Vermilion County, Illinois’
Pioneer Recognition Project
In Collaboration With the County’s 200th Anniversary
Did you have an ancestor who resided in Vermilion County, Illinois, by 1876 or earlier?
If so, please check this link for details for how to recognize your ancestor.
While there is no deadline for submitting applications, only those submitted by
July 1 will be listed on the posters at the 200th Vermilion County Anniversary
events in August at the Vermilion County Museum.
Upcoming Program – Please Attend!
The Kindertransport
Saturday, June 27, at 1:00 PM at IGHS
Heinz Karplus fled Nazi Germany in 1939 as a 13-year-old boy, together with his younger sister. They left Berlin on a Kindertransport – a children’s train. The Kindertransport was a program in which the British government waived visa requirements for unaccompanied minors fleeing Nazi Germany. Ten thousand children, mostly Jewish, were saved by this modern “orphan train.” This program will tell the story of one boy, his life in pre-war Berlin, his escape from the Nazis, his life in England during the war as a refugee, and his coming to America. The presenter is Heinz Karplus’ son, Wayne Karplus.
Wayne Karplus is a retired lawyer who spent most of his legal career as Deputy Corporation Counsel for the Town of Normal, Illinois. Several years ago, he and his wife bought a home across from Mann’s Chapel near Rossville. He enjoys gardening, nature, reading history, and writing children’s stories.
If attending, please RSVP to IGHS at 217-431-8733 or ighs.research@outlook.com
Free admission. Light refreshments will be served. Seating is limited.
Hours of operation:
Tuesday – Friday – 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Saturdays – 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM
- Illinois’ first chartered genealogical society (1964).
- Publishes Illiana Genealogist, a quarterly Illiana Genealogical and historical publication provided to all members.
- Operates a comprehensive and independent genealogical library at 215 North Street, Danville, IL 61832.
- 100% volunteer-run.
- Conducts research at a reasonable cost.
- Repository of all Vermilion County, Illinois, probate files from c1829-1970.
- Please check our website and visit us at the IGHS library!