Research Center for Local History and Culture
Overview
The Research Center for Local History and Culture helps students engage in original research into the history, people, and traditions of Illinois and Indiana. Working with I.S.U. faculty members and through existing courses, students can design their own projects that will take them into the community as active scholars. Research that engages students and faculty into the states' rich, diverse history, in turn, fosters a greater appreciation for the people and culture of our region. Finally, students and faculty projects of local significance highlight the ways in which I.S.U. is a part of the larger local community, and help make the Research Center a resource for everyone.
All I.S.U. students and faculty can use the Research Center's facilities and resources, and qualified students may apply to become Undergraduate Fellows. Undergraduate fellows of the Research Center will have an opportunity to engage in sustained study of a local studies issue, problem, need, or subject in the context of one of their courses. With permission and support of his or her instructor, each Undergraduate Fellow will pursue a well-defined project that fulfills course requirements, usually a research component of a course. Undergraduate Fellows will have access to the resources of the Research Center, including facilities, equipment, and expertise. The results of each study will, as appropriate, become part of the collection of the Research Center or of the community entity with whom they work.