About ChicagoAncestors.org

ChicagoAncestors.org is a project of the Department of Local and Family History of the Newberry Library, an independent research library in Chicago. The project is intended to help genealogists and local historians discover and share historical information about Chicago.

Using the Site

Although use of the site is free, registration is required to contribute material to the site. Researchers and genealogists are encouraged to contribute their own family information, historical research, queries and photographs. User contributions are moderated.

Funding

Funding for ChicagoAncestors.org was awarded by the Illinois State Library (ISL), a division of the Office of the Secretary of State, using funds provided by the Institute for Museum and Library Studies (IMLS), under the federal Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA). Additional funding for bibliographic elements of the project came from a Carnegie-Whitney Award from the American Library Association. The Chicago Genealogical Society also supported the project with a gift. Ongoing support for the project comes from the Newberry Library. To support this and other initiatives of the Newberry, please consider a gift of support.

Technology

The Chicago Technology Cooperative created the technical design of the site. The site uses Drupal, an open-source content management platform.

Special Acknowledgments

Our special thanks go to:
  • Archives of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
  • Chicago Genealogical Society
  • Chicago History Museum
  • Chicago Historical Homicide Project
  • Chicago Technology Cooperative

Contact Us

Jack Simpson. Co-director
Curator of Local and Family History
The Newberry Library
60 W. Walton
Chicago IL 60610
312-255-3671

Ginger Frere, Co-director
Reference Librarian, Local and Family History
The Newberry Library
60 W. Walton
Chicago IL 60610
312-255-3721

Get a Copy of the Software

The ChicagoAncestors.org software is open-source, and is designed to be replicated elsewhere. Historical societies or institutions interested in creating a similar site about another city or geographical area can contact project directors Jack Simpson or Ginger Frere for more information.