LH& G Collection

Collection & Scope

Genealogy Collection

Our genealogy materials focus on the United States, especially regions where families lived before coming to the Chatham area. These resources help you trace family lines, migration paths, and local connections.

Local History Collection

Our local history materials highlight the townships of Chatham, Auburn, Ball, Cotton Hill, Curran, Loami, New Berlin, and Woodside. These items document the people, places, and events that shaped our community.

Research Materials Available

• History of Chatham — Local stories, milestones, and community development
• Yearbooks — School memories and genealogical clues
• Chatham Clarion Newspaper — Local news and historical reporting
• Family Tree Magazine — Genealogy tips and tools
• County Histories — Background on regional growth and families
• Genealogical Indexes — Helpful guides for deeper research
• And much more to support your search.

Digital Collections

Our digital collections feature scanned images documenting the history of Chatham and surrounding communities.

Chatham Area History Collection

Includes photographs, maps, blueprints, and documents related to Chatham, Glenarm, Loami, and nearby townships.

Chatham Area School History Collection

Features images from the Ball‑Chatham School District, including historic one‑room schoolhouses and past high schools.

These collections are hosted through the Illinois Digital Archive.

Accessing Original Materials

Most original items are preserved in the Opal Lee Chatham History & Genealogy Room. They can be viewed during regular library hours upon request. Some materials—such as certain school records—remain with their original owners, including the Ball‑Chatham School District.

Oral History Collection

Our oral histories capture personal stories and memories from community members. These recordings help preserve Chatham’s lived experiences for future generations.

Yearbook Collection

Take a step back in time with our digitized yearbooks, available on the Chatham Area High School Yearbooks & Class Photos Facebook Page.

Donate Your Yearbooks

Old yearbooks are valuable to genealogists, local historians, and reunion planners. If you have yearbooks you no longer need, consider donating them to the library.

We especially welcome yearbooks from:

• Ball High School — 1950, 1952, 1953
• Chatham Jr. High School — 1957, 1961, 1962, 1969–1973, 1982–1983, 1984–1985, 1988–1996, 1997–2000

Please ensure donated yearbooks are in good condition (no mold or water damage).