The Illinois Regional Archives Depository (IRAD) at NEIU is a repository of selected governmental records for Chicago and Cook County from the late 1800s to the early 1900s. It is administered by the Illinois State Archives and is located on the Lower Level of the Ronald Williams Library.
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Questions: Contact (773) 442-4506 or ext. 4506.
The Illinois Regional Archives Depository (IRAD), located on the lower level of the Ronald Williams Library at Northeastern Illinois University, maintains a limited collection of vital records for Cook County. Due to the Great Chicago Fire, most of these records begin after 1871 and many are available at this location only for outside the City of Chicago. Our current holdings include, but are not limited to:
Birth Register 1871-1915: City of Chicago only
Birth Certificates 1878 —1894: Cook County - outside the City of Chicago only
Birth Record Index 1871-1916 (microfiche only): Chicago and Cook County
Death Certificates 1878 —1909: Cook County - outside the City of Chicago only
Death Record Index* 1871-1916 (microfiche and online): Chicago and Cook County
Marriage Licenses 1871-1914: Chicago and Cook County
Marriage Record Index* 1871-1900 (microfiche and online): Chicago and Cook County 1901-1916 (microfilm only): Chicago and Cook County
Coroner's Inquest Records (index online):* 1872 —1911: Chicago and Cook County
Chicago Police Department Homicide Records (index online)* 1870 —1930
Chicago City Council Proceeding Files: 1833-1940s
Index:* 1833-1871 (online and microfilm), 1871-1940s (microfilm only)
Naturalization Records 1906-1929: Chicago and Cook County [and a few 1871-1906]
Index: varies by court and by year
* Indicates index is available on our website
To begin your search, try our online databases: ilsos.gov/departments/archives/IRAD/home.html
For Cook County and/or Chicago vital records not kept at this IRAD location, please contact:
Cook County Clerk
Bureau of Vital Records
The Daley Center
50 West Washington - Chicago, IL 60602
(312) 603-7790
For Genealogy Questions/Inquiries- cookcountyclerkil.gov
If you would like to submit an inquiry, you may do so by mail or telephone. E-mail inquiries are not accepted. Please include:
Inquiries are limited to 2 names, and you must wait for a response to one request before submitting another.
Contact Information:
Illinois Regional Archives Depository
Ronald Williams Library
Northeastern Illinois University
5500 N. St. Louis Avenue
Chicago, IL 60625-4699
773-442-4506
Hours: Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. (except state holidays)