(50 ILCS 130/0.01) (from Ch. 85, par. 5700) Sec. 0.01. Short title. This Act may be cited as the Local Historian Act. (Source: P.A. 86-1324.)

(50 ILCS 130/1) (from Ch. 85, par. 5701) Sec. 1. There may be appointed in each county, municipality and township of this State a local historian for the purpose of preparing and publishing local histories, preserving and protecting local historic records, artifacts and edifices and documenting local current events. In municipalities of more than 1,000,000 inhabitants, a local historian may be appointed in each community area. The local historian shall be appointed by the chief elected governing body of the county, municipality or township and shall receive no compensation beyond reimbursement for actual expenses unless otherwise provided by action of the governing body. The local historian shall serve at the pleasure of the governing body and shall have such qualifications as it may determine. (Source: P.A. 84-736.)

(50 ILCS 130/2) (from Ch. 85, par. 5702) Sec. 2. Each local historian in cooperation with the State Historian shall collect and preserve material relating to the history of the political subdivision for which he was appointed and shall maintain such material in fireproof safes or vaults or other fireproof areas within the offices of the political subdivision. The local historian shall inquire into the maintenance, classification and safety from fire of public records and shall recommend to the governing body any actions necessary for their better preservation and any materials of historic value which the political subdivision should acquire. The local historian may cooperate with any individual or any public or private civic, patriotic or historic group or association and participate in the organized efforts of such individuals, groups and associations for the preparation and publication of local histories, records and reports, the collection and preservation of local historic artifacts, the restoration and preservation of local historic edifices, the erection of local historic monuments and markers and the recording and documentation of current events of local historic interest or significance. Each local historian shall annually report to the governing body upon his activities and recommendations. An annual report shall also be sent to the State Historian. (Source: P.A. 84-736.)

(50 ILCS 130/3) (from Ch. 85, par. 5703) Sec. 3. Each governing body of a political subdivision appointing a local historian pursuant to this Act shall provide the office space, supplies, equipment, transportation subsidies and fireproof safes or vaults or other fireproof areas necessary for the performance of his duties. The governing body may appropriate funds, negotiate and enter contracts and approve the political subdivision's participation or cooperation in programs of historic preservation in order to accomplish the purposes of this Act. (Source: P.A. 84-736.)