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Local History, Genealogy,
& Special Collections

Our Local History Collection, one of the largest in Union County, is composed of books, documents, photographs, blueprints, maps, newspapers, personal papers, and local organizations' records of significance in Plainfield and the surrounding communities. In addition to County and State histories, we have publications on the American Revolution and the Civil War. Our unique collections include Local Authors and Diversity Studies. We are an Affiliate Library of FamilySearch.org and of the Mayflower Society.

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Local History open weekdays from 9am to 4:15pm. Appointments recommended

The library’s lower level is closed for construction.
Call or email the Local History Department for assistance.

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COLLECTIONS
View Collections Index


archival collectionsOur historical collections include Plainfield history, fine art, genealogy, diversity studies, oral history, personal papers & manuscripts, records of local organizations, Jerseyana, and United States history, as well as the original Library collection from the 1800’s. There is also an additional set of books on subjects that support our collections such as photography, art, architecture, and historic preservation.

Be sure to check out the Genealogy page!

Join our Memoir Writing Club!


The Local History, Genealogy and Special Collections
are held in closed stacks. Collection items do not circulate and may only be viewed in the Plainfield Room

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Digital Archive & Indexes
Search Digital Collections

digital archives

Our digital collections are constantly growing, and are composed of over 55,000 photographs, postcards, blueprints, documents, and more! All of these records are viewable online. In addition, researchers can access Plainfield's historical city directories, early newspapers, and Police Department Ledgers online for free. Check out our digitized Plainfield Reference collection.


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Publications
Some publications may take a few seconds to download.

(Adobe PDF file - download Adobe for viewing)

department brochures and publications

 

Books
A Kid's History of Early Plainfield (FREE, Second Edition)
Lost But Not Forgotten (Available for purchase)


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Help Support Us

Your financial donation can provide:

$10 to $25 Archival Document Cases and Cartons (various sizes)

Photograph Digitization

$30 Archival Photograph sleeves
$40 Archival Folders or Custom Boxes
$50 Archival Frame Kit or Book Purchase
$150 Archival Poster Frame Kit
$200 Purchase of an Historical Publication
$500 (towards) Historical document or ledger repair and conservation
$1,000 + (towards) Historical map repair conservation

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In Appreciation

The Local History Department received an operating support grant from the New Jersey Historical Commission, a division of the Department of State. Additionally, the Department is supported, in part, by the Union County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs; the Union County Board of Commissioners; the Plainfield Foundation; the Plainfield Cultural & Heritage Commission; the New Jersey Council for the Humanities; and the Friends of the Plainfield Public Library (FOPPL)

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HISTORY & GENEALOGY PROGRAMS

The History of Shady Rest, America's First African-American-Owned Country Club

Finding Our Abuelitas
with Irisneri Alicea Flores
Saturday, September 20, 2025
@10:30am via Zoom
Registration Required

Focused on tracing female ancestors, this program explores the historical contexts that influence how our Abuelitas appear in records. It explains the Spanish last name system, including instances where it may not have been used, and provides case studies to illustrate these concepts. This program equips participants with the tools and knowledge to uncover the stories of their female ancestors.

Upcoming Programs

Recorded Past Programs

Memoir Writing Club

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Reproduction Fees

B&W Photocopies 25 cents per page
Color Photocopies 50 cents per page
Digital Scans See Information Below*
Computer Printouts 25 cents per page
Microfilm Printouts 25 cents per page
Blueprints $5 per page (11" x 17")

Certain items are too fragile or too large to be photocopied or scanned. In some cases, the items may be photographed by Library staff and the images printed or saved to a USB drive for patron use. Please see forms below for details about our specific policies regarding visual materials and documents.

Patrons unable to come into the Library may pay online via PayPal. We can no longer accept personal checks..

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For More Information

map of Plainfield dated 1894. links to large image
1894 Map of Plainfield by F. A. Dunham

WAIT! DON'T THROW IT OUT!

Call the Local History Department before you discard your old Plainfield memorabilia, such as photographs, newsletters, postcards, letters, scrapbooks, diaries, business cards, restaurant menus, event programs, school report cards, maps, club & organization flyers, and anything like these items that document the great history of the Queen City. The Local History Department preserves these records for future generations

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