
Local Online Resources
Decatur manages numerous online resources to help you in your local history quest.
Whether exploring our online resources from the local history room or from the comfort of your own home, our ever expanding online resources are an educational and fun way to learn more about Decatur's history.
Historical Photos, Yearbooks, and Oral Histories
Decatur Public Library is in the process of digitizing materials so they can be viewed electronically through Omeka. With thousands of items already available, items are searchable so it is easier than ever to find old photos of friends and family. In addition, all local yearbooks up to 1977 are available. Check back often to see the latest in Decatur's growing collection of materials as new photos and materials are uploaded weekly.
Birth and Obituary Databases
If you are looking to find a birth or obituary in Macon County, our databases are a great place to start. Decatur Public Library is continuing to expand our searchable database.
Genealogical Databases
The online databases Ancestry.com–Library Edition and HeritageQuest are available for free to all users in the library.
- Heritage Quest - This database can be accessed at home with a valid DPL library card.
- Ancestry.com–Library Edition - This database is only available on-site, but the library does offer four database-only computers on the first floor that can be used for two hours a day.
Research Tutorials
Newspaper Database
Find full-text articles on local news, issues, events, people and much more from current and archived issues of the Herald & Review. Updated daily, it includes obituaries, editorials, announcements, sports, real estate and more.
Local Resources
Links to other local history organizations in Decatur:
- African-American Cultural & Genealogical Society of Illinois, Inc. Museum
- Decatur Genealogical Society & Library
- Governor Richard J. Oglesby Mansion
- Hieronymus Mueller Museum
- James Millikin Homestead
- Macon County Conservation District
- Macon County Historical Society and Museum
- Millikin University Archives
- Staley Museum
Other links for researchers: