Illinois State Archives

The Illinois State Archives was established in 1921. Margaret Cross Norton, its first director, gained an international reputation for her work in its administration and in the development of professional archival practice in the United States. The Archives Building in Springfield, constructed as a result of Norton's efforts and opened in 1938, was rededicated in her honor in 1995.


The State Archives serves by law as the depository of public records of Illinois state and local governmental agencies which possess permanent administrative, legal, or historical research values. Its collections do not include manuscript, newspaper, or other nonofficial sources.

These records are made available to the public, officials, and scholars at the Norton Building and at seven regional depositories located on state university campuses throughout Illinois. The Archives provides access to them through a series of printed and electronic guides, and by in-person, mail, telephone, FAX, and Internet database reference services.