Researchers are welcome to use the Museum’s various historical resources. Due to West Chicago's roots as a railroad town, an abundance of information has been collected on railroad history in the form of maps, photographs, and manuscript materials. Local history can be investigated with source materials such as newspapers, cemetery records, genealogies, biographies, and records of churches, schools, businesses, houses, commercial buildings, and organizations. A non-circulating reference library contains publications on railroad and local history.
An appointment to use the collections is requested. Please contact Sally DeFauw, museum@westchicago.com, or at (630) 231-3376. We can serve you best when ample time is given to gather research materials.
Research Hours Monday - Friday, 8:30am-4:00pm by appointment
Guidelines Laptops are permitted. No cameras, scanners or food or drink are allowed. Appointments are required. In order to protect and preserve our collection, there may be restrictions as to the use of certain fragile materials. Photocopies are available for $0.10 a copy.
If you use copies for a purpose other than research or personal use, you may be charged a permission or use fee.
Resources
Genealogy
Biographical files, photographs, census records, obituaries
Photograph, Norris Family, circa 1905
Newspapers West Chicago Press, 1926-present, 19th century Wheaton Illinoian & DuPage County Democrat
Newspaper advertisement, Wheaton Illinoian, 1892
Cemeteries
Interment records for Oakwood and Glen Oak Cemeteries, partial records for Calvary Cemetery
Photograph, Oakwood Cemetery, circa 1910
Photographs
People, places, events, buildings
Photograph, parade on Main Street, circa 1955
House History
Information on approximately 75 homes, Sanborn maps, plats and city maps, reference books on architecture and house restoration
Map, Sanborn-Perris Map Co.; Turner, 1893
Railroad
Documents, maps, and photographs from Chicago & North Western, Burlington, Elgin Joliet & Eastern, and Aurora Elgin & Chicago Railroads
Blueprint, Chicago & North Western Railroad West Chicago trackage, 1925
Miscellaneous archives
Business, church and school records
Photograph, West Chicago High School girls’ gym class, 1915
