Library Collections

Uncover your family stories and local history at the Atlantic County Historical Society’s extensive library.

Over time, this rich community resource has grown to become the premier repository of historical and genealogical documents relating to Atlantic County residents, businesses, institutions, and governments. Some original manuscripts date to the late 1600s.

Library research collections include thousands of personal and business papers and other documents. Manuscript collections, maps, family bibles, deeds, wills, diaries, letters, ships’ logs, account books, school rolls, church records, cemetery records, marriage, and obituary notices are among the varied resources available to researchers. There are also local census records – some indexed and others on microfilm. Bound local newspapers cover the periods of 1859-1868 and 1905-1955, with single issues dating to the 1700s.

The library shelves contain almost 7000 volumes. The majority pertain to local and regional historical facts (people and places). There is also a large collection of ephemera (brochures, clippings, etc.), as well as city directories and books on antiques.

The postcard and greeting card collection is representative of all eras and features some of the earliest published. The extensive image collection contains more than 25,000 historic photographs of all formats. 

The library research room is open Thursday to Saturday from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Be sure to check the calendar for any holiday or special event closings. 

The library is open to the public. There is a $5.00 daily fee for those who are not members of the Society.

Visitors may access both ancestry.com and newspapers.com from the library.

Our volunteers will gladly help you locate materials from our collections for your research.