Wheaton College Library Resources

Videos, DVDs, and CDs

Western Illinois University, “Illinois Historic Panorama.” (AV2752) Each of the Western Illinois University videos is 30 minutes in length and is a presentation by two WIU professors. Items with an asterisk (*) are recommended for preparation for the certification test.

  • Vol 1 - Overview
  • Vol 2 – *“Early Illinois”, geography, Indians, explorers
  • Vol 3 – “The Pioneers”, French, British, farming
  • Vol 4 – *“The Prairie State”, territorial period, statehood
  • Vol 5 – “The Other Illinois”, Mormons, Icarians, Amish
  • Vol 6 – *“Land O’Lincoln”, New Salem, Blackhawk WarVol 7 – “Illinois Civil War” camplife, Rock Island Arsenal
  • Vol 8 – *“Age of Steam and Gilt” – great fire, stockyard, Sandburg
  • Vol 9 – *“Grasslands and Grangers”, McCormick, Deere, railroads
  • Vol 10 – “Goodfellas, Illinois Style”, Capone, Daley, gambling
  • Vol 11 – *“Modern Illinois”, roads, 1970 Constitution, suburbs
  • Vol 12 – “Exploring Illinois’ Historical Sites”

Illinois Historic Preservation Agency, “Pride in Illinois” with Bill Kurtis (48 minutes)

Periodicals and Journals

  • Historic Illinois
  • Illinois History
  • Illinois Schools Journal

Print Materials

There is little up-to-date print material in the library at the present time. The Carrier book is a common text for college classes on Illinois history and government.

Author: Carrier, Lois, 1934- Title: Illinois : crossroads of a continent / Lois A. Carrier. Published: Urbana : University of Illinois Press, c1993. Physical Description: xi, 283 p. : ill., maps ; 24 cm. Includes: Includes bibliographical references (p. [263]-267) and index. Subject (LCSH): Illinois--History. ISBN: 0252019911 (acid-free paper) LC Card Number: 92031041

Title: Illinois biographical dictionary : people of all times and all places who have been important to the history and life of the state. Published: New York : Somerset, 1993. Physical Description: xii, 348 p. ; 23 cm. Subject (LCSH): Illinois--Biography--Dictionaries. Illinois--History. ISBN: 0403099471 : LC Card Number: 93010624

Title: NewsBank >> News Illinois computer file. Published [New Canaan, CT]: Newsbank InfoWeb, 1997- Physical Description: Accessible via the World Wide Web (accessible only through Wheaton College network) 

Summary: Database of wire service and newspaper articles with a focus on events and issues in the state of Illinois. Articles from surrounding states which relate to Illinois are also included. Subject (LCSH): Newspapers--Illinois--Databases.
Illinois--History.
Illinois--Politics and government. Other Name: NewsBank, inc. Restrictions: Access restricted to authorized institutions. Notes: Title from home page.
Database coverage: 1997-Current.

Additional Video Recordings (library)

Title: Chicago: City of the Century (977.311 C432h)/ a co-production of WGBH Boston and WTTW Chicago in association with the Chicago Historical Society for American Experience; produced, written and directed by Austin Hoyt. Published: [United States]: WGBH Educational Foundation; Window to the World Communications, Inc.; Distributed by PBS Home Video, c2003. Physical Description: 4 videodiscs (ca. 345 min.): sd., b&w with col.; 4 3/4 in. DVD, Dolby surround stereo Summary: "City of the century tells how in just 60 years Chicago grew from a remote, swampy frontier town into one of the most explosively alive cities in the world". This video is part travelogue, part history, and part tour of Chicago's neighborhoods by 'L', Chicago's elevated train. Contents: Disc 1. Mudhole to metropolis / (edited by Bill Lattanzi) -- Disc 2. The revolution has begun / (edited by Bill Lattanzi, Jon Neuburger) -- Disc 3. Battle for Chicago / (edited by Jon Neuburger). -- Disc 4. Chicago by 'L': touring the neighborhoods / (produced by Kelly Luchtman; written by Geoffrey Baer) and additional interviews. 

Title: City of the Big Shoulders (AV3745) / Thames Television; produced by Tom Steel & David Gill; directed by David Gill. Series: Destination America; [v.5] Published: Princeton, NJ : Films for the Humanities & Sciences, c1992. Publisher Number: FFH 3373 Films for the Humanities Physical Description: 1 videocassette (52 min.): sd., b&w & col.; 1/2 in. VHS. Summary: The large Polish population of Chicago has its origins in turn-of-the-century immigrations; the Poles were the driving force behind Chicago's industrial growth. While their assimilation was often difficult, they or their descendents prospered and contributed to life in the United States. Target Audience: General. Subject (LCSH): Poles--Illinois--Chicago.