Illinois launches new database

The database is a catalog of the collections available in the Illinois State Archive and replaces the printed guide “Descriptive Inventory of the Archives of the State of Illinois.”

The database does not contain any images or transcriptions of original documents.

Archon's public interface updates automatically as records are received and processed by the Archives.

The Winnebago County Clerk's office is the repository for birth records from 1855 through 2009; death records from 1844 through February 2009; marriage records from 1836; and civil union records from June of 2011. Under Illinois state law, genealogy records are defined as birth certificates that are 75 years or older, marriage certificates that are 50 years or older, and death certificates that are 20 years or older.

To obtain copies of original documents, contact the Illinois State Archives at (815) 319-4250 or go to genealogy.winnebagocountyclerk.com. Copies of certificates cost $12 each.

Genealogy notes