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.

ALL PROGRAMS HAVE BEEN CANCELED
UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.

Collections
View Collections Index

collections 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

Publications
Some publications may take a few seconds to download.

*(Adobe PDF file - download Adobe for viewing)

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Department Brochures*
Archives and Preservation
Black History in Plainfield
Buried Treasures
Diversity Studies
Family History Research
Historic Districts of Plainfield
Local History Department
Notable Women of Plainfield
Volunteering in Local History

Books*
A Kid's History of Early Plainfield (Second Edition)
Lost But Not Forgotten (soft cover)

In Appreciation

The Local History Department is supported by funding from the New Jersey Historical Commission, a division of the Department of State;
the Union County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs; the Plainfield Foundation;
the Plainfield Cultural & Heritage Commission; the New Jersey Council for the Humanities; and the Friends of the Plainfield Public Library (FOPPL).

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

Local History, Genealogy, & Special Collections

ALL PROGRAMS HAVE BEEN CANCELED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.

Local History, Genealogy,
& Special Collections

ALL PROGRAMS HAVE BEEN CANCELED
UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.