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We're Here to Help!

We'd love to answer your questions. Feel free to send your questions to:

joinerhistoryroom@dekalbcountyhistory.org
Plan A Research Visit
The Joiner History Room is located in the DeKalb County History Center:

1730 N. Main Street
Sycamore, IL 60178

Policies and Procedures

Researchers are required to adhere to the established research policies and procedures.
These policies were created to ensure the preservation of the historical materials while providing as much access as possible to the collection.

  • All researchers are required to sign in with the Center staff and new researchers are required to fill out a Researcher Registration Form.
  • Staff will provide reference service and research for genealogy, property, and historical topics. All materials must be used at Joiner History Room.
  • Research requests must be specific, and staff reserves the right to limit DeKalb County History Center staff research time.
  • There is no charge for non-profit use in publications or research by non-profit agencies.
  • Staff reserves the right to provide copies of original materials when originals are deemed to fragile for public use. 
  • Photographic reproductions from photographs, slides, or negatives in the Center’s collections will be made according to a schedule of prices. All images used should bear the credit line/citation, “Courtesy of DeKalb County History Center Archives.”
  • All researchers must sign in at reference desk.
  • Briefcases, portfolios, bookbags, and coats must be placed on coat rack.
  • Food, and beverages are not allowed in the reading room.
  • Only pencils are permitted in the Joiner History Room.
  • Laptops are permitted.
  • Do not write on, trace, or handle materials in any way likely to damage the documents.
  • Researchers will use one box at a time, one folder at a time.
  • The researcher assumes responsibility for possible infringement of copyright and/or literary property rights in the act of copying or in the subsequent use of materials. It is the responsibility of the researcher to secure permission to publish materials.