Online Research Tools
UIC Special Collections
University of Illinois at Chicago Daley Library Special Collections
and University Archives maintains a massive Hull-House collection, in addition to a vast array
of other resources. Photographs, letters, and manuscripts speak to the Near West Side neighborhood
experience, the Bowen Country Club, and the influential lives of countless Hull-House Resident reformers.
As a public institution, the library is open to the public, and the staff are helpful and knowledgeable.
For contact information, visiting hours, and online source material follow the link to the Special
Collections website. Their List of Finding Aids is a great place to start for information related to
specific historic figures. This link will direct you towards purchasing image rights.
Swarthmore Peace Collection
Swarthmore College maintains Jane Addams’ own library,
and many resources connected to her life and work. Addams supported the library's social
justice mission, and requested her effects be maintained by this institution. Please follow
the link to unearth countless artifacts of international pacifist importance.
Sophia Smith Collection
Smith College in Northampton, MA maintains many of Jane Addams’
personal letters and documents. Addams once dreamed of attending Smith college, then a prestigious
women’s college. Although her path diverged from this institution, she held them in great esteem,
and her presence is felt today through this extensive collection.
Urban Experience
This phenomenal website was created by the Hull-House Museum historian staff
as an entryway into Hull-house history. It contains a wealth of information: photographs, documents,
maps, biographies, teacher resources, etc. Do not be dissuaded by the error message that initially
will pop up upon clicking the link, the website does indeed work with any browser.
Jane Addams papers project
Created in 1976, this organization has sought to bring everything Addams
under one cover. They published an excellent compilation of Addams’ works, and a comprehensive microfiche
version as well. Their website includes many online materials, and contains information for obtaining the
entirety. The Jane Addams researcher would do well to explore this accessible publication.
Related Issues & Associated Institutions
Urban Archaeology
This website analyzes the history of the UIC neighborhood. Created by the University,
it provides maps, essays, and images detailing the many transformations the Hull-House community has experienced.
Do not be dissuaded by the initial blank screen, click the "enter" text to continue to the main website.
Chicago History Museum
Formerly known as the Chicago Historical Society, this institution has maintained a
wealth of city historical documents since its founding in 1856. In addition to the museum exhibit space, the
reading rooms and online archives are excellent sources for information. The digital collection referenced on
the main page contains mostly images of historic fashion, as the CHM houses the second largest collection of historical
costumes in the country. Follow the Research links to find more materials related to other subjects.
Newberry Library
This near north beauty has been a treasure trove of information since its founding in 1877.
Midwestern and Chicago history are the heart of the institution. For digital resources, and information on visiting hours, please follow the link.
Encyclopedia of Chicago
Created by the Chicago History Museum, the Newberry Library, and the University of Chicago,
this is an excellent resource for any level of historian. For a well-researched introduction to countless Chicago
topics and themes, this encyclopedia is also the best place to start for History Fair projects.
Chicago Area Women’s History Council
Founded in 1971, this organization explores the history of women in Chicago.
These knowledgeable historians produced the biographical dictionary, Women Building Chicago, which includes many Hull House resident reformers.
This organization would be an excellent resource for the enterprising researcher.
International Sites of Conscience
This worldwide network of museums and memorial sites is “dedicated to remembering past
struggles and addressing their contemporary legacies.” These sites address some of the most challenging moments of human
history, and invite us to learn from our past and create a better future. The Hull House museum is an active participant w
ith the ISC through our facilitated dialogues, critical exhibits, and inspiring public programming.
Cedarville Historical Society
As the birthplace of Jane Addams, this small town in Northwestern Illinois maintains
strong pride for their historical connection. The historical society has a small collection connected to Hull-House history.
Additional sites nearby include the Stephenson County Historical Society, for wider county history, Jane Addams’ family
Cedarville home (a private home today, but worth a look from the outside), and Rockford College, where Jane Addams studied as
an undergraduate and was inspired to be an agent for change.
www.stephcohs.org
www.rockford.edu
Jane Addams Peace Association
This organization was founded in 1948 "to foster a better understanding between the people
of the world toward the end that wars may be avoided and a more lasting peace enjoyed." They award exceptional works of children’s
literature every year in order to inspire every generation in the spirit of Jane Addams.
Toynbee Hall
This institution was established in 1884 as the first settlement house. Toynbee hall inspired Jane Addams to
create Hull House, and inspired the international settlement movement. Toynbee Hall is an excellent example of a historic space
that continues as a modern-day institution in the struggle for social justice. Other examples of historic settlement houses
that have continued into the modern day in Chicago include Benton House and Christopher House. Examples of other organizations
that grew out of Addams’ inspiration include the Jane Addams Resource Corporation and the Mary Crane Center.
bentonhouse.org
www.christopherhouse.org
www.jane-addams.org
www.marycrane.org
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* All views expressed are those of the guests and do not necessarily represent the views of, and should not be attributed to, the Jane Addams Hull-House Museum or the University of Illinois at Chicago, College of Architecture and the Arts.