Finding and Using Websites for History Fair Research

The World Wide Web can bring primary sources in Chicago history (as well as lots of other stuff!) into our homes, schools, and libraries. This accessibility is not without its drawbacks, however. Frankly, there is a lot of junk out there, but History Fair students can turn this challenge into an opportunity to develop and sharpen their critical thinking skills.

RESOURCE GUIDE TO CHICAGO AREA HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS AND INSTITUTIONS

INTRODUCTION TO USING THE RESOURCE GUIDE

The Chicago Metro History Education Center Resource Guide to Chicago Historical Collections & Institutions is intended to help guide student researchers to the many resources available in the Chicago area.

Wondering which Special Collections or Archival Repositories have holdings (primary sources) related to YOUR topic of interest? These sources might give you that exciting, untold story – or they might just help you deepen your analysis and understanding of your historical question and thesis.

Check out this directory produced by the Chicago Area Archivists group:
http://libsys.lib.uic.edu:591/CAA/default.htm

We recommend that students always start their research at their school library or the Chicago Public Library. Special collections and other institutions should be used once they do their basic research and have a focussed historical question. The more informed a student is by the time she/he seeks these resources, the more helpful librarians and representatives of these organizations can be.

When available, first go to the WEBSITES listed in the Resource Guide before calling or going to the organizations. Their websites, especially for the Special Collections, will give you a lot of vital information: the strengths of their collection (topics, people, events), finding aids, hours open and accessibility (if students are allowed to use the facility and under what circumstances). Most importantly, many institutions are making PRIMARY SOURCES available on the internet so that students can download photographs, maps, and other first-hand documents. [Remember, if students use an internet site as either a secondary source or to download primary sources, they must make a citation in their bibliography.]

The phone numbers, addresses, and websites are as up-to-date as possible, but we advise students to first call before going to any of these institutions and organizations. (Additionally, many research centers will be able by appointment only or have specific hours for student researchers.)

The Chicago Metro History Education Center Resource Guide to Historical Collections & Institutions is made possible by a generous grant from the Gaylord & Dorothy Donnelly Foundation.