New Jersey State Archives

03/12/2026

New Jersey has had three state constitutions. Learn more about the first, ratified July 2, 1776 during the Revolutionary War.

03/10/2026

Next Wednesday at 12:30, archivists Vivian Thiele and Kate Gulick-Tuers will be giving a presentation at the Elizabeth Public Library. They’ll highlight the many resources available at the State Archives that can help answer genealogical questions, with a special focus on researching African American ancestry prior to the Civil War.

https://elizpl.events.mylibrary.digital/event?id=281916

03/05/2026

We are so thrilled with this new resource, and hope you'll check it out!

In our 250 years, New Jersey created three constitutions. Learn more about our state history through the constitutional eras.

03/03/2026

We are saddened to hear about the passing of John W. Kuhl. He was a great supporter of the New Jersey State Archives and we are so grateful for his generous donation and passion for history. You can find his collection on our website here: https://wwwdnet-dos.nj.gov/DOS_ArchivesDBPortal/NJSArchivesCatalogDetail.aspx?SeriesNo=PKUHL001

View John W. Kuhl's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/02/2026

This month’s new mini exhibit in the Manuscript Reading Room is all about women during the Revolutionary War. Loyalists, patriots, or pacifists, the proximity of the War directly impacted the lives of New Jersey women.

Check it out on your next visit!

02/26/2026

We've been working hard, and now 1954 marriages are available on microfilm!

These are available for in-person research only. For mailed and certified copies of post-1950 marriages, you still need to go through the Department of Health.

Click the link to schedule your Microfilm Room Appointment!
https://bit.ly/njsaappointments

02/23/2026

The Governor has directed that all State offices will have a 2-hour delay tomorrow (Tuesday, February 24). The Archives will open at 11am.

02/22/2026

The Governor has directed that all State offices will be closed on Monday, February 23, 2026, due to inclement weather conditions. [SDENG010]

02/19/2026

In addition to the Essex County Manumissions of Slaves Book, we’re excited to announce that we can now offer expanded access to the Essex County Birth Certificates of Children of Slaves Book, 1804-1843. This book contains copies of birth certificates filed by Essex County enslavers with the County Clerk after the passing of the 1804 law "An act for the Gradual Abolition of Slavery." The law pronounced every child born to an enslaved mother after July 4, 1804 to be 'free' at birth, but bound as a servant to the owner of their mother until the age of 25 for males and 21 for females. It is now viewable, in its entirety, on our website. This book provides valuable genealogical and historical context for the lives of enslaved people in Essex County. [CESCL002]

https://wwwdnet-dos.nj.gov/DOS_ArchivesDBPortal/NJSArchivesCatalogDetail.aspx?SeriesNo=CESCL002

02/16/2026

While the State Archives is closed for Presidents Day today, we thought it would be nice to share a 1796 resolution of the Assembly congratulating President George Washington on his pivot from public to private life [SEDSL006].

02/12/2026

As part of a New Jersey Studies Academic Alliance (NJSAA) series, archivist Kate Gulick-Tuers will present a talk about State Archives material from the Revolutionary War. Hope to see you at Flounder Brewing in Hillsborough, Sunday, February 22, at 2pm.