Local History Department - Plainfield Public Library

Local History, Genealogy,
& Special Collections

Our Local History Collection, one of 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, we have publications on the American Revolution and the Civil War. Our unique collections include Local Authors and Diversity Studies.

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.

Online Exhibits
Recorded Programs via the Library's YouTube Channel
View the Collections Index for more helpful resources!

Publications
Some publications may take a few seconds to download.

(Adobe PDF file - download Adobe for viewing)

pub

Department Brochures
Archives and Preservation
Black History in Plainfield
Buried Treasures
Diversity Studies
Family History Research
Historic Districts of Plainfield
Joanne Hollis Gardens
Leland Gardens
Local History Department (general)

Notable Women of Plainfield
Volunteering in Local History

Books
A Kid's History of Early Plainfield (FREE, Second Edition)
Lost But Not Forgotten (Available for purchase)

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.

Local History, Genealogy, & Special Collections

Local History, Genealogy,
& Special Collections