The Circuit Clerk’s office launched a new online portal allowing public access to historical naturalization records. This searchable
website offers genealogists, historians, and family history buffs an efficient, centralized way to locate and view citizenship documents processed
through the McHenry County courts from approximately 1851 to 1955. These records can be viewed in the historical archive by clicking the Access all McHenry County Archive Public Documents button on the home screen.
McHenry County Naturalization Records Historical Archive
Naturalization records include Declarations of Intention (“First Papers”), the initial documents filed by those seeking citizenship. These
often contain interesting details such as foreign residence, occupation, arrival ship and date, physical descriptions, and signatures. Petitions for
Naturalization (“Second Papers”) include proof of residency, witness statements, and often information about spouses and children. Certificate of Citizenship/Naturalization was the final grant of citizenship, which are also included in this archive.
Press release
