
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(towards) Historical document or ledger repair and conservation |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.