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Genealogy Club

Researching Pre-fire Chicago Records (Online)

In October 1871, the Great Chicago Fire burned a large portion of the city to the ground. Learn what early records survived the fire. A link and handout will be sent a day before the event.

Think there's no way to research Chicago before 1871? Think the fire burned your chances for discovering what Chicago was like in its early days? All is not (and was not) lost. This presentation will introduce you to a gold mine of pre-Fire treasures in the Newberry Library's collections. Maps, diaries, church records, newspapers, and sheet music are just a few of the hot items you'll find out about. 

This program is available in a Zoom webinar format.  A link and handout to the program will be emailed to attendees one day before the program, with a second reminder and handout sent an hour before the event.

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