Annual Report, 1969- | University of Illinois Archives

The Illinois Historical Survey was organized in 1909 as a division of the Graduate School.¹ Housed in Lincoln Hall, its primary purpose was to facilitate the research and writing of Illinois history.² Until 1939 it cooperated with the Illinois State Historical Library in promoting the preparation of monographs on Illinois history.³ In 1966 the Survey moved to the University Library where it was designated a special departmental library in the University Library System, where it was jointly administered by the Library and the Graduate College.⁴ The collection and preservation of a wide range of historical materials, and the promotion of the study of the "Old Northwest" are its basic functions.⁵ Its holdings include French, British, Spanish, and American manuscripts, books, pamphlets, newspapers, broadsides, maps, and other materials that illustrate that history.⁶ In 1980 the Survey's connection with the Graduate College was ended. It continues to be a departmental library in the University Library System.⁷

1. Robert M. Sutton, "The Illinois Historical Survey: A Half-Century of Selective Acquisitions, " Illinois Libraries, February, 1970, p. 205; Board of Trustees Transactions, 25th Report, July 21, 1909, p. 220.

2. Marguerite J. Pease, "The Illinois Historical Survey Library, University of Illinois," Illinois Libraries, April, 1958, pp. 289-290.

3. Sutton, pp. 205-206.

4. Sutton, pl 206; Board of Trustees Transactions, 54th Report, January 17, 1968, p. 887; Letter from Dean Alpert to Dean Downs, March 17, 1966.

5. Sutton, p. 205.

6. Sutton, pp. 205-210; Pease, pp. 298-301.

7. John Hoffman, interview, September 15, 1987, citing transfer agreement between the Graduate College and the Library System.