About The Harvard Diggins Library’s History Archives
The Harvard Diggins Library provides free access to a collection of historical newspapers through its partnership with Advantage Archives. The digital archive includes over 58,265 pages of historical records, offering an invaluable resource for researchers, genealogists, and history enthusiasts interested in Harvard’s local history.
Newspapers
- Harvard Herald (1887-1975)
- The Harvard Herald (1940-1954)
- The Harvard Herald and Independent (1924-1940)
- Harvard Independent (1867-1909)
- The News Bulletin (1958-1959)
- The Harvard Independent (1910-1913)
- Harvard Herald Independent (1924-1924)
About Harvard Diggins Library
The library has been a cornerstone of the Harvard community since 1909, thanks to a generous bequest from Delos F. Diggins. The original library building served as the first free-standing public library in McHenry County. In 2001, a new building was constructed, and the institution was renamed the Harvard Diggins Library to honor the legacy of its founder. The library continues to provide cultural, educational, and informational resources to the residents of Harvard, Illinois, and the surrounding areas.
The History Of Harvard Diggins Library
Since its establishment in 1909, the library has served as a gathering place for the community, providing access to a wide range of materials and programs. The library has evolved to meet the needs of its patrons, including joining the PrairieCat consortium and the Reaching Across Illinois Library System (RAILS), making its collections even more accessible to library users across the state.
Did You Know?
Did you know that the library’s digital archives contain over 58,000 pages of local history, accessible for free online? Explore the rich history of Harvard, Illinois, by visiting harvarddiggins.advantage-preservation.com.



