Research Library & Archives

The Research Library and Archives of the Rock Island County Historical Society serve as a vital center for preserving and sharing the region’s history. Researchers from across the Quad Cities and beyond—including historians, genealogists, students, journalists, and scholars—rely on these collections to support original research, storytelling, and education.

Through the generosity of donors and members, the library continues to grow and evolve. Each contribution helps preserve irreplaceable materials, expand access to historical resources, and ensure that future generations can discover and learn from Rock Island County’s past. Trained volunteers are available to assist researchers in navigating the collections and uncovering meaningful connections.

Collection highlights include:

  • More than 12,000 books focused on regional history and genealogy
  • 300+ archival collections documenting people, families, businesses, organizations, and community life
  • Historic newspapers dating from 1857 to the present, including major Rock Island County and surrounding area publications
  • Vertical files, indexed by township, covering individuals, families, businesses, organizations, and historical subjects
  • City directories, county census records, and plat maps supporting property, population, and local history research
  • Photographs, postcards, school yearbooks, and family history collections
  • Mayflower Descendant Collection
  • Art, artifacts, posters, broadsides, and audiovisual history materials

Digital access and partnerships:

  • A proud partner in the Upper Mississippi Valley Digital Image Archive Project, collaborating with Augustana College, the Putnam Museum, Davenport Public Library, and Musser Public Library to expand digital access to regional history
  • On-site access to Newspapers.com and Ancestry.com, supporting both casual and advanced genealogical research

In addition, the Rock Island County Illinois Genealogical Society houses its collection within the RICHS Research Library and Archives, further strengthening this resource for family and local history research.
Your support helps preserve the past, empower research today, and ensure access for generations to come.