Plainfield Public Library Announces Tri-County History Fair

Tri-County History Fair: Middlesex, Somerset, and Union Counties

Saturday, October 22, 2016, from 10 am to 4 pm

The Plainfield Public Library is excited to announce the Tri-County History Fair for Middlesex, Union, and Somerset Counties.  Join colleagues, friends, and neighbors for a fun day of historical discovery, resource sharing, raffles, and more.  On Saturday, October 22^nd from 10 am to 4 pm, over 20 local history organizations, museums, and libraries will be exhibiting and promoting their historical collections on the library’s lower level around the area fountain.  There will be two exhibits on display at this time: Contemporary Photographs of Plainfield Veterans by Plainfielder Brian Price and Plainfield in Pictures– a selection of images from the library’s historical photograph collections.

Two notable authors will present lectures: at 10:30 am Joe Grabas will speak about historical property ownership, and at 2:15 pm, Richard Veit will discuss gravestones and markers. Both programs will focus on the tri-county area.  In addition, between lectures, there will be a free “Antiques Roadshow” style antique appraisal session provided by Winterhill Antiques of Scotch Plains.  Spaces are limited for the appraisal session, so pre-registration is required by October 14^th.

Throughout the day, raffles will be drawn including two grand prizes of AncestryDNA testing kits ($100 value each). Upon entry, each attendee will receive one free raffle ticket.  The grand prizes are sponsored by Innovative Document Imaging (IDI) of East Brunswick. Visit the IDI table in room 4 to learn about your family’s digital preservation options.

All activities will be indoors on the library’s lower level and are free to the public.  The library is an ADA-accessible facility. Contact the Local History Department for details and to register for the antiques appraisal program, which will be limited to 20 registrants with two items per person.  Appraisals completed as time permits.

Confirmed exhibitors include the Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society – NJ Chapter, Arcadia Publishing (notable authors), D&R Canal Watch,  Elizabeth Public Library Local History & Special Collections, Genealogical Society of New Jersey, Genealogical Society of the West Fields, Green Brook Historical Society, Heritage Trail, Historical Society of Plainfield / Drake House Museum, History Press (notable authors), League of Historical Societies, Merchants and Drovers Tavern Museum, Miller-Cory House Museum, Morristown / Morris Township Library, New Brunswick Free Public Library, Plainfield Historic Preservation Commission, Plainfield Public Library Local History, Genealogy & Special Collections, Somerset County Historical Society, South Plainfield Historical Society, Union Township Historical Society / Caldwell Parsonage, the Van Wyck Brooks Historical District of Plainfield, and more!

The Local History Department is supported by funding from the Friends of Plainfield Public Library; the New Jersey Historical Commission, a division of the Department of State; The Plainfield Foundation; and the Plainfield Cultural & Heritage Commission.

Plainfield Public Library is located at 800 Park Avenue in Plainfield.  For hours of operation, call 908-757-1111 or check the website at plainfieldlibrary.info.