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. Collection items do not circulate and may only be viewed in the Plainfield Room
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.
Publications
Some publications may take a few seconds to download.
(Adobe PDF file - download Adobe for viewing)
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(towards) Historical document or ledger repair and conservation |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 |
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)
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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UPCOMING PROGRAMS
The Real Housewives of New Jersey: Early American Women and Their Kitchen Gardens
Saturday, April 13, 2024
10:30am via Zoom
Learn more & register
Kitchen gardens in the 1700's fed, healed, and clothed Early American families. The 18th century "huswife" skill set included "physicke, cookery, distillation, perfumery, the making of wool, hemp, flax, dayries, brewing, baking," and, of course - gardening. Growing plants both Native American and from their European homelands, these women turned their soup pots into the "melting pot" that is America and exemplified all the best qualities of plantswomen and patriots.
Co-hosted by the Historical Society of Plainfield / Drake House Museum and Plainfield Public Library
2024 Program Calendar
Recorded Past Programs
Memoir Writing Club
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") |
Blueprints on USB |
$25 per USB |
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. Contact the Local History Department at 908-757-1111 x136 for more information.
For More Information
1894 Map of Plainfield by F. A. Dunham
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