Caldwell Public Library Local History Collection, Neighbor

The Caldwell Public Library Local History Collection contains photographs, maps, books and other materials that focus on the history of the Caldwells.

The collection is comprised of several sub-groups of materials that have been donated to the Library by generous local families and organizations such as the family of Gene and Kathryn Collerd (Collerd Collection) The Caldwell Volunteer Fire Dept. (Caldwell Fire Dept. Collection).

The collection is in its early stages of being organized and scanned for use online, through the volunteer efforts of a very few dedicated enthusiasts and the staff of the Library. The Collection will be made available to the general public as the materials are scanned and available at the Library website (caldwellpl.org/).

At this time the collection is open only to researchers on a limited basis, due to the fragile nature of the materials. Please fill out an application.

If you are interested in getting involved in this effort please contact the Caldwell Public Library .

The purpose of the local history room housed at the Caldwell Public Library is to:

·        Collect documentary materials relevant to the history of the Caldwells and what used to be the Horseneck area of Essex County to be used for research, education and exhibition

·        Develop a list of community resources (including but not limited to, area churches, the Grover Cleveland Birthplace and the West Caldwell Historical Association) so as to share information regarding the holdings of all area institutions.

        Actively solicit relevant contributions to the local history room.  Organize, preserve, and maintain materials for maximum accessibility.

At the present time, the local history room of the Caldwell Public Library contains a variety of library and archival materials, including books, pamphlets, maps, artifacts and microfilm of the local newspaper The Caldwell Progress.  Most of the items are related directly to the history of the Caldwells. 

Visitors to the local history room must comply with all Library rules, written or otherwise.  Local history room materials do not circulate and researchers are supervised at all times.  To access materials in the local history room, including microfilms, patrons must make an appointment.  Unprocessed materials are not available for research.  Undirected/casual surveys of local history room materials are not permitted.