Plainfield Public Library's 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 to Plainfield and the surrounding communities. In addition to County and State histories, we also have publications on the American Revolution and the Civil War. Our unique collections include Local Authors and Diversity Studies. We're open weekdays from 9 AM to 5 PM. We hope to see you soon! |
Upcoming Genealogy Classes
Family history research classes will be offered on Thursday afternoons, from 2:30 to 4:00 PM, in the library’s Job Assistance Computer Center on the main floor of the building. Advance registration is requested.
Investigating Newspapers Online for Your Family History
February 20, 2014 from 2:30 to 4:00 PM
A survey of the free online sources for historic newspapers.
Finding and Using Books Online for Your Family History
March 20, 2014 from 2:30 to 4:00 PM
An introduction to the free online history and genealogy books useful to researchers.
Keeping Up with
FamilySearch.org Changes
April 17, 2014 from 2:30 to 4:00 PM
An update to some of the latest developments on this valuable genealogy website.
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New Publications Available
A number of new publications are now available for research. These books are part of the non-circulating collection, but patrons may view them in the comfort of the Plainfield Room.
Diversity Studies Collection
All Men Free and Brethren: essays on the history of African American Freemasonry edited by Peter P. Hinks and Stephen Kantrowitz; Cornell University Press, 2013.
Genealogy Collection
Engaging the Next Generation: A Guide for Genealogy Societies and Libraries by Jennifer Holk; Generations, 2012.
Finding your father's war : a practical guide to researching and understanding service in the World War II US Army by Jonathan Gawne; Casemate, 2013.
New Jersey Reference Collection
A Mighty Architectural Shout : the evolution of religious architecture in Essex County, New Jersey 1743-1900 by Frank L. Greenagel; Wooden Nail Press, 2013.
New Brunswick and the Civil War : the Brunswick boys in the Great Rebellion by Joanne Rajoppi; History Press, 2013.
Plainfield Reference Collection
"Dame Durden's" cook book. First Baptist Church (Plainfield, N.J.); Young Ladies' Missionary Society, 1890.
Rails across central New Jersey by Benjamin L. Bernhart; Outer Station Project, 2010.
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Black History Month Lecture
Finding Out More About Your Genealogy
Through DNA Testing
Learn how to uncover your ethnic origins
Saturday, February 15th
10:00 am to Noon in ALD Gallery
Teresa Vega, a member of both the New York and New Jersey Chapters of the Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society, will be speaking about DNA testing and genealogy research. Ms. Vega has a background in cultural anthropology and is the author of a genealogy blog.
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Two Highlights in Local History
Historical Plainfield High School Scrapbook, 1870-1888.
This beautiful old scrapbook documents the early years of PHS through a variety of rare ephemera. Viewing appointment required.
Image:
1872 Commencement Program
Home News Tribune Archive, 1953-2002.
This collection includes photographs and negatives, news clippings, and obituaries from the offices of the
Home News Tribune newspaper donated to Plainfield Public Library when the newspaper closed its East Brunswick offices. The collection is temporarily closed for processing.
Local residents donate a variety of materials to the Library's local history collection. Items include historical photographs, postcards and letters, journals, artifacts, textiles, and scrapbooks. Other materials include the records of local businesses, clubs, and organizations. If you have papers or photographs that record part of Plainfield's history, please let us know. Donations are always appreciated.
Generous Grant Funding
The Local History Department receives funding through a number of generous sources including The Friends of Plainfield Public Library; New Jersey Historical Commission, a division of the Department of State; Union County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs; Plainfield Cultural and Heritage Commission; and The Plainfield Foundation.
Without their assistance, we would not be able to continue work on these important archival projects:
Charles H. Detwiller, Jr. Architectural Drawings Collection, 1877-2004 Processing line drawings and blueprints for preservation microfilming and digitization.
The Courier News Archive
Processing and digitizing film negatives.
The Paul R. Collier Photograph Collection
Printing 8" x 10" nitrate negatives for archival preservation and public access.
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Plainfield Public Library
800 Park Avenue
Plainfield , NJ 07060 |
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Other Library News
Computer Classes
Click for Details
Internet Basics: Feb. 14
Email Basics: Feb. 21
Children's Library
Calendar of Events
Make A Difference!
During the month of February, the Children's Library will be donating funds from our crocodile bank to sponsor an animal through Heifer International.
Stop by the library and cast your vote for one of three animals.
Click here for more details!
Sidney Poitier Festival Continues
Click for Details
Uptown Saturday Night
February 12th, 6:30 PM
A Patch of Blue
March 12th, 6:30 PM
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Dedicated Volunteers
The Local History Department relies on a number of highly dedicated volunteers, who assist with a variety of interesting and important projects including:
If you are interested in becoming a Local History volunteer,
please contact us today!
Local History, Genealogy &
Special Collections
(908) 757-1111 Ext. 136
Visit the Department's Webpage
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