Jo Fredell Higgins, an NIU and Northern Star alumna, has written a photo history book about DeKalb.

Higgins’ book, “DeKalb, Illinois,” contains 220 photographs. Higgins collected the photos from more than 50 individuals, museums and libraries.

Higgins also included pictures dating back to NIU’s opening day and has collected family photos from Helene Tyler, Jessie Glidden, Charles Bradt and other historical figures from DeKalb.

Higgins also took some photos herself. Ten of her photos are included in her book.

“I love photography, history and writing. This combines all three,” Higgins said.

Tyler helped Higgins gather historic photographs included in her book. She is the wife of Sanford A. Tyler.

“I have pictures dated over 100 years,” Tyler said. “I have a file of photos from the Tyler family and photos of the Ellwood family from when they were friends.”

Higgins has published two other photo history books highlighting Naperville and Geneva.

Higgins’ next project will be “Wheaton, Illinois” for Arcadia Publishing.

Arcadia Publishing will release Higgins’ DeKalb book in September.