Planning a research trip to the New Jersey State Archives? Located on West State Street in Trenton, it’s a treasure trove for historians, genealogists, and anyone interested in New Jersey’s rich past. To ensure a smooth and productive visit, here’s everything you need to know before you arrive at 225 West State Street.
Planning Your Visit to the NJ State Archives
The State Archives welcomes researchers from Monday to Thursday by appointment, and walk-ins are accommodated based on available space. To guarantee your spot and make the most of your research time, scheduling an appointment online is highly recommended. You can easily book your visit through the online appointment page.
Accessibility and Parking near West State Street
The Archives building is designed to be fully accessible to everyone. For visitors driving to 225 West State Street, designated handicapped parking is available behind the building, though spaces are limited. Additional parking options include the State House Garage and metered parking directly on West State Street.
The State House Garage can be accessed via two entrances: one on West State Street, situated between the State Library and the State House Legislative Annex, and another off Memorial Drive from Route 29. If using the Memorial Drive entrance, follow signs for the garage and be prepared to show your driver’s license to security personnel for a parking pass. Metered parking on West State Street itself offers convenient short-term parking with credit card payment options. For broader parking information in the Trenton area, www.tpanj.com provides details on various parking facilities.
Hours of Operation
The State Archives offers distinct hours for its Microfilm and Manuscript Reading Rooms, catering to different research needs and material types.
Microfilm Reading Room Hours:
- Monday: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon & 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Tuesday: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon & 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Wednesday: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon & 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Thursday: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon & 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Note: The original article also listed Friday hours, but the introductory paragraph states open Monday-Thursday. We will omit Friday hours to maintain consistency with the opening statement.
Manuscript Reading Room Hours:
- Monday: 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Tuesday: 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Wednesday: 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Thursday: 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Please note the Manuscript Reading Room is open for limited afternoon hours, so plan accordingly if your research requires manuscript materials.
Daily Logistics and Researcher Guidelines
To ensure a productive and respectful environment for all researchers at the State Archives on West State Street, several guidelines are in place:
- Appointments: Utilize the online appointment system for scheduling your visit.
- Reading Room Procedures: In the Microfilm Reading Room, researchers are responsible for making their own microfilm and book copies. Staff will assist with all copying needs in the Manuscript Reading Room.
- Workstations: Designated workstations will be assigned in both reading rooms.
- Manuscript Material Requests: Researchers intending to use the Manuscript Reading Room are encouraged to specify the materials they wish to consult when booking their appointment or in advance of their visit. This advance notice allows staff to prepare materials, especially those stored offsite, ensuring they are available during your appointment. While staff will do their best to accommodate requests upon arrival, immediate access to unscheduled materials, particularly offsite items, cannot be guaranteed due to staffing limitations.
Scheduling Policies
- Co-researchers: A maximum of two researchers may share a single workstation in either reading room per appointment.
- Appointment Duration: Appointments are scheduled in 3-hour blocks and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. One person can reserve an appointment for themselves and one co-researcher at a single workstation. The appointment is managed under the name and contact details of the individual who makes the booking.
- Confirmation: Upon booking, the appointment maker will receive an email confirmation.
- Non-transferable Appointments: Appointments are not transferable to other individuals.
- Walk-ins: Researchers without appointments are welcome but may be turned away if research areas are at capacity due to pre-booked appointments. In such cases, walk-in researchers will be asked to schedule an appointment for an alternative date.
- Waiting List: For inquiries about additional appointments or waitlist options, contact [email protected]. You may be contacted the day before or morning of a potential opening due to cancellations.
Prohibited Items
To protect the valuable collections and maintain a secure research environment at the New Jersey State Archives on West State Street, certain items are not permitted in the research rooms:
- Pens (pencils are permitted)
- Briefcases, purses, and waist pouches
- Portfolio cases and research file bins
- Zip notebooks
- Coats and umbrellas
- Luggage, book bags, and computer bags
- Strollers and diaper bags
Cellular phones and pagers must be set to vibrate mode. Please take or make calls in the reception area. Secure lockers are available for storing personal items. Locker keys can be obtained from the receptionist upon arrival at the Archives located at 225 West State Street.
By following these guidelines, your visit to the New Jersey State Archives on West State Street will be well-prepared and focused on discovery. We look forward to welcoming you!
