Local History, Genealogy,
& Special Collections

Our Local History Collection, 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, the library also has significant publications on the American Revolution and the Civil War.

Local History Info

Collections
View Collections Index

collections 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 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!

The Local History, Genealogy and Special Collections
are held in closed stacks.

Publications
Some publications make take a few seconds to download.

Library Newsletter - Local History Special Edition

pub

2010 Annual Report
Archives and Preservation
Buried Treasures
Diversity Studies
Family Records
Historic Districts of Plainfield
Kids History of Plainfield
Local History Research
Lost But Not Forgotten
Plainfield History Collection Catalog
Volunteering in Local History

(Adobe PDF file - download Adobe)

What's New!

Julio Ortiz Artwork Online Exhibit
Enter 2013 Photography
Competition

Upcoming Event:
The Emancipation Proclamation and New Jersey

Researching A Plainfield Home
Historical Plainfield Scrapbooks
Local Records Index & Transcription
(new indexes added in May 2013)
Recent Accessions
Courier News Obituary Index
Digitization of Historical Newspapers
New Jersey State Census records

Digital Archive
Search Image Collections

DigiArch

Our digital image collections are constantly growing, and are composed of over 55,000 photographs, postcards, and blueprints. All of these records are viewable online. In addition, patrons can access Plainfield's historical city directories and the Plainfield Daily Press newspaper from library computers. Some of our special digital projects include:

For More Information

Access to Special Collections
Reproduction Fee & Use Forms for Photos & Postcards and Blueprints
Research Request Form
How to Make a Donation
Become a Volunteer