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 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.

Did you know…that the numerous walnut trees lining the road near Walnut Corner Cemetery and the Walnut Corner Church (no...
04/04/2026

Did you know…that the numerous walnut trees lining the road near Walnut Corner Cemetery and the Walnut Corner Church (now razed) 10 miles northeast of Danville, Illinois, in Newell Township were purchased by the United States government? The lumber was utilized to be made into gun stocks for the armed services. This clipping is from the September 27, 1918, issue of The Commercial-News - during the last months of World War I.

Did you know…that William Reed was paid $100 towards the er****on of the Vermilion County, Illinois, courthouse on June ...
04/04/2026

Did you know…that William Reed was paid $100 towards the er****on of the Vermilion County, Illinois, courthouse on June 28, 1832? The payment order was written and signed by Amos Williams, Vermilion County Clerk, and also mentions Gurdon S. Hubbard?

04/01/2026

The IGHS Library, 215 W. North Street, Danville, IL, will be closed on Tuesday, April 7, for the installation of new carpet.

Did you know…that the Columbia Church of Christ was formerly located on Moss Lane in the northeast corner of Blount tow...
03/28/2026

Did you know…that the Columbia Church of Christ was formerly located on Moss Lane in the northeast corner of Blount township in Vermilion County, Illinois? The photo below was taken around 1915. The church burned down in the 1950s. Rolla Moss is second from the left in the back row while his wife, Merle Hoover Moss, is second from the right in the back row, holding their son, Paul, who was born in 1914. This photograph was recently donated to IGHS.

Did you know…that Vermilion County, Illinois, celebrated the centennial of its founding in 1926? Pictured below is a flo...
03/28/2026

Did you know…that Vermilion County, Illinois, celebrated the centennial of its founding in 1926? Pictured below is a float in the centennial parade in downtown Danville on September 28, 1926, displaying a replica of the county’s first school house. This year, 2026, is the 200th anniversary of the county’s founding. Numerous events are scheduled throughout the year.

03/26/2026

Important announcement:

The IGHS Library will be closed on Tuesday, April 7, for the installation of new carpeting. We plan to re-open on Wednesday, April 8.

Did you know…that Danville, Illinois, once was a major brick production center? Here is 1904 photograph of the former We...
03/20/2026

Did you know…that Danville, Illinois, once was a major brick production center? Here is 1904 photograph of the former Western Brick Company that was located just west of Danville.

Did you know…how James Sconce’s residence, Fairview Farm, of Carroll Township, Vermilion County, Illinois, appeared in 1...
03/19/2026

Did you know…how James Sconce’s residence, Fairview Farm, of Carroll Township, Vermilion County, Illinois, appeared in 1875?

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

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when IGHS & Foundation posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Practice

Send a message to IGHS & Foundation:

Shortcuts

Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn
Share on Pinterest Share on Reddit Share via Email
Share on WhatsApp Share on Instagram Share on Telegram

Category