Seeking Records of Illinois WWII Air Raid Wardens

Dear Ms. Rowe,

Thank you for posting your request on History Hub!

Although the federal government provided coordination and training to civil defense efforts during World War II through the Office of Civil Defense, the civilian defense structure during World War II was largely voluntary and local in nature. The Records of the Office of the Civil Defense in National Archives custody do not include files on or lists of volunteers such as air raid wardens.

The Illinois State Archives has custody of the records of the Illinois War Council and its predecessors, but these records do not include rosters or directories of volunteers. Since directories may have been maintained at the regional, district, county or township levels, we recommend that you contact the Local History & Genealogy Department of the Rockford Public Library for assistance.

We hope this information is helpful. Best of luck with your family research!