Local History, Genealogy & Special Collections

The Plainfield Room is open for historical and genealogical research. Our hours are Monday-Friday, 9am to 4:45pm and Tuesdays from 9am to 7pm. Please contact us to schedule an appoinment. The Memoir Writing Club meets on February 9th; the writing topic is, "the time you brought home from school the worst cold in the world, and passed it to your entire family."

Currently on display in the Anne Louise Davis Gallery is, "A Photographic Journey through Union County History" with photography by Nancy J. Ori. If you missed her virtual program, you can watch the recording on our YouTube channel.

Celebrate Black History Month with Us!

On exhibit in the Reading Room this month is a small display about African American Freemasons.

Saturday Morning History Chat

Matthew Henson: “A Negro Explorer at the North Pole”

Saturday, February 4, 2023
10:30am via Zoom
Portrayed by Keith Henley, American Historical Theatre
Register: https://tinyurl.com/PPLHist2302

Receiving many honors posthumously, Matthew Henson was much overlooked throughout his entire career as an explorer. Though he traveled throughout the northern hemisphere and is acknowledged the first man to reach the North Pole, his accomplishments were overshadowed by his colleague, Commander Robert Peary. 

Henson faced and overcame many of the limitations and struggles inherent for African Americans at the time. Orphaned at a young age, Henson worked hard to earn his way from being employed as a dishwasher, to a position as a Cabin boy, and eventually, he became a skilled navigator, and explorer.

Reflecting back, he wrote two books about his experiences, “A Negro Explorer at the North Pole” and “Dark Companion”. The story of Matthew Henson’s fascinating life encourages one to believe in oneself despite the odds, and to rise above the limited expectations of others to reach any goal.

Plainfield Author Talk & Book Chat - come and support a local author!

Crystal D. Reynolds, “Sammie’s War”

Saturday, February 18, 2023
12:30pm in the ALD Room (lower level)
This is an on-site program

Plainfield Author Cris Reynolds will hold a book signing and discussion on her debut novel. Sammie's War (WestBow Press, 2021) depicts an African-American enlisted soldier’s battle on two fronts during the First World War. The main character, Sammie Lee Henderson begins his “combat duty” as a somewhat naïve but confident, intelligent young man, determined to use his talents in the war effort. Immediately after arriving on base, he must defend himself in the United States against a murder charge and systemic racism, before boarding a troop ship to defend our country overseas. Unlike his Caucasian counterparts, Sam’s fight against the Germans was his second battle. He finds true love before heading off to Europe, but returns changed not only due to combat, but the oppression in his native land. The pain and anger take their toll on the young Private. He never talks about the first battle again, leaving it for his wife Bessie to reveal almost 50 years later, and then only upon his death.

Author Cris Reynolds is a 20-plus year breast cancer survivor, graduate of Rutgers College New Brunswick, and member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Mrs. Reynolds is also a singer. She is a former Assistant Contract Consultant for two major insurance carriers and a national writing contest winner, who has been previously published by SEEK, Living, and MORE.com magazines.

SAVE THE DATES: Celebrate Women’s History Month With Us!
March 4th 11:30AM in the ALD Room – Women in Union County History / Presented by photographer, Nancy J. Ori.

March 18th 10:30AM via Zoom - Female Pirates of the 18th Century / Presented by Alisa Dupuy