Explore the Illinois Room at Quincy Public Library: A Window into Adams County’s History

​As Adams County celebrates its bicentennial, there’s no better time to dive into the county's rich history—and the Illinois Room at the Quincy Public Library offers the perfect place to start. This special collections room is a hub for anyone interested in local history or genealogy, providing a wealth of resources to help uncover the stories that shaped Quincy.

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​Among the most popular items in the Illinois Room are the yearbooks from Quincy Senior High and Quincy Notre Dame, offering a nostalgic glimpse into the past for alumni and community members. The room also houses city directories dating back to the 1800s, which are invaluable for tracing the evolution of Quincy’s streets and neighborhoods. Whether you’re tracking the history of a particular building or researching where your ancestors lived, these directories are a key resource for historians and genealogists alike.
The Illinois Room also contains a variety of cemetery indexes, church records and works by local historian Carl Landrum, alongside numerous books on the history of Quincy and Adams County. In addition, there are materials that cover neighboring counties and Illinois history more broadly, making it a regional research hub.
For those tracing family history, the Illinois Room offers resources to track migration patterns, with Mayflower Society books and genealogical magazines available. The room is also a state government document repository, ensuring access to vital state records and publications.
Digitally, the Illinois Room is just as robust. With access to state census records, Quincy Herald-Whig archives dating back to the mid-1800s, and subscriptions to databases like Ancestry, the room is equipped to support deep historical research. Library staff are always on hand to assist with research or microfilm machines, ensuring your search for historical knowledge goes smoothly.
In addition to research, the Illinois Room also serves as a peaceful study space, providing a quiet atmosphere perfect for reflection or small meetings.
As we celebrate 200 years of Adams County, the Illinois Room stands as a gateway to the past—welcoming anyone eager to learn more about the stories that built this community.
Learn more at quincylibrary.org.