Local History & Genealogy

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 addition to County and State histories, we have publications on the American Revolution and the Civil War. Our special collections include Local Authors and Diversity Studies. We are an Affiliate Library of FamilySearch.org and of the Mayflower Society, and a Proud Partner of RevolutionNJ.

Check out our Upcoming Programs!

History & Genealogy Collections

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Our 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 collection of books on subjects that support our collections such as photography, art, architecture, and historic preservation.

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

Digital Archive & Indexes

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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, Plainfield Common Council Minutes, and Police Department Ledgers online for free. Check out our digitized Plainfield Reference collection.

Don’t miss our Recorded Programs via the Library’s YouTube Channel!

Genealogy

Our genealogy collection provides one of the library’s wealthiest resources, concentrating on New Jersey county, state and regional families. Frequently used sources include genealogies of single families and collective biographies, as well as biographical indexes. Reference material covers emigrants and Mayflower descendants, published DAR records, and biographies of New Jersey residents. Searches are also possible by category of persons or by ethnic group. We have an extensive collection of genealogical journals and periodicals, as well as the historical local newspapers. The collection includes coverage of New Jersey, New York, and New England as well as parts of Pennsylvania and Maryland.

Just Getting Started?

Check out First Steps in Family History (video)

Memoir Writing Club

The Memoir Writing Club offers members a comfortable forum for sharing stories of important events, friendships, and family history. Do you have memories that you would like to share? Come join the Plainfield Public Library’s Memoir Writing Club. Before a session, participants write down their memories  – creating a Memoir. During meetings, members share what they’ve written on a topic.  At the end of  each meeting the group chooses an optional topic for the next session, but individual members are free to write about whatever inspires them. The club meets monthly on the second Thursday at 10:30am. View Club Calendar

Publications & Brochures

(Adobe PDF file – download Adobe for viewing. Some may take a few seconds to download.)

Department Brochures
Local History Department
Archives and Preservation
Black History in Plainfield
Diversity Studies
Family History Research
Hispanic Heritage in Plainfield
Historic Districts of Plainfield
Joanne Hollis Gardens
Leland Gardens
Notable Women of Plainfield

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

Online Exhibits

Our online exhibits allow us to showcase local history resources through thematic presentations. Some have been developed specifically for the website, while others document short-term physical exhibits and make them available to future generations. Viewers can appreciate the creativity and scholarship invested in the original exhibit while learning about the range and depth of the Library’s local history collections.

We hope you will enjoy the following exhibits:

Plainfield On the Move
Plainfield Lost But Not Forgotten
Chronicles of Plainfield
Milt Campbell, Plainfield Champion
Bicycling in Plainfield
Building Faith in Plainfield: Exploring the City’s History Through its Houses of Worship
Census 2020

For More Information

• Access to Special Collections Form
• Author Programs Policy
• Condition of Use Form
• Visual Materials
• How to Make a Monetary Donation
• Donation Form for Historical Materials
• Visiting the Library

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; and the New Jersey Council for the Humanities.