New Jersey State Archives

New Jersey State Archives Overview

The New Jersey State Archives is the official repository for public records of enduring historical value generated by the colonial and state governments of New Jersey. Located at 225 West State Street, this facility operates under the Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services and serves as a critical resource for historians, genealogists, and title searchers. The Archives hold over 37,000 cubic feet of paper records and 32,000 reels of microfilm, dating from the founding of the colony in 1664 to the present day.

Collections and Holdings

The Archives preserve a vast array of documents essential for tracing family history and understanding state governance:

• Vital Records: Holds the state’s historical birth, marriage, and death records. Specifically, it houses birth records from 1848 to 1923, marriage records from 1848 to 1940, and death records from 1848 to 1955. (Newer records are held by the Department of Health).
• Wills and Probate: Contains wills and inventories from 1670 to 1952, a primary source for genealogical research.
• Military Records: Includes service records from the Revolutionary War, Civil War, and World War I.
• Land Records: Preserves early deeds, proprietary land records, and maps.

Visiting and Research Protocols

Research at the State Archives is conducted in the Manuscript Reading Room and the Microfilm Reading Room. To ensure the preservation of fragile documents, strict rules are enforced:

• Appointments: Researchers are strongly encouraged to schedule an appointment in advance to guarantee a seat, as space is limited.
• Prohibited Items: Pens, markers, bags, coats, and briefcases are not permitted in the research areas. Lockers are provided for personal belongings. Only pencils and loose paper or laptop computers (without cases) are allowed at the tables.
• Identification: A valid government-issued photo ID is required to register as a researcher.

Services and Fees

The Archives provide reference services by mail for a fee, including searches for vital records and naturalization papers. On-site researchers can use self-service microfilm scanners and request photocopies of original documents. While admission to the facility is free, there are standard statutory fees for certifying documents and copying records.