HISTORICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RESEARCH

Research Library and Policies

You are welcome to use our Research Library in the Visitors Center at 425 South 12th Street, which is maintained by staff and volunteers of the Historical Society of Quincy and Adams County.

The library preserves a collection of more than 20,000 items primarily documenting the community’s history and architecture from the formation of the county in 1825. The collection contains local and county histories, relevant monographs, photographic images, maps, prints, drawings, deeds, diaries, and objects. 

Search the Online Collection

The Historical Society of Quincy and Adams County has a vast and, frankly, amazing online collection. 

In 2012, we received a grant from the Illinois State Historical Records Advisory Board using funds awarded by the National Historical Publications and Records Commission to buy cataloging software. The software included the ability to put our catalog online. As of today, we have over 6,000 records available for searching.

SEARCH OUR COLLECTION

SPECIAL COLLECTIONS

Call HSQAC at 217-222-1835 for information on Special Collections such as tax records and historic property inventories.

online catalog on screens

HOURS & APPOINTMENTS

Tuesday through Friday: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

If possible, make an advance appointment to allow staff the opportunity to prepare relevant materials. 

To schedule an appointment, call 217-222-1835 or email info@hsqac.org.

RESEARCH FEES

A research fee of $15 an hour is charged to non-members. The fee includes postage for one letter-size envelope and up to six photocopies. Additional photocopies and postage carry an additional charge. The fee applies for staff time, regardless of whether relevant information is found. Please include your telephone number and street address with any correspondence.

HSQAC members can use the library and its resources free of charge. Inquiries about our holdings will be answered without charge by email or telephone. Photocopies may be made on a fee-for-page basis with permission of the staff. The Historical Society enforces its rights of ownership, copyright, and other title of materials in its research collection.

All materials are non-circulating and must remain in the facility. HSQAC reserves the right to inspect all containers (handbags, computer bags, etc.), outerwear, and persons upon their departure from the campus. 

ACQUISITIONS / DONATIONS

HSQAC collects items that have a connection to Quincy and Adams County. New donations will be considered as space allows. To inquire about an artifact for donation, please call 
217-222-1835 to make an appointment for its evaluation.


PHOTOGRAPHIC SERVICES

Copies of images from the collection may be reproduced for personal use. Images for publications, websites, framing, etc., may incur an additional fee. The staff will scan images, or as needed, an outside photographer will be retained to make prints. Please contact the collections manager at 217-222-1835 or info@hsqac.org for help with photograph selection, permissions, and fees.