The stories of our families are told through many forms of documents. Family photographs, however, are unique because they have visually captured moments in time that now only live as memories. A discarded photograph album lead a writer in New York to the story of black families that lived in the Crown Heights neighborhood of…
News from the Research Desk - Page 13 of 16
The History of Santa Claus
The holiday season is full of traditional events and practices, many of which revolve around the figure of Santa Claus. But who is this figure? What is his history? That story goes back to 280 CE in Myra, an area now in modern Turkey, where Saint Nicholas lived and worked as a bishop. After his…
Local Charities
Looking to donate to a deserving cause this holiday season? Here are some local options to consider this season: Adopt-A- Pet Rainbow Hospice and Palliative Care Illinois Fire Safety Alliance The Kid's Pantry at Christian Life Church - Takes donations of children's clothing (infant through junior sizes, as well as maternity clothing) Mount Prospect Toys for…
Celebrating Veterans Day
Veterans Day, originally known as Armistice Day, was first set as a U.S. legal holiday to recognize the end of World War I. This "armistice" took place on November 11, 1918. In 1938 legislation was past to formally dedicate November 11 to the "cause of world peace." With the urging of veterans organizations, the U.S.…
Fashion books in GVRL
Gale Virtual Reference Library (GVRL) contains a large variety of reference books available for reading online. One of the subjects we have is fashion. You can look through the complete range of titles for adults here: Gale Virtual Reference Library Primary Research. Some individual titles are Clothing and Fashion: American Fashion from Head to Toe,…
Color Images of America in the Great Depression
In response to the economic turmoil of the Great Depression, President Franklin Roosevelt called for the creation of several assistance agencies. One of these was the Resettlement Administration (RA) created in 1935. The Farm Security Administration (FSA) was created out of the RA in 1937. This agency was formed to help struggling farmers and sharecroppers.…
Women’s Work in World War I
Women have always participated in support work during wartime. This was especially evident during World War I. Women served in a variety of capacities sometimes very close to the front lines. The National Archives holds a vast collection of photographs in its collection of War Department records. You can see several photographs of women at…
EPA Emissions Testing Notices
Due to the budget crisis in Illinois, the Illinois EPA has suspended the mailing of emissions test notifications. If you have plates expiring at the end of March 2016 you'll be the first group of drivers who do not receive a mailed notification for the emissions test. The EPA encourages drivers to get their emissions test…
Holiday Safety Tips
Some tips from the National Safety Council for over the holidays to keep you safe as you decorate: - Avoid setting your tree up to close to a fireplace, radiator, or other heat source - Plug no more than 3 strings of lights into one extension cord - Be sure the lights your using indoors…
Vehicle Sticker Renewal Notices
Many of you may have heard, but please be aware that the Secretary of State is no longer mailing out vehicle registration renewal notices due to the state budgetary issues. The last group of paper notices was mailed out in early September for those who had stickers expiring in October. If your sticker expires in November or…
