Whether you're tracing your family roots or researching a historic figure, EPL's genealogy collections give you access to microfilm, digital databases, physical reference materials, and curated external resources to support your research.
Search Our Online CatalogGenealogy Reference Collection titles begin with GR. Elizabethtown Reading Room titles begin with NJR.
EPL houses a selection of genealogical reference books including the American Genealogical Biographical Index, Lineage Book: Daughters of the American Revolution, Colonial Families of the United States of America, and more. General genealogical resources are located outside the Elizabethtown Reading Room and are accessible during all Main Library hours. Genealogies of specific families and the Genealogy Vertical File are stored within the Reading Room — available during open hours or by appointment.
Our Genealogy Vertical File is comprised of obituaries, biographies, and articles about individuals researched by library staff throughout the years. For copies of materials, contact the Elizabethtown Reading Room.
View Vertical File IndexGenealogies of specific families and the Genealogy Vertical File are stored within the Elizabethtown Reading Room on the third floor of our Main Library. Access is available during open hours or by appointment.
Call us at (908) 354-6060 x7220 or email elizlocalhistory@gmail.com
The following microfilm materials are available during all Main Branch open hours — no appointment needed. Please ask staff for assistance.
Newspapers
Census Records
- NJ State Census 1855–1915
- US Census of New Jersey 1830–1910
City Directories
- Elizabeth City Directory 1865–1971
Find residents complete with addresses, places of employment, and occasional dates of death. Also includes surrounding towns of Roselle Park, Linden, Hillside, and Roselle.
A fully searchable index covering 1915–1991. For obituary searches, please note that only prominent figures are listed. Funded in part by the NJ Historical Commission and Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs.
