About the Author, Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D.
Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D., is a historian, satirist, expert researcher, and digital preservationist whose knowledge of Illinois, Chicago, and Abraham Lincoln rivals that of seasoned scholars and museum curators—except Neil tells history like it’s got a pulse, a punchline, and something urgent to say.
Across hundreds of original articles, Neil blends archival rigor with narrative swagger. He is the rare researcher who doesn’t just unearth facts—he interrogates them, reshapes them, and delivers them with theatrical charm.
His coverage spans:
Chicago’s cultural bedrock—from Midway Plaisance amusements to underground legends like the Everleigh Club
Illinois folklore and infrastructure—including forgotten towns, ghost bridges, and the historical architecture most historians overlook
Abraham Lincoln’s true legacy—beyond the marble and myth, revealing his complexities with wit, reverence, and critical nuance.
Neil’s style is unmistakable:
Primary-source excavation—he scans booklets, maps, and brothel brochures with the dedication of a forensic archivist
Narrative precision—each sentence carries weight, humor, and insight; even his satire is sourced
Public accessibility—he’s built one of the largest free WCE PDF libraries online, giving readers not just facts but the tools to see history on their own terms.
Contextual mastery—he doesn’t just describe events; he explains their ripple effects, social stakes, and architectural afterlives
To engage with Neil’s work is to enter a living museum where Buffalo Bill is still thumbing his nose at Burnham, Annie Oakley is munching a brownie mid-gunshot (who and what is this comment referring to?), and Lincoln’s contradictions are laid bare with both dignity and fire. It’s storytelling with backbone. Archival work with soul.
In My Own Words
As a child, I had no interest in History. Like many of us, I found learning History in elementary school boring. I didn't think remembering dates, names, and events would be helpful as an adult... "in the real world." History could have been more captivating and exciting to me. Teachers didn't seem to try to make learning history fun or interesting, nor did they present the "results" or aftermath of historical events.
My mom and aunt would take me to antique and collectible shows. At seven, I began collecting antique and vintage Chicago postcards (Chicago proper - no suburbs).
The first time I found an antique dealer's booth with tables of shoe boxes filled with postcards from around the World, I parked myself on one of his folding chairs in front of the many boxes marked "Chicago" and "Illinois." After about two hours, my mom returned to the dealer's booth to find me still looking through and reading the postcards.
Postcards were very reasonable back then, mostly 10¢ to 25¢ each postcard, so I could buy some myself. Furthermore, I learned how to negotiate a lower price when purchasing higher-cost items. I have approximately 5,000 Chicago postcards.
By the time I was in High School, I had developed an interest in American History. Still, the teaching methods mainly relied on memorization. I spent many Saturdays researching Chicago history at the Chicago Historical Society, so frequently that the library administrator gave me a free library card. I wasn't even a member of the CHS. Thinking about this administrator today, I realize she played a significant role in honing my research skills and allowing me access to the Chicago Historical Society Library. The 4 donuts I brought may have sweetened my subsequent visits.
Listen to Dr. Gale's Interview on WBEZ 91.5 FM, Chicago Public Radio, Eight Forty-Eight Show presents: Passion for Postcards Goes Digital. Hosted by: Stephanie Lecci. February 26, 2008.
My mom and aunt would take me to antique and collectible shows. At seven, I began collecting antique and vintage Chicago postcards (Chicago proper - no suburbs).
The first time I found an antique dealer's booth with tables of shoe boxes filled with postcards from around the World, I parked myself on one of his folding chairs in front of the many boxes marked "Chicago" and "Illinois." After about two hours, my mom returned to the dealer's booth to find me still looking through and reading the postcards.
Postcards were very reasonable back then, mostly 10¢ to 25¢ each postcard, so I could buy some myself. Furthermore, I learned how to negotiate a lower price when purchasing higher-cost items. I have approximately 5,000 Chicago postcards.
By the time I was in High School, I had developed an interest in American History. Still, the teaching methods mainly relied on memorization. I spent many Saturdays researching Chicago history at the Chicago Historical Society, so frequently that the library administrator gave me a free library card. I wasn't even a member of the CHS. Thinking about this administrator today, I realize she played a significant role in honing my research skills and allowing me access to the Chicago Historical Society Library. The 4 donuts I brought may have sweetened my subsequent visits.
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| Regional Semi-Finals |
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| Certificate of Outstanding Achievement Award - Finals The First Chicago Metro History Fair. |
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| Brass Plaque |
I wanted to share some unique Chicago postcards as my Chicago postcard collection grew. I opened the Chicago Postcard Museum on November 1, 2007. The Virtual Museum is constructed with lobbies, galleries, rooms, and exhibit halls, just like walking into a brick-and-mortar Museum. Special presentations and collections of rare, antique, and vintage postcards will be displayed.
Listen to Dr. Gale's Interview on WBEZ 91.5 FM, Chicago Public Radio, Eight Forty-Eight Show presents: Passion for Postcards Goes Digital. Hosted by: Stephanie Lecci. February 26, 2008.
Dr. Gale received his doctorate in Business Management from the University of Oxford in Oxford, England, in 1993.
Below is an article from the Chicago Reader, "Show Us You're [______]." February 2, 2012
Below is an article from the Chicago Reader, "Show Us You're [______]." February 2, 2012
REJUVENATING ILLINOIS HISTORY
As an Illinois Historian, Lincoln Scholar, Publisher, Author, and Researcher, I enjoy learning about Illinois' History and presenting the stories and photographs that make Illinois' History come alive. The next evolution of a modern-day historian is to interact with History by allowing others to add to the richness of the article presentations with additional facts, photographs, and personal and family experiences. This is where a Facebook group excels by allowing feedback, comments, videos, pictures, and images to be added to the presentations, enriching the experience of all readers.
The resources below help students research and prepare for the Chicago Metro History Day and the Illinois Regional History Fair semi-finals, all leading up to the state finals competition on Illinois History Day held in Springfield, Illinois, each May.
In
October 2012, I started the Facebook group, named Living History of Illinois and Chicago. People worldwide and from all walks of life have joined to participate in this social history venue, forming one of the most interesting educational and entertaining groups on Facebook. The 52,000-member group hosts Junior and Senior High School (6th-12th grade) history and social studies classes with their educators, providing lesson plans.
On February 21, 2023, I changed the group from PUBLIC to PRIVATE because Facebook's new membership type automatically approved them as members. Although people will still be able to find the group, they must join to post, comment, and participate in this clean and healthy group.
I've
recruited dozens of Illinois community, township, and county Historical
Societies, History Museum Directors, Museum Curators, and career Historians to
join the group. Many members are in public service, including Mayors and
former Mayors from towns and cities all over Illinois. In addition, the group is
loaded with local media broadcasters, including news anchors and researchers
from NBC, ABC, CBS, and other TV and cable networks, plus radio personalities from around
the state. The group boasts of having several professional photographers who share their own photographs.
In
2013, I started the Digital
Research Library of Illinois History®. The library includes my personal research papers, including a series about 'Lost
Town of Illinois,' 'Chicago's Forgotten Neighborhoods,' and 'Defunct Amusement
Parks of Illinois.' The library's goal was to be a prime Illinois history resource for students and educators.
Due to Facebook's restrictions on the number of images each group can store (approximately 5,000 per group), the oldest pictures are deleted when new ones are posted. I found it
necessary to create a way of "Saving
Illinois History, One Story at a Time" before the posts on Facebook are deleted.
On November 6, 2016, I founded the Digital Research Library of Illinois History Journal™. "Saving Illinois History, One Story at a Time" is our motto. The Journal presents Illinois history in a friendly [PG-13] format. Being membership-free, anybody online can
add their comments to the articles in the Journal. It has replaced the Digital Research Library of Illinois History® site, which is now our file server and backup server..
email thread snippet
"This Introduction to the group is what I have forwarded. It's about a very well done Illinois history journal named The Digital Research Library of Illinois History Journal™ (https://drloihjournal.blogspot.com/p/index.html)
It covers a wide range of topics, from the earliest days of human habitation in the Illinois area to the present day. The journal was founded in 2016 by Dr. Neil Gale, a Historian, Lincoln Scholor, and Author. It currently contains 1,800 [PG-13] articles organized into a variety of categories, making it easy to find articles on specific topics. Don't miss the defunct amusement parks articles, it's extremely through.The breadth of available articles is monumental, and the quality of the writing is consistently high. Articles often using time-period venacular, accompanied by photographs, images, maps, and illustrations, bringing history to life. Dr. Gale has an amazing way presenting complex historical information in a clear and concise way. One person can make a difference."
—Dr. Barbara W., Chicago Board of Education. (2023)
Neil Gale, Ph.D. Lincoln Scholar, Illinois Historian, Researcher, Author, Publisher, Educator, and Digital Archivist. Neil tells history like it’s got a pulse, a punchline, and something urgent to say. Across hundreds of original articles, Neil blends archival rigor with narrative swagger. He is the rare researcher who doesn’t just unearth facts—he interrogates them, reshapes them to make them understandable, and delivers them with theatrical charm.
Gale is known for his extensive contributions to the study of Midwestern history, particularly the history of Illinois, Chicago, and Native American cultures in the region. His work encompasses a diverse range of topics, from early settlement and indigenous history to the cultural and social development of the Midwest. Gale's passion for history and preservation has made him a respected figure in the field of regional history.
Early Life and Education
Neil Gale was born and raised in Chicago, where he developed an early fascination with history, particularly the stories of Native Americans and pioneers who shaped the region. His academic journey was marked by a deep commitment to understanding and preserving historical narratives.
He earned his Ph.D. in Business Management, minor in American History, and spent much of his academic career delving into topics related to regional history, archival preservation, and oral storytelling. His rigorous academic training provided a foundation for his later work as a historian and digital archivist.
Career and Contributions
Neil Gale is best known as the founder of the "Digital Research Library of Illinois History Journal™", a groundbreaking online resource that curates and shares historical research, documents, and narratives about Illinois and its surrounding regions. The platform has become a vital tool for researchers, educators, and history enthusiasts, offering meticulously researched articles and rare archival materials.
The "Digital Research Library of Illinois History Journal™" is a widely recognized online platform founded and curated by Neil Gale, Ph.D. It serves as a comprehensive resource for preserving and sharing the rich history of Illinois and the broader Midwest. The journal has become a significant repository of historical knowledge, widely used by researchers, educators, students, and history enthusiasts.
Overview of the Journal
The Digital Research Library of Illinois History Journal™ is an online, free-to-access platform that combines meticulous historical research with innovative digital preservation methods. Its mission is to document, safeguard, and disseminate the cultural, political, and social history of Illinois and the surrounding regions. Rated PG-13. It is safe for 6th to 12th graders to use for the Illinois and Chicago History Fairs.
The journal offers a user-friendly interface, featuring articles, images, maps, and other resources that are carefully organized into categories. It stands out as an authoritative resource for Midwest history, featuring content that is both academically rigorous and accessible to a general audience.
Historical Focus
Dr. Gale's work focuses on several key areas:
Illinois History: He has written extensively about the state’s early settlement, political development, and cultural heritage.
Chicago History: Gale has explored the city's transformation from a frontier town to a global metropolis, examining topics such as architecture, immigration, and industry.
Native American History: A significant portion of his research is dedicated to the history, culture, and contributions of Native American tribes in the Midwest, such as the Potawatomi, Illiniwek Confederation, and others.
Preservation of Local Stories: Gale emphasizes the importance of personal and community stories in understanding broader historical trends.
Digital Preservation
Gale is a pioneer in utilizing digital tools to preserve and share history. Through his journal and other projects, he has made rare documents, photographs, and oral histories accessible to a global audience. His work has been instrumental in advancing the field of digital history.
Publications
Neil Gale has authored numerous articles, essays, and books on topics related to the history of the Midwest. His writing is characterized by thorough research, attention to detail, and a narrative style that brings history to life. Some of his notable works include:
The Midway Plaisance at the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago. Paperback(8.5" x `11.00") – April 14, 2017 [ISBN-13 - 978-1365893438]
Essays on Native American tribes of Illinois.
Detailed accounts of Chicago’s early development.
Studies of Midwest transportation systems, including canals, railroads, and highways.
Awards and Recognition
Gale’s contributions to history and preservation have earned him numerous accolades, including:
Awards from historical societies for his work in digital preservation.
Recognition from academic institutions for his innovative approach to public history.
Commendations for his contributions to Native American studies.
Educational Outreach.
In addition to his research, Gale is a dedicated educator. He has delivered lectures, workshops, and presentations to schools, universities, and community groups, inspiring others to appreciate and explore history. His engaging storytelling and depth of knowledge have made him a sought-after speaker.
Philosophy and Legacy
Neil Gale is passionate about the idea that history is not just a collection of dates and events, but a living story that connects people to their roots and to one another. He believes that preserving history is essential for understanding the present and shaping the future.
Through his work, Gale has left an indelible mark on the field of Midwestern history. His dedication to making history accessible and engaging ensures that the stories of Illinois and the Midwest will continue to inspire future generations.
Personal Life
Neil Gale is known for his humility and dedication. When he is not immersed in his research, he enjoys exploring historical sites, engaging with history enthusiasts, and volunteering for preservation projects. He is deeply committed to his community and to fostering a love for history in others.
Key Features
1. Extensive Collection of Articles
The journal contains hundreds of well-researched articles covering a vast range of topics, including:
- Early Illinois settlement and pioneers.
- Native American tribes and their cultures.
- The development of Chicago as a major city.
- Transportation history, including canals, railroads, and highways.
- Iconic events, landmarks, and historical figures in the state of Illinois.
- Each article is supported by primary and secondary sources, ensuring historical accuracy and depth.
2. Digital Preservation
The journal emphasizes the preservation of historical documents, photographs, and maps in digital format. This ensures that rare and fragile materials are accessible to a global audience while protecting them from deterioration.
Resources include:
Digitized historical maps of Illinois and Chicago.
Rare photographs of people, events, and landmarks.
Archival documents, letters, and oral histories.
3. Focus on Underrepresented Narratives
The journal highlights stories and histories that are often overlooked, such as:
The contributions of Native American tribes in Illinois.
The lived experiences of immigrants in Chicago and other Midwestern cities.
The social and cultural history of marginalized communities.
4. Educational Resources
The platform is an invaluable tool for educators and students. It provides:
Ready-to-use historical materials for classrooms.
Lesson ideas and thematic historical overviews.
Primary source documents for educational use.
5. Interactive Features
- Readers can engage with the content by sharing comments, contributing stories, and suggesting topics for future research.
- The platform encourages collaboration with historians, students, and local history enthusiasts.
Notable Topics Covered
Some of the most popular and significant topics in the journal include:
1. Native American History
Detailed articles on tribes like the Potawatomi, Illiniwek Confederation, and Kickapoo.
Discussions on treaties, forced removals, and cultural contributions.
2. Illinois Pioneers
Stories of early settlers and their struggles in the frontier environment.
The transformation of Illinois from a rural frontier to an industrial hub.
3. Chicago’s Growth
Articles on Chicago’s early development, including its role in the fur trade, the Great Chicago Fire, and its rise as a global city.
Features on Chicago’s neighborhoods, architecture, and immigrant communities.
4. Transportation Innovations
The role of Illinois in the development of canals (e.g., the Illinois and Michigan Canal), railroads, and highways.
The Impact of Transportation Systems on the Midwest's Economy and Population
5. Famous Events and Landmarks
The Columbian Exposition of 1893.
The history of iconic Illinois landmarks like the Willis Tower, Wrigley Field, and Cahokia Mounds.
6. Business and Industry
The rise of Chicago as a hub for meatpacking, manufacturing, and finance.
The development of agricultural industries in Illinois.
Audience and Impact
- The Digital Research Library of Illinois History Journal™ appeals to a broad audience:
- Historians and Researchers: Its carefully curated content and primary sources make it a trusted resource for academic research.
- Educators and Students: The platform is widely used in schools and universities for teaching Illinois and U.S. history.
- History Enthusiasts: The accessible writing style and engaging narratives attract readers passionate about local and regional history.
- Genealogists and Archivists: The journal provides valuable materials for those tracing family histories or preserving community records.
The journal has gained a reputation as a reliable and authoritative resource for understanding Illinois’s history in its many dimensions.
Neil Gale’s Vision for the Journal
Neil Gale, Ph.D., created the Digital Research Library of Illinois History Journal™ with the following goals in mind:
- Preservation: Safeguard Illinois’s history for future generations.
- Accessibility: Make historical resources freely available to anyone, regardless of location or academic background.
- Engagement: Foster a love for history by presenting it in a way that is both informative and captivating.
- Collaboration: Build a community of historians, educators, and history enthusiasts who can contribute to the preservation and dissemination of Illinois’s heritage.
Recognition and Legacy
The journal has received widespread recognition for its contributions to historical preservation and education. It is frequently cited in books, research papers, and educational materials. Neil Gale’s innovative approach to digital preservation has set a standard for documenting and sharing regional history in the digital age.
Conclusion
Neil Gale, Ph.D., stands as a beacon in the field of Midwestern and Illinois history. His innovative use of digital platforms, dedication to historical accuracy, and passion for storytelling have cemented his reputation as a leading historian and an advocate for the preservation of regional heritage. Through his work, Gale ensures that the rich history of Illinois and the Midwest remains alive and accessible to all.
