Q. Do I need to make an appointment to use the Research
Center’s holdings?
A. It is highly recommended to call first before visiting
for research purposes. With prior notice, we can schedule a
staff member to assist you, as well as prepare research
materials prior to your visit. The Research Center is open
to the public, but the Reading Room may be closed on
occasion due to seminars or other events. Please call the
Research Historian at 630.260.8223 to discuss your research
visit.
Q. Who can use the Research Center?
A. Anyone! The McCormick Research Center is used by a wide
variety of people who are interested in the Big Red One, as
well as military history. Students and teachers use the
Center for their class projects. Authors and scholars use
the rich variety of primary sources for their published
works. Media companies receive assistance from the Research
Center in producing military history documentaries. The
Research Center provides research support to the 1st
Infantry Division, as well as the veterans’ group, the
Society of the First Division. Most importantly, the
Research Center helps veterans and their families who are
researching the combat history of the First Division or
other military units.
Q. Do you have military personnel records?
A. The McCormick Research Center does not have the personnel
files of those who served with the First Division or any
other military units. Our holdings focus only on the battle
history of the First Division, as well as other units of the
US military. However, we do have records such as strength
and casualty reports, award citations and unit rosters.
Q. Can I check out materials from the Research Center?
A. The Research Center is a reference library. All materials
are to be used only in the Reading Room. Due to the unique
nature of our holdings, the Research Center only loans items
to other libraries through the Inter-Library Loan system.
