LOCAL HISTORY AND GENEALOGY

The Local History Room is staffed by volunteer members of the Stephenson County Genealogical Society.

The Frances Woodhouse Local History Room is located on the first floor of the Freeport Public Library. Named after a longtime library board member, it exists to provide materials and support for those interested in the history of Freeport and Stephenson County, as well as for those researching family history.

The collection has over 4,500 volumes of books, plus materials on microfilm. These resources provide in-depth information about northwestern Illinois and other geographic areas where its early residents previously lived. As a consequence, there are numerous Pennsylvania and New York genealogical sources, as well as information on some counties in Wisconsin and Iowa. For more information about the Local History Room call (815) 233-3000, ext. 214.

Local History Room hours are subject to change. Please contact the library at (815) 233-3000 to confirm.

Email research requests to stephensoncountygs@gmail.com

Cemetery records

Genealogy

Newspapers on microfilm

Online resources

Special collections