Jersey City Free Public Library: New Jersey Room – Jersey City, NJ

The New Jersey Room

The New Jersey Room, located on the third floor of the Priscilla Gardner Main Library, serves as the primary local history archive for Jersey City and Hudson County. Established as a dedicated department in 1964, this special collection merges the holdings of the former Hudson County Historical Society with the library’s own extensive archives. It is a vital resource for genealogists, historians, and students seeking to explore the region’s diverse past, offering a quiet and research-focused environment distinct from the bustling circulation areas of the main library.

Historical Collections

The room houses over 20,000 volumes, including rare books and government documents. Key resources include a complete run of Jersey City and Hoboken city directories dating back to 1849, which are essential for tracing family and business histories. The collection also features an impressive archive of over 13,000 historical photographs, offering a visual timeline of the city’s development from a waterfront rail hub to a modern urban center. Researchers can also access extensive map collections, including Sanborn fire insurance maps that detail building-by-building changes over the decades.

Genealogy and Microfilm

For those tracing their roots, the New Jersey Room offers access to microfilm archives of local newspapers such as the Jersey Journal and the historic Jersey City Herald. The department maintains a unique obituary index and has digitized many high school yearbooks, making it a starting point for anyone building a family tree with local connections. The knowledgeable staff provide guidance on navigating these records and can assist with locating vital statistics and property deeds.

Access and Preservation

As a preservation-focused department, the New Jersey Room has specific handling guidelines to protect fragile materials. While the collection is open to the public during library hours, certain rare items may require staff supervision. The room also actively collects new materials, accepting donations of historical significance from the community to ensure that Jersey City’s ongoing story is preserved for future generations.