National Archives at Chicago FAQs
- What is the National Archives at Chicago?
- Do I have to make an appointment to view historical records or microfilm?
- How do I get there?
- Is there parking available?
- What are your hours?
- Which building entrance do I use?
- I'm from out of town, can you recommend a hotel in the area?
- Can I bring my laptop/digital camera/scanner?
- Can I make my own copies?
- How much are copies and reproductions?
- You are in Chicago, does that mean you have Cook County records?
- I need my copies certified. Can you do that?
- What materials can be brought into the research rooms?
- I'd like to become a Volunteer or Intern. How do I apply?
- Where can I find information about public programs presented by the National Archives at Chicago?
Q. What is the National Archives at Chicago?
A. As one of the branches of the National Archives, we hold historical Federal records for six states: Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Michigan. There are three National Archives operations at our facility in Chicago:
- Archival Operations (maintains historical records for the public)
- Federal Records Center (maintains current records of Federal agencies and courts)
- Records Management Program (works with Federal agencies to transfer records to the National Archives).
For information and updates on the Barack Obama Presidential Center, which will include a library , archive and museum, click the link above!
Q. Do I have to make an appointment to view historical records or microfilm?
A. Yes, the research room at the National Archives at Chicago is open by appointment only at this time.
Q. How do I get there?
A. We suggest you review our directions. Despite our Pulaski Road address, access to our facility is on West 75th Street, about one block west of the Pulaski Road/75th Street intersection.
Q. Is there parking available?
A. We have plenty of free parking available on site. The closest parking to our research rooms is on the East side of our property along the Army Reserve fence.
Q. What are your hours?
A. The Archives is open Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m to 4:00 p.m. Please be aware that we stop pulling records one hour before closing. We are closed on all Federal holidays. Learn More
Q. Which building entrance do I use?
A. If you're visiting to review microfilm or textual records that are 30 years old or older, use the entrance on the east side of the building that has a gray awning leading up to it. This is our public entrance.
Q. I'm from out of town. Can you recommend a hotel in the area?
A. There are several hotels on South Cicero Avenue near Midway Airport that are within 2-3 miles of our facility.
Q. Can I bring my laptop/digital camera/scanner?
A. You're welcome to bring a laptop, digital camera, or flat-bed scanner. However, we request that you contact us prior to your visit to discuss any limitations on using such equipment. No flash is allowed. Please note that our building does not have Wi-Fi.
Q. Can I make my own copies?
A. For preservation concerns, we don't offer a self-service copying option for original records. However, self-service microfilm-to-paper copying is available. We have one ScanSnap SV600 contactless overhead scanner available for researcher use in our Textual Research Room. It can be reserved on a first come, first served basis. This scanner is not attached to a computer, you would need to connect your own computer to the scanner and download the software prior to visiting. If you would like to reserve this scanner for use during your visit, please let us know.
Q. How much are copies and reproductions?
A. Photocopies or digital scans of textual records are $0.80 per page. There's a $20.00 minimum fee for reproduction orders, with the exception of naturalization records. Scans made from microfilm are $0.40 per page. This link provides additional information about our fee schedule.
Q. You are in Chicago, does that mean you have Cook County records?
A. No! Cook County records are not Federal records, so you will need to contact the Cook County archive.
Q. I need my copies certified. Can you do that?
A. Yes. Copies of records from our holdings can be certified for a fee of $15.00 in addition to the per-page fee.
Q. What materials can be brought into research rooms?
A. For information on what materials can, or cannot, be brought into research rooms, see Research Room Guidance.
Q. I'd like to become a Volunteer or Intern. How do I apply?
A. Great! If you're interested in learning more about these opportunities, see our Volunteer and Internship Opportunities page.
Q. Where can I find information about public programs presented by the National Archives at Chicago?
A. Currently our Public Programs are on hold, but our Facebook Page provides up-to-date information on events and other information.