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   Saturday, Nov. 21, 2009  
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Once again, Sears has made history. For the first time, Sears has opened the doors to its vast archival collection and invited the public to peek inside. More than 100 years of history now available online.

Sears has a rich, long history to tell dating back to 1886 when Richard Sears sold the first batch of watches. The milestones, introductions and stories fill volumes. However, we've boiled Sears history down to a short narrative and event timeline for you: Sears narrative history tells the story of the founding of Sears and the Sears chronology is an up-to-date primer of Sears milestones and events. Both sections span from 1886 to today.

The site will be updated frequently, so be sure to bookmark www.searsarchives.com.

Enjoy your trip through the Sears Archives!

  Richard W. Sears (1863-1914)
Co-Founder and 1st President

Richard Warren Sears was born December 7, 1863, in Stewartville, Minn., to James Warren and Eliza Sears. More on Richard Sears.

  History
Narrative History of Sears
  ·  1886 · 1925
  ·  1887 · 1930s
  ·  1890s · 1940s to 1970s
  ·  1900s · 1980s to today
Chronologies
  ·  Brief chronology
  ·  Detailed chronology
  ·  Modern milestones
History Q&A
  ·  What is the official name of Sears?
  ·  When was Sears founded?
  ·  WLS radio station
  ·  Sears National Baby Contest
  ·  Sewing machines
  ·  Refund check
  ·  Refund postcard
  ·  Rosenwald School Program
Sears & Art
  ·  Vincent Price Collection of Fine Art
References
  ·  Books and references
Annual Reports
  · 2002 · 1999
  · 2001 · 1998
  · 2000
Current News & Info
· Sears newsroom
· Fast facts
  Historic Homes
  ·  What is a Sears home?
· Chronology of homes
· History of homes
· Home listings by date
· Homes in Libertyville, IL
Images of Homes
· 1908-1914 · 1927-1932
· 1915-1920 · 1933-1940
· 1921-1926
· Contact Sears Holdings Archives
· Contact a fellow enthusiast
· Register as an enthusiast
· Homes Q&A
· Does Sears Holdings give permission to reproduce catalog pages or images from its catalogs, and or other memorabilia?
· Books and references
  Catalogs
Catalog History
  ·  History of the "Big Book"
  ·  Catalog chronology
Catalog Q&A
  ·  Does Sears buy old catalogs?
· Does Sears sell old catalogs?
· Where can I find old catalogs?
· When did Sears begin 
distributing the catalogs?
· When did Sears stop 
distributing the catalogs?
· Will Sears give permission 
to reproduce catalog pages 
or images from its catalogs?
Current Online Catalogs
& Internet Sites
· Wish Book & Specialty Catalogs
· sears.com
· kmart.com
· thegreatindoors.com
· landsend.com
  Stores
Store Histories
  ·  Sears first stores
  ·  Chicago: Oldest operating stores
  ·  Chicago: Irving Park Store
  ·  Indiana: Evansville
  ·  Iowa: Mason City
  ·  Massachusetts
  ·  New York
  ·  North Carolina
  ·  Texas: Dallas and Fort Worth
Store History Q&A
  ·  When did Sears open its first store?
· Image of a Kansas City store
Current Store Formats
· Locate a Sears store today
· Full-line stores (in the mall)
· The Great Indoors
· Orchard Supply Hardware
· Sears Grand
· Sears Hometown Stores
 
  Copyright © 2009. Sears Brands, LLC. All rights reserved.  Contact   Updated: Jun 19, 2008