For a pre-paid fee, a skilled staff or volunteer researcher will investigate your request using sources available in our library and archival collections. For more information, including fees for services, please see the Research Fees page.
There are two types of research services available: on-site or online.
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. Our staff and trained volunteers are available to assist you in your research process and retrieve materials on your behalf. This service is by appointment only.
The library is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM with an appointment.
For patrons unable to visit us in-person, the Society offers off-site research assistance. Requests for assistance are submitted using the request form. While an MCHS staff member will reach out to you when your research request is received, please know that we receive numerous requests and our standard commitment is 6-8 weeks. Requests are processed in the order in which they are received.
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.
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.
