COLLECTIONS
View Collections Index
 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
Digital Archive & Indexes
Search Image Collections
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's early newspapers 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(towards) Historical document or ledger repair and conservation |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 is supported, in part, by funding from the New Jersey Historical Commission, a division of the Department of State; the Union County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs; the unio 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)
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VIRTUAL PROGRAMS
Saturday Morning History Chat
Surviving the Winters: Housing Washington’s Army During the American Revolution
Saturday, May 8, 2021 at 10:30am via Zoom
Presented by Steven Elliott, Ph.D., historian & author
Co-hosted with the Historical Society of Plainfield /
Drake House Museum
This is a FREE program
REGISTER HERE
During the American Revolution, Patriot soldiers began the war with inadequate housing for operations in the field as well as winter quarters. Their health and morale suffered accordingly. In this talk, Steven Elliott examines 18th-century military housing practices, refinements in military camp administration, and how army officers sought and obtained lodging for themselves and their men. Decisions regarding military shelters greatly affected strategy, logistics, and social relationships within the army and the civilian populations they encountered.
Elliott’s book, Surviving the Winters: Housing George Washington’s Army and the American Revolution (University of Oklahoma Press) was released in March 2021.
There will be ample time for Q&A following the presentation.
This history program is supported, in part, by a 2021 History, Education, Arts Reaching Thousands (HEART) Grant from the Union County Board of Commissioners.
UPCOMING PROGRAMS
2021 Program Calendar
Library Genealogy Club - May 1
Memoir Writing Club - May 12
COVID-19 ARCHIVE
ARCHIVO COVID-19
Share Your Experience With Us
Comparte tu experiencia con nosotros
Artwork by Diego Licht
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Do you live, work, or go to school in Plainfield?
Please contribute to the Library's COVID-19 Archive by helping us document life during the COVID-19 pandemic. |
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 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
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