News
Chicago Directories at Footnote.com
(25 July 2008) Although I haven't had a chance to explore in depth, Chicago city directories up to 1909 appear to be available at Footnote.com. The subscription site
can be accessed for free at Family History Centers. (Call ahead to make sure they have the portal to subscription sites set up before you make the trip.)
Cook County Records Now Available for Download
(2 July 2008) This isn't just news. This is BIG news! Chicago and Cook County birth certificates(75 years or older), marriage licenses (50 years or older), and death certificates (20 years or older) are now available for download online for $15 each through a new website called "Genealogy Online: Historical Cook County, Illinois Vital Records." I've tested a few names and I don't think the index is quite complete at this point, but the site is attractive, easy-to-use, and will serve as a wonderful resource for Chicago/Cook researchers.
This website opens up some new possibilities for research. For example, if you find names in the index but aren't ready to purchase the records, try using the dates to search for obituaries in the Chicago Tribune Historical Archives . . . "
Memoirs and Family Histories
There's just something wonderful about books—our house is filled to the brim with them—and if you've thought about publishing your memoir or family history, check out Dorie McClelland's website at www.springbookdesign.com. She's working on a new web-based service that will make it easy for you to work with her to turn your photos and stories into a unique published work.
Newberry Publishes ChicagoAncestors.org
ChicagoAncestors.org is "a free website where you can find and share historical information about Chicago." Of particular note is a feature which allows you to type in a family address and view the nearby Catholic parishes along with Family History Library film numbers for their records that have been filmed.
City Directories Now Available Online
A number of city directories are now available in PDF format at ChicagoAncestors.org.