Research at the Archival Library
Resources at the Madison County Archival Library
The Madison County Archival Library houses a wide variety of primary and secondary sources.
Primary materials in our collections include:
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Photographs, photograph albums, and slides
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Letters, postcards, and other correspondence
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Invoices and receipts
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Newsletters and bulletins
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Articles and newspaper clippings
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Scrapbooks
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Personal genealogical research
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Advertising materials, calling cards, fliers, invitations, obituaries, political cards and fliers, posters, programs, and a host of other kinds of ephemera
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Selected architectural and engineering drawings
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Selected deeds, deed books, and abstracts of title
Published reference sources include:
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Selected personal and organizational account books, minutes, record books, and reports
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Atlases, maps, and plat books
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City directories
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Edwardsville Spectator, Edwardsville Democrat, and Edwardsville Intelligencer on microfilm
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Special anniversary editions for various local newspapers
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County, city, and town histories
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School yearbooks
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Journals and magazines
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Theses
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Other reference books
Many (but by no means all!) of the items in the Archival Library are described in our Online Catalog
Online finding aids
Research Form
Research limitations statement
If you’re unable to visit the Madison County Archival Library due to distance or mobility issues, please fill out our research inquiry form and include as much information as possible with your request. We are happy to assist with specific research questions. Unfortunately we are unable to provide extensive research services.
Visiting the Madison County Archival Library
The Madison County Historical Society Archival Library welcomes all visitors! There is no admission fee to the Archival Library. Things to know about conducting research at our facility:
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The Archival Library is not a lending library; all resources are for in-house use only.
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Staff will gather resources for you and refile them when you are finished.
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Please review one container or folder at a time to ensure that materials remain the right container.
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Food and drinks are prohibited while handling Archival Library materials.
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Make sure your hands are clean and dry before handling manuscripts. Staff will provide gloves for handling photographs that are not in protective sleeves.
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You are welcome to photograph any items using your smartphone. Staff will photocopy materials for you for a small per-page fee. We will scan items within reason at no cost; a fee will be determined in advance if you require a large number of scans. Scans can be emailed to you or stored on your flash drive. For publications and commercial use, please see our Photograph and Digital Rights policy.
Tips for getting the most out of your appointment
Additional tips for getting the most out of your research visit
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Make an appointment. Appointments are required for visits on Mondays or Tuesdays. Appointments are not required other days the Archival Library is open. However, it can be helpful to call or e-mail the Archival Library before your visit to let us know what you want to research, so we can gather relevant resources in advance.
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Let us know what you already know about your research topic. Save time by helping us focus on the parts of your research that you haven’t already covered.
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Let us know what resources you’ve already consulted. Save time by making sure your visit will involve new resources and information.
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Allow sufficient time to conduct your research. Be aware of the Archival Library hours of operation and plan your visit to allot enough time to review the available resources.
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Bring any past research you might need. Make sure you bring or have access to any information you might need to consult in order to interpret or evaluate your Archival Library research; for instance, names and dates.
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