Illinois Regional Archives Depository (IRAD)
Note to visitors:
IRAD is typically open 9am-4pm, Monday through Friday, but hours can varry.
Please call 217-581-6093 before your visit to confirm that staff are available.
The State Archives administers a system of Illinois Regional Archives Depositories (IRAD) to manage the archival records of local governments. The IRAD depository at EIU, located in Room 1700, Booth Library, contains records of historical and genealogical significance from various governmental units in East-central Illinois.
- IRAD materials include such items as vital records, land records, wills, probate records, and jail registers.
- An inventory of the records housed at the other IRAD depositories also is available.
- IRAD, managed by the State Archives in Springfield, operates out of the University Archives.
- Contact: 217-581-6093
The Illinois State Archives website includes databases for the records held by the EIU IRAD.
In-person visits are welcome. Any interested parties may call 217-581-6093 to schedule an appointment.
The EIU IRAD welcomes mail and telephone requests (217-581-6093) from researchers. All responses will be by mail. Letters should be as specific and include the following:
- The full names of the person(s) you are researching.
- The approximate year when these person(s) are expected to appear in the records.
- The county which created the records.
- Record titles/types to search.
Research requests may be submitted by mail to:
EIU IRAD
Booth Library
600 Lincoln Ave.
Charleston, IL 61920
The IRAD depository is staffed by graduate student interns, and hours may periodically be subject to change. It is recommended that researchers call ahead to confirm hours.
