Using City Directories to Determine Community Identity
City directories played an important role
in our ancestor’s lives, and remain invaluable local history resources
today. Directories contain information
regarding city residents, and often that of an entire county. This information includes an individual’s
name, address, occupation, dwelling status (owner, renter, etc.), and telephone
number. Often these directories were
relied on more than censuses to provide a more complete demographic picture of
a community.
Click on the following activities to learn the benefits of using city
directories as a local history resource.
Home Owners vs. Renters Occupations Building History
Family
Mobility Do Your Own Research
Local places to find city directories:
Mattoon Public Library Charleston Public Library Eastern Illinois University Booth Library
Other related information: