publication Permission Form.
