The Caroline Rose Foster North Jersey History & Genealogy Center acquires, preserves, and promotes historical material generated by local individuals, organizations, and businesses. The collections are available to visitors in the Reading Room, through our digital collections, and are also utilized in exhibitions and responding to remote queries. We host speakers on topics related to local history, in addition to offering programs ranging from genealogy tips to preservation of records and photographs.
Requesting Research Services
We recognize that not everyone can conduct an in-person visit, thus we offer limited remote research services for a fee. Complete the Request for Research Services form online or print and mail the completed PDF form to us. Due to the volume of requests, please allow two to four weeks for a response.
Planning Your Visit
Collection guides are available in our online catalog and archival finding aids. Our current hours are listed here and updates concerning Library operations (such as emergency closures) are on the main website. To schedule an appointment and request items to consult during your visit, contact us at the phone number or email listed below.
Upon arriving at the Library, take the stairs or elevator down one level. All visitors are required to complete a researcher registration form and agree to abide by the rules for using the special collections materials.
Notes may be taken with electronic devices or pencil and paper, and we ask that you limit what you bring into the reading room. No pens, food, beverages, large bags, or tobacco and vape products are allowed in the History Center.
The History and Genealogy Center holds an exceptional collection of material documenting New Jersey and early American history, including maps, historical newspapers, photographs and postcards, original manuscript and archival material, rare books, fine art, and prints.
We hold one of the finest collection of genealogical resources in New Jersey, including family histories, church and burial records, published birth and death notices, state and federal census records, oral histories, as well as access to numerous genealogical databases in our Reading Room.
Research materials also consist of over 60,000 books; several thousand maps of local municipalities, counties, and states; and over 1,000 linear feet of archival material comprising family and business papers, property records, and church and charitable association records. Of general interest are a large collection of images depicting Morristown and Morris Township events and some surrounding municipalities, an extensive collection of Morris County newspapers dating to the late-18th century, New Jersey State Census schedules, rare books dating back to the 15th century, and resources on historic preservation and the conservation of books, manuscripts, and fine arts.
A significant portion of our publications cover New Jersey history and that of the original thirteen colonies. Also included in our holdings are significant collections of original artwork by Thomas Nast, A.B. Frost, and Lucille Hobbie, as well as landscape design drawings from Brinley & Holbrook, Ethelbert Furlong, and Joan Shapiro Greentree.
Parking and Accommodations
The Morristown and Morris Township Library is located in the center of Morristown’s business and cultural district. In addition to a limited number of free parking spaces in the Library lot, there are metered spots along Miller and South Street that accept credit cards, coins, and pay-by-app. Long term lots are available across the street in the Vail Parking Deck which includes both kiosk and pay-by-app options, and at these garages within walking distance of the Library.
South Street is home to many of Morristown’s restaurants, coffee shops, and pubs. The three hotels closest to the Library are the Hyatt Regency Morristown, Westin Governor Morris, and Best Western Plus Morristown Inn.
Reading room rules
The reading room is set aside for those using the Library’s special collections and genealogical sources, which do not circulate. Visitors must register at the desk and agree to abide by the rules for using the reading room. Call slips are required to request materials, which must be returned to the designated carts.
Researchers may only take notes with pencil and paper or electronic devices, and public WiFi is available. All items must be handled with care and kept in their original order. Staff will direct researchers in the proper handling of items, including the use of book cradles and weights.
Microfilm readers and computers are equipped with printers (for a fee of $0.10 per page), and in most cases are able to e-mail or save copies to a flash drive. Scans, photocopies, and digital photographs are allowed under staff supervision. Visitors must leave the room to make or receive phone calls.
Only notetaking material is permitted on the tables. Staff may limit what can be brought into the reading room to protect the collections, and personal property is subject to search prior to leaving. The History and Genealogy Center is open during normal Library hours.
To submit a Request for Research Services please fill out the online form or print and mail the completed PDF form to us.
For general questions or to make an appointment, call us at 973-538-3473, or email njhgc@mmtlibrary.org.
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