Glen Ellyn Historical Research

Those who are interested in studying the history of our Village will find a number of resources at the Glen Ellyn History Center. Visitors will find a variety of materials telling the story of Glen Ellyn and its development, including photos, real estate records, books, and boxed collections of memorabilia, to name a few.  

The archival collections give primary emphasis to Glen Ellyn history, but also include material on neighboring communities, DuPage County and the Chicagoland area history. Please email director@gehs.org or phone 630.469.1867 to schedule an appointment to visit.

The Historical Society has an INDUS Book Scanner 9000 that can scan books up to 18 inches by 28 inches when open. The scanner has an optical resolution of 400 dpi and a high scan speed. You can scan directly to a USB thumb drive, an SD card, or print or disk. 

User Fees for Large Scanner: Members of the general public or GEHS members may use the scanning facility for limited or long term projects. User fees are based on the type and scope of the scanning project. For more information about the scanner, visit the INDUS website at: http://www.indususa.com/book-scanner-9000/

 For more info, call 630-469-1867 or email director@gehs.org.

 *For­est Hill Ceme­tery history and inter­ment records for early Glen Ellyn families
*Extensive local history pho­to­graphic collection
*Early bound vol­umes of the Glen Ellyn News newspaper
*Year­books from Glen­bard West High School and Glen­bard South High School
*Early DuPage County Atlases
*Glen Ellyn phone books begin­ning in the 1920s
*Local com­mu­nity his­tory Reference Library books
*Real estate records
*Obit­u­ary file Collection
*Categorical Ver­ti­cal files – Schools, Persons, Events, etc.
*Map col­lec­tion
*Peri­od­i­cals
*Box col­lec­tions
*Historic Chicago Newspapers on microfilm
*Local Oral Histories Collection
*Audio-Video Historical Records
*Village Government Historic Ledgers
*Historic Plaqued Homes Records
*Historic Post Cards collection
*Multiple Listing Real Estate Records (MLS)

 To make an inquiry or set up an appointment to use these resources, please email director@gehs.org. Appointments are usually scheduled Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Occasional Saturday appointments may be available. ​​A fee may be charged for research time over one hour. There may also be a fee for copies of photographs. Our staff and volunteers can research simple topics for you, as they are familiar with the archival materials in our collection. 

 Located in the Glen Ellyn History Center at 800 N. Main St. Glen Ellyn, Illinois, the History Center is just south of Stacy’s Tavern Museum. Ample free parking is available.

To make an appointment or for general questions, please email director@gehs.org or call (630)469-1867.