IGHS & Foundation

IGHS & Foundation Illiana Genealogical & Historical Society, the first Illinois genealogical society chartered in 1964 Conducts research at a reasonable cost.

Publishes Illiana Genealogist, a quarterly Illiana Genealogical and historical publication provided to all members. Operates a comprehensive and independent genealogical library at 215 North Street, Danville, IL 61832.

100% volunteer-run. Repository of all Vermilion County, Illinois, probate files from c1829-1970. Please check our website and visit us at the IGHS library!

Did you know…that over 50 attendees attended Sunday’s IGHS open house dedicating its new library addition as well as the...
04/27/2026

Did you know…that over 50 attendees attended Sunday’s IGHS open house dedicating its new library addition as well as the new carpeting and furnishings of the library? The Julius W. Hegeler II Foundation provided a grant which covered almost the total cost of the library addition that added space for the growing collection and programming. The IGHS Foundation and dozens of donors provided the funds for the new furniture and carpeting. The John P. Cadle Foundation, represented by Steve Miller, funded preparatory work for the library addition. Hegeler Foundation board member Mary Norenberg and her husband Ron were present for the acknowledgement. Sue Richter and Todd Lee, co-chairs of the Vermilion County 200th Anniversary Committee, spoke of the upcoming events of the county’s bicentennial celebration. An amazing variety of delicious refreshments and finger foods were provided by long-time IGHS volunteer, Rene Blessent. Please stop by and see all of the wonderful improvements at the IGHS Library at 215 W. North Street in Danville, Illinois!

Did you know…that a May Fete with a Maypole dance was a traditional event in schools to welcome spring in the early year...
04/25/2026

Did you know…that a May Fete with a Maypole dance was a traditional event in schools to welcome spring in the early years of the 20th century? Pictured below is a Maypole dance at Westville. The tradition at Westville continued until 1965.

Did you know…that Ss. Peter and Paul’s Catholic Church was established in 1897 in Westville, Illinois, by Lithuanian imm...
04/25/2026

Did you know…that Ss. Peter and Paul’s Catholic Church was established in 1897 in Westville, Illinois, by Lithuanian immigrants? The church, as it appeared in 1897, is below on the left. In 1900, coal baron Mike Kelly provided additional funds which resulted in the church being enlarged with a bell tower and stuccoed. The church was bricked in the 1920s. The church remained in operation until 1989.

04/23/2026

This Sunday! We hope to see you 🫶🏼

Did you know…that Lake View Hospital began in this house in 1893 at the corner of Fairchild and Washington Streets just ...
04/23/2026

Did you know…that Lake View Hospital began in this house in 1893 at the corner of Fairchild and Washington Streets just across the street from the current Danville High School? This photo shows the structure after it was remodeled into a home after the hospital moved. This first Lake View Hospital building had nine beds and no elevator.

Did you know…that the post office at Cheneyville in northern Vermilion County closed on December 27, 1968? At the time o...
04/14/2026

Did you know…that the post office at Cheneyville in northern Vermilion County closed on December 27, 1968? At the time of its closure, the post office serviced 25 patrons. At its closure, rural delivery from Hoopeston assumed the service responsibilities. This photo is from the January 2, 1969, issue of The Danville Commercial-News.

Did you know…that the Vermilion Grove Academy in Vermilion Grove in southern Vermilion County was established by the Qu...
04/08/2026

Did you know…that the Vermilion Grove Academy in Vermilion Grove in southern Vermilion County was established by the Quakers or Friends in 1874?

Did you know…that the newspapers of the past reported in detail on stories that would probably not be covered today? Her...
04/08/2026

Did you know…that the newspapers of the past reported in detail on stories that would probably not be covered today? Here is an article from the March 22, 1901, issue of the Danville Weekly Democrat about a Danville man who married his niece.

Did you know… that IGHS is hosting an open house on Sunday, April 26, at 2:00 p.m., at 215 W. North Street in Danville, ...
04/06/2026

Did you know… that IGHS is hosting an open house on Sunday, April 26, at 2:00 p.m., at 215 W. North Street in Danville, Illinois, to showcase our new library addition? Sue Richter and Todd Lee, co-chairs of the Vermilion County 200th Anniversary Committee, will speak about the bicentennial of Vermilion County, our county’s history, and upcoming 200th anniversary events. Refreshments will be served. Everyone is welcome! Please RSVP to ighs.research@outlook.com or 217-431-8733 by April 21. You will be amazed with our new space! This wonderful enlargement of our library was principally provided through the generosity of the Julius W. Hegeler II Foundation.

Did you know…that Georgetown, Illinois, used to have a steam-powered flour mill? Below is a photo copied by W.I. “Pop” B...
04/04/2026

Did you know…that Georgetown, Illinois, used to have a steam-powered flour mill? Below is a photo copied by W.I. “Pop” Bowman from a picture furnished by Ben Henderson.

Did you know…this unusual funeral story relating to Stearns Cemetery, west of Danville and near Fithian, Illinois? This ...
04/04/2026

Did you know…this unusual funeral story relating to Stearns Cemetery, west of Danville and near Fithian, Illinois? This clipping is from the October 20, 1990, issue of TheCommercial-News.

04/04/2026

Did you know…the meanings of carvings on old gravestones?

Rosebud - morning of life.
Butterfly - short-lived, early death.
Full-blown rose - prime of life.
Lily - emblem of innocence and purity.
Ivy - friendship and immortality.
Oak leaves and acorn - maturity, ripe old age.
Sheaf of wheat - ripe for harvest.
Hourglass - time flying, short life.
Anchor - hope.
Broken ring - family circle broken.
Torch inverted - life extinct.
Harp - praise to the Maker.
Tree stump entwined with ivy - head of family, immortality.
Open book - Bible or deceased teacher or minister.
Weeping willow - sorrow.
Poppy - sleep.
Corn - ripe old age.
Broken column - loss of head of family.
Urn - undying friendship.
Cross - faith
Lamb - innocence.
Dove - innocence, gentleness, affection.

Address

215 West North Street
Danville, IL
61832

Opening Hours

Tuesday 10am - 3pm
Wednesday 10am - 3pm
Thursday 10am - 3pm
Friday 10am - 3pm
Saturday 10am - 1pm

Telephone

+12174318733

Website

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