The local history collection at the Morris Library contains non-circulating materials that may be of use in genealogical research. Of particular interest are:
Card file index of names and items appearing in the Morris Daily Herald from 1853 to 1930.
Grundy County Cemetery Index
Census records for Grundy County.
The library also has microfilm copies of local papers dating back to the late 19th/ early 20th centuries.
Search for your ancestors at the Morris Area Public Library using genealogy databases. Use any library computer to search Ancestry Library or HeritageQuest Online.
Ancestry Library
Search a wide variety of records including: U.S. Census, U.S. Marriage and Death Records, U.K. Census Collection, Civil War Service Records, and Immigration Records. FOR USE ON LIBRARY COMPUTERS ONLY.
HeritageQuest Online
Search Census records, Family and Local History Books, Genealogy & Local History Articles, and Revolutionary War Records. You may search this database from home if you have a Morris Area Public Library card.
Morris Daily Herald Newsbank
Search and read the Morris Daily Herald from 2006 through today. You may search this database from home if you have a Morris Area Public Library card.
Online documents, photos, articles, and other information about the history of Illinois and the local area:
Local History Librarian Debbie Steffes has co-written a new pictorial history book that contains more than 400 historic photos. It traces the history of Morris from the earliest days before European settlers arrived until the present. The book was a joint project of the Morris Area Public Library; Morris Downtown Development Partnership, Inc.; and the Grundy County Historical Society.
In stock and available for purchase for $25!
Autographed copies available upon request.
Every month, four historical stories or events are highlighted on WCSJ (1550 AM and 103.1 FM) and WJDK (95.7 FM). The radio spots for the current month are listed here. All previous stories are on file at the library.
These documents are in a PDF format. Paper copies are also available for perusal at the library.