New Jersey Resources: Societies, Offices, Libraries, and Archives
New Jersey has a rich, diverse history and its genealogical and historical communities are passionate about preserving and sharing it. The following state and county-level archives, genealogical societies, libraries, and historical societies are wonderful resources for researchers. Each holds many original records, documents, maps, and manuscripts in their collections. (See also an excellent, growing list of New Jersey town resources at www.raogk.org/society-archives/newjersey.)
If you would like to have your organization added to the list, or update an entry, contact societies@gsnj.org
Download a copy of this list (PDF format).
New Jersey State Archives (NJSA)
225 West State Street, 2nd Floor, Trenton, NJ 08608
609-292-6260 | www.nj.gov/state/archives
Searchable Databases + Order Forms:
https://wwwnet-dos.state.nj.us/DOS_ArchivesDBPortal/index.aspx
Genealogical Holdings Overview:
www.nj.gov/state/archives/pdf/GenealogicalRecords.pdf
New Jersey State Library (NJSL)
185 West State Street, Trenton, NJ 08625
609-278-2640 | www.njstatelib.org
New Jersey Resources:
http://www.njstatelib.org/research_library/new_jersey_resources
New Jersey State Library Guide to Genealogical Resources
http://libguides.njstatelib.org/genealogynjsl/NJSL
New Jersey State Library Introduction to Genealogical Resources (Recorded Webinar)
https://www.njstatelib.org/webinar-introduction-to-new-jersey-genealogy-recap/
New Jersey Office of Historic Preservation (NJSHPO)
Includes archives and land maps. Appointment and orientation required.
501 East State St., Station Plaza Building 5, Trenton, NJ 08609
609-984-0176 | www.nj.gov/dep/hpo
The Story of New Jersey’s Civil Boundaries 1606-1968
This book, by John F. Snyder and published by the State of NJ, is indispensable for understanding the evolution of NJ counties and towns. Free PDF download.
New Jersey State Library (Free PDF Download)
http://hdl.handle.net/10929/21587
New Jersey Digital Newspaper Project (NEW!)
A collaboration between Rutgers University Libraries, the New Jersey State Archives, and the New Jersey State Library.
https://libguides.njstatelib.org/digitized-newspapers
Project description at Rutgers and project website:
https://www.libraries.rutgers.edu/news/new-jersey-digital-newspaper-project-selects-three-newspapers-digitization
https://blogs.libraries.rutgers.edu/njdnp/
The Genealogical Society of New Jersey
P.O. Box 1476, Trenton, NJ 08607-1476
gsnj.org | www.njgenealogy.com (Bookstore)
Rutgers University Archives and Special Collections at the Archibald S. Alexander Library
Rutgers’ Special Collections and University Archives is the repository for GSNJ’s Manuscript and Bible Records collections.
169 College Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08901-1163
848-932-7509 | www.libraries.rutgers.edu/scua
New Jersey Historical Society
52 Park Place, Newark, NJ 07102
973-596-8500 | www.jerseyhistory.org
Newark Public Library, Charles F. Cummings New Jersey Information Center
973-733-7784 | www.npl.org | www.npl.org/collections-services/charles-f-cummings-new-jersey-information-center/
Jersey City Free Public Library—New Jersey Room
201-547-4503 | www.jclibrary.org/locations-a-hours/main-library/new-jersey-room
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Family History Library
The Family History Library (FHL) in Salt Lake City Utal is the largest genealogical library in the world. The FHL can be visited in-person or you can access many of the collection online (all are free). The FHL has an ambitious goal to digitize all the microfilm in their holdings, more than 3 million reels, and have them online by 2020. https://www.familysearch.org
But, due to copyright restrictions and privacy, some film, whether on a reel or digitized, may only be access at the FHL or one of the Family History Centers (FHCs), which are located around the world. https://www.familysearch.org/locations/
David Library for the American Revolution | American Philosophical Society Library
105 South 5th Street, Philadelphia 19106
https://www.amphilsoc.org/david-center-american-revolution
The Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society—New Jersey Chapter
www.aahgsnj.org
Catholic Church Records (Closed Parishes Only)
Seton Hall University Archives and Special Collections
(Church administration records, ephemera, and records of closed parishes only.)
www.library.shu.edu/archives
Central Jersey Genealogy Club
www.cjgcnj.com
German Genealogy Group (GGG)
http://germangenealogygroup.com
Italian Genealogical Group (IGG)
http://www.italiangen.org
Italian Genealogy Society of New Jersey
https://www.facebook.com/IGSNJ/
Jewish Historical Society of New Jersey
Archival repository of the Jewish community of Greater MetroWest, encompassing Essex, Morris, Sussex, Union, and portions of Somerset Counties.
www.jhs-nj.org
Jewish Genealogical Society of North Jersey
732-412-7606
www.jgsnj.org
The Jewish Historical Society of Central Jersey
732-249-4894
www.jewishgen.org/jhscj
Reformed Church In America Archives
(Church administration records, ephemera, and records of closed parishes only.)
732-246-1779
https://www.rca.org/rca-basics/archives
The Swedish Colonial Society
www.colonialswedes.net
Ukrainian Historical & Educational Center
732-356-0132
www.ukrhec.org
Atlantic County
Founded 1837; prior to formation, called Egg Harbor Township in Gloucester County.
Bordering Counties:
Burlington County—North
Camden County—Northwest
Cape May County—South
Cumberland County—Southwest
Gloucester County—Northwest
Ocean County—Northeast
COUNTY OFFICES
GENEALOGICAL + HISTORICAL SOCIETIES
Atlantic County Historical Society and Library
609-927-5218
https://www.atlanticcountyhistoricalsocietynj.org
PUBLIC LIBRARIES + OTHER RESOURCES
Atlantic County Library System
https://www.atlanticlibrary.org
Bergen County
Founded, 1683; prior to a judicial district in 1675. One of New Jersey’s four original counties (Bergen, Essex, Middlesex and Monmouth). Later divisions created Passaic (1837) and Hudson (1840) Counties.
Bordering Counties:
Rockland County, NY (portions once part of Bergen County, NJ)—North
Hudson County—South
Essex County—Southwest
Passaic County—Southwest and West
COUNTY OFFICES
www.co.bergen.nj.us
www.bergencountyclerk.org
Bergen County Clerk—Land Record Online (NEW!)
http://www.bergencountyclerk.org/Services/71
GENEALOGICAL + HISTORICAL SOCIETIES
Genealogical Society of Bergen County
https://www.njgsbc.org | contact@njgsbc.org
Bergen County Historical Society, Library, and Archives
201-343-9492
www.bergencountyhistory.org
PUBLIC LIBRARIES + OTHER RESOURCES
Bolger Heritage Center for Genealogy and Local History at the Ridgewood Public Library
201-670-5600 x135
www.ridgewoodlibrary.org/localhistory
www.ridgewoodlibrary.org/local-history-resources
Bergen County Inter-Library System (BCCLS)
Search all Bergen County libraries from one place!
www.bccls.org
Burlington County
Founded, 1694; earliest official records from 1681. One of New Jersey’s four original counties (Bergen, Essex, Middlesex and Monmouth).
Bordering Counties:
Mercer County—North
Monmouth County—Northeast
Ocean County—East
Atlantic County—South
Camden County—Southeast
Philadelphia and Bucks County. PA—West
COUNTY OFFICES
GENEALOGICAL + HISTORICAL SOCIETIES
Burlington County Historical Society
609-386-4773
www.burlingtoncountyhistoricalsociety.org
PUBLIC LIBRARIES + OTHER RESOURCES
Burlington County Library System
https://www.bcls.lib.nj.us
Camden County
Formed 1844, set off from portions of Gloucester County.
Bordering Counties:
Burlington County—Northeast
Atlantic County—Southeast
Gloucester County—Southwest
Philadelphia County, PA—Northwest
COUNTY OFFICES
GENEALOGICAL + HISTORICAL SOCIETIES
Camden County Historical Society and Archives
856-964-3333
www.cchsnj.org
PUBLIC LIBRARIES + OTHER RESOURCES
Camden County Library System
www.camdencountylibrary.org
Cherry Hill Public Library, Genealogy Research Center
856-903-1222
https://chplnj.org/genealogy
Cape May County
Founded 1685.
Bordering Counties:
Atlantic County—North
Cumberland County—Northwest
COUNTY OFFICES
https://capemaycountynj.gov
https://capemaycountynj.gov/195/Archives-of-the-County-Clerk
GENEALOGICAL + HISTORICAL SOCIETIES
Museum of Cape May County and Genealogical Library
609-465-3535 x5
www.cmcmuseum.org
PUBLIC LIBRARIES + OTHER RESOURCES
Cape May County Library
https://cmclibrary.org
Cumberland County
Founded 1748; set off from Salem County.
Bordering Counties:
Gloucester County—North
Atlantic County—Northeast
Cape May County—Southeast
COUNTY OFFICES
GENEALOGICAL + HISTORICAL SOCIETIES
Cumberland County New Jersey GenWeb
www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~njcumber/
Cumberland County Historical Society
856-455-4055
www.cchistsoc.org
The Warren and Reba Lummis Genealogical & Historical Research Library
https://warren-and-reba-lummis-research-library.org
Vineland Historical and Antiquarian Society
856-691-1111
https://www.discovervinelandhistory.org
PUBLIC LIBRARIES + OTHER RESOURCES
Cumberland County Library
www.clueslibs.org
Libraries of Gloucester, Salem, and Cumberland Counties Information Network
http://www.login-libraries.org
Essex County
Founded 1683. One of New Jersey’s four original counties (Bergen, Essex, Middlesex and Monmouth).
Bordering Counties:
Passaic County—North
Bergen County—East
Hudson County—East
Union County—South
Morris County—West
COUNTY OFFICES
Essex County Division of Cultural and Historic Affairs
201-857-5290
www.essexcountyparks.org/cultural
GENEALOGICAL + HISTORICAL SOCIETIES
New Jersey Historical Society
www.jerseyhistory.org
PUBLIC LIBRARIES + OTHER RESOURCES
Newark Public Library, Charles F. Cummings New Jersey Information Center
973-733-7784
www.npl.org
Essex and Passaic Counties Library Consortium
Includes public and academic libraries.
http://www.palsplus.org
List of Essex County Libraries
http://www.everylibrary.com/county/Essex-NJ.html
Newark Archives Project
http://nap.rutgers.edu
Old Newark
http://oldnewark.com
Gloucester County
Founded 1686, with founding of separate courts; officially recognized in 1694. Portions set off to create Atlantic County (1837) and Camden County (1844).
Bordering Counties:
Philadelphia County, PA—North
Camden County—Northeast
Atlantic County—Southeast
Cumberland County—South
Salem County—Southwest
New Castle County, DE—West
Delaware County, PA—Northwest
COUNTY OFFICES
https://www.co.gloucester.nj.us
GENEALOGICAL + HISTORICAL SOCIETIES
Gloucester County Historical Society
856-845-4771
https://www.gchsnj.org
PUBLIC LIBRARIES + OTHER RESOURCES
Gloucester County Library System
https://www.gcls.org
Libraries of Gloucester, Salem, and Cumberland Counties Information Network
http://www.login-libraries.org
Hudson County
Founded 1840 from portions set off from Bergen County.
Bordering Counties:
Bergen County—North
New York County, NY (across Hudson River)—East
Essex County—West
COUNTY OFFICES
GENEALOGICAL + HISTORICAL SOCIETIES
The Hudson County Genealogical and Historical Society
www.hudsoncountynjgenealogy.org
PUBLIC LIBRARIES + OTHER RESOURCES
Jersey City Free Public Library—New Jersey Room
201-547-4503
www.jclibrary.org/locations-a-hours/main-library/new-jersey-room
List of Essex County Libraries
http://www.everylibrary.com/county/Hudson-NJ.html
Hunterdon County
Founded 1714; set off from Burlington County.
Bordering Counties:
Warren County—North
Morris County—Northeast
Somerset County—East
Mercer County—Southeast
Bucks County, PA—West
COUNTY OFFICES
GENEALOGICAL + HISTORICAL SOCIETIES
Hunterdon County, NJ, Genealogy Resources
www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~njhunter/index.htm
Hunterdon County Historical Society
908-782-1091
www.hunterdonhistory.org
Alexandria Historical Society
Alexandria and Holland Townships; Milford and Frenchtown Boroughs
908-996-7071
www.alexandrianj.gov
Califon Historical Society
www.califonhistoricsociety.org
Lambertville Historical Society
609-397-0770
www.lambertvillehistoricalsociety.org
Tewksbury Historical Society
908-832-6734
www.tewksburyhistory.net
PUBLIC LIBRARIES + OTHER RESOURCES
Hunterdon County Library
http://www.hclibrary.us
The Hunterdon Gazette Project
www.usgenwebsites.org/
Hunterdon Republican Newspaper
www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~njhrna
(Note: RootsWeb links may not be back online yet.)
Mercer County
Founded 1838; set off from portions of Burlington County, Hunterdon County. and Middlesex County.
Adjacent Counties:
Somerset County—North
Middlesex County—Northeast
Monmouth County—East
Burlington County—South
Bucks County, PA—West
Hunterdon County—Northwest
COUNTY OFFICES
Mercer County Cultural and Heritage Commission
www.mercercounty.org/departments/culture-and-heritage
GENEALOGICAL + HISTORICAL SOCIETIES
Central Jersey Genealogy Club
www.cjgcnj.com
Historical Society of Princeton
609-921-6748
www.princetonhistory.org
Trenton Historical Society
www.trentonhistory.org
PUBLIC LIBRARIES + OTHER RESOURCES
Trenton Public Library, The Trentoniana Room
120 Academy Street, Trenton, NJ 08608
609-392-7188
www.trentonlib.org
Mercer County Library System
https://www.mcl.org
Middlesex County
Founded 1683. One of New Jersey’s four original counties (Bergen, Essex, Middlesex and Monmouth).
Bordering Counties:
Union County—North
Monmouth County—Southeast
Mercer County—Southwest
Somerset County—Northwest
COUNTY OFFICES
GENEALOGICAL + HISTORICAL SOCIETIES
East Brunswick Historical Society
www.ebhistoricalsociety.webs.com
Sayreville Historical Society
www.sayrevillehistory.org
South River Historical & Preservation Society
www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~njsrhps/
PUBLIC LIBRARIES + OTHER RESOURCES
Middlesex County Library System
https://www.lmxac.org/info/
Monmouth County
Founded 1683. One of New Jersey’s four original counties (Bergen, Essex, Middlesex and Monmouth).
Bordering Counties:
Middlesex County—Northwest
Ocean County—South
Mercer County—West
Burlington County—Southwest
COUNTY OFFICES
Monmouth County Archives
732-308-3771
www.visitmonmouth.com/archives
GENEALOGICAL + HISTORICAL SOCIETIES
Monmouth County Genealogy Society
http://njmcgs.org
Monmouth County Historical Association, Research Library, and Archives
732-462-1466
www.monmouthhistory.org
Matawan Historical Society
http://matawanhistoricalsociety.org
Ocean Grove Historical Society
732-774-1869
https://oceangrovehistory.org
PUBLIC LIBRARIES + OTHER RESOURCES
Monmouth County Library System
https://www.visitmonmouth.com/page.aspx?ID=44
Monmouth County Library
http://www.monmouthcountylib.org
Morris County
Founded 1739; set off from Hunterdon County which was earlier set off from Burlington County.
Bordering Counties:
Sussex County—North
Passaic County—Northeast
Essex County—East
Union County—Southeast
Somerset County—South
Hunterdon County—Southwest
Warren County—West
COUNTY OFFICES
GENEALOGICAL + HISTORICAL SOCIETIES
Morris Area Genealogy Society
https://mags-public.weebly.com
Morris County Historical Society
973-267-4565
www.acornhall.org
PUBLIC LIBRARIES + OTHER RESOURCES
Morristown & Morris Township Public Library and North Jersey Genealogical Library
973-538-6161
www.jfpl.org/NJHistoryHome.cfm
Ocean County
Founded 1850; set off from Monmouth County. In 1891, Ocean annexed portions from Burlington County.
Bordering Counties:
Monmouth County—North
Atlantic County—South
Burlington County—West
COUNTY OFFICES
GENEALOGICAL+ HISTORICAL SOCIETIES
Ocean County Genealogical Society
c/o Ocean County Library 732-349-6200
OCGenSociety@yahoo.com
Genealogy Club of Little Egg Harbor
www.gcleh.org
Ocean County Historical Society
732-341-1880
www.oceancountyhistory.org
PUBLIC LIBRARIES + OTHER RESOURCES
Ocean County Library
732-349-6200
www.theoceancountylibrary.org
Passaic County
Founded 1837; set off from Bergen and Essex Counties.
Bordering Counties:
Orange and Rockland County, NY—North
Bergen County—East
Essex and Morris Counties—South
Sussex County—West
COUNTY OFFICES
GENEALOGICAL+ HISTORICAL SOCIETIES
Passaic County Historical Society, Library, and Archives—Genealogy Club
973-247-0085
https://lambertcastleweb.wordpress.com/genealogy-club/
Passaic County Historical Society and Library
973-247-0085
www.lambertcastle.org
A Guide to the Passaic County Historical Society Library and Archives (PDF; 2005)
PUBLIC LIBRARIES + OTHER RESOURCES
Passaic and Essex Counties Library Consortium
Includes public and academic libraries.
http://www.palsplus.org
Paterson History
www.patersonhistory.com
Salem County
Founded 1694; courts established in 1681.
Bordering Counties:
Gloucester County—Northeast
Cumberland County—Southeast
Kent County, DE—Southwest
New Castle County, DE—West
COUNTY OFFICES
Salem County Archives
856-935-7510 x8394
www.salemcountyclerk.org/archives-room
GENEALOGICAL + HISTORICAL SOCIETIES
Genealogical Society of Salem County
www.gsscnj.org
Salem County Historical Society
856-935-5004
http://salemcountyhistoricalsociety.com
PUBLIC LIBRARIES + OTHER RESOURCES
Salem County Public Libraries
https://visitsalemcountynj.com/things-to-do/libraries/
Libraries of Gloucester, Salem, and Cumberland Counties Information Network
http://www.login-libraries.org
Somerset County
Founded 1688 (first settled in 1681); set off from portions of Middlesex County.
Bordering Counties:
Morris County—North
Union County—East
Middlesex County—Southeast
Mercer County—South
Hunterdon County—West
COUNTY OFFICES
GENEALOGICAL+ HISTORICAL SOCIETIES
Bernards Township Library—Family History Interest Group (FHIG)
www.bernardslibrary.org
Somerset County Historical Society and Library
908-218-1281
https://somersethistorynj.org/home
PUBLIC LIBRARIES + OTHER RESOURCES
Somerset County Library System
https://sclsnj.org
Sussex County
Founded 1753; set off from Morris County.
Adjacent Counties:
Orange County, NY—Northeast (portions originally part of New Jersey)
Passaic County—East
Morris County—East and South
Warren County—Southwest
Monroe County, PA—West
Pike County, PA—Northwest
COUNTY OFFICES
GENEALOGICAL + HISTORICAL SOCIETIES
Sussex County Historical Society (Genealogical Resources)
973-383-6010
http://www.sussexhistory.org
Minisink Valley Historical Society
New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania genealogical resources.
www.minisink.org
PUBLIC LIBRARIES + OTHER RESOURCES
Sussex County Library System
https://sussexcountylibrary.org
Union County
Founded 1857; set off from portions of Essex County.
Adjacent Counties:
Essex County—North
Hudson County—Northeast
Richmond County, NY—East
Middlesex County—South
Somerset County—West
Morris County—Northwest
COUNTY OFFICES
GENEALOGICAL + HISTORICAL SOCIETIES
Genealogical Society of the West Fields
www.gswf.weebly.com
Union County Historical Society
908-245-9010
www.unioncountyhistoricalsocietynj.org
Clark Historical Society
732-340-1571
www.drrobinsonmuseum.org/clarkhistoricalsociety.html
Cranford Historical Society
908-276-0082
http://cranfordhistoricalsociety.org
Westfield Historical Society
www.westfieldhistoricalsociety.org
PUBLIC LIBRARIES + OTHER RESOURCES
Plainfield Public Library Local History, Genealogy, & Special Collections
908-757-1111 x136
www.plainfieldlibrary.info/Departments/LH/LH_main.html
Libraries of Union County Consortium (LUCC)
http://www.luccnj.org
Elizabeth Public Library
908-354-6060
www.elizpl.org
Westfield Memorial Library
908-789-4090
www.wmlnj.org
Warren County
Founded 1824; set off from portions of Sussex County.
Adjacent Counties:
Sussex County—Northeast
Morris County—East
Bucks County, PA—South
Hunterdon County—South
Northampton County, PA—West
Monroe County, PA—Northwest
COUNTY OFFICES
Warren County Cultural and Heritage Commission
www.wcchc.org
GENEALOGICAL + HISTORICAL SOCIETIES
Warren County Historical and Genealogical Society
908-475-4298
http://www.warrencountynjhistorical.org
Delaware and Lehigh Valley Genealogical Club
www.rootsweb.com/~njdlvgc/ (Note: RootsWeb may not be back online yet.)
PUBLIC LIBRARIES + OTHER RESOURCES
Libraries in Warren County
http://www.co.warren.nj.us/All_Library.html
Warren County Public Library
http://www.warrenlib.org
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