Genealogy
The National Archives at Chicago has numerous records and other resources that can be used for genealogical and family history research.
Types of Holdings
Digitized Records
At our facility, researchers can access our partner websites Ancestry.com, Fold3.com, and Familysearch.org* for free. Many of NARA’s most frequently used records for genealogical research have been digitized and are available on one or more of these websites, including:
| Federal Population Census for all States, 1790-1940 | Selected Military Enlistment and Draft Registration |
| Passenger Arrival Records |
Selected Military Service and Pension Records, and Bounty Land Warrant Applications |
| Selected Naturalization Records and Indexes | Military Headstone Applications |
| Passport Applications | Selected Indian Census Rolls |
| Freedmen's Bureau Records | U.S. Homestead Records |
| Internal Revenue Tax Assessment Lists | And many more |
*Familysearch.org is available for free from any location, though they require researchers to create an account to access records. Ancesty.com and Fold3.com are subscription-based websites.
Microfilm Holdings
The Chicago facility has extensive microfilm holdings of value for genealogical research (including many series that are available online as well as on microfilm), among them:
| Federal Population Census for all States, 1790-1930 | Registers of Lighthouse Keepers |
| Passenger Arrival Records | Selected records of the U.S. Post Office |
| Naturalization Indexes | Selected Bureau of Indian Affairs Records |
|
Selected Military Service and Pension Records, and Bounty Land Warrant Applications |
See more at NARA's Online Microfilm Catalog Note that not all microfilm listed in the online catalog is available at our facility. Check the “Viewing Location” and/or contact us prior to visiting to view microfilm.
Textual Records
The Chicago facility also has a diverse collection of textual records that can be of value for genealogical research, among them:
| Federal Criminal, Civil, and Bankruptcy Court Records | Naturalization Records |
| Internal Revenue Tax Assessment Lists | Chinese Exclusion Case Files |
| Bureau of Indian Affairs Records | U.S. Soldier's Home Case Files |
| Indian School Records | Farm Ownership Case Files |
Find more on our online Finding Aids page and on the National Archives Catalog!
Additional Information
- U.S. District Court Naturalization Records at NARA's Chicago facility (Chicago)
- Find & Request Genealogy records
- Additional NARA Resources for Genealogists
- Additional non-NARA Resources for Genealogists
- Access to Archival Databases