Local History Digital Collections

The Woodbridge Library has a special collection of local history materials, photographs and limited genealogical information. Access to this collection is by appointment only. To make an appointment or to make local history inquiries, contact Wendi Rottweiler via email or at 732-634-4450, ext. 7125. AncestryPlus is available at the Main and branch libraries.

The Independent HourOnline Newspaper Archive

Access nearly 100 years of Woodbridge history through our online newspaper archive. Search the digital images using OCR technology (search results will vary depending on image quality) or browse through a chronological listing of Woodbridge's historic newspapers. For additional assistance, please contact the Reference desk via email or at 732-634-4450, ext. 7121.

Words of Woodbridge Oral History Project

Listen to and search transcripts of the memories of Woodbridge Seniors as they recall their childhoods and changes they witnessed in the Township over the 20th century. Long interested in history education and local history preservation, Councilwoman Brenda Velasco conceived of and has carried out a monumental project to capture the memories of many of the Township's oldest residents.

The Woodbridge Township Oral History archive is made up of two collections; oral histories collection by Councilwoman Brenda Velasco from 2008 through the present and interviews conducted by CETA volunteers in the 1970s.

Councilwoman Velasco, on the Oral History Project...

I wanted to capture this snapshot of history. No textbook adequately could describe the wrenching changes experienced from having open spaces with cows and orchards in backyards on Main Street to one of the most densely populated townships in the state of New Jersey. This transformation was a microcosm of what America experienced: the waves of Southern and Eastern European immigration, heavy industrialization-coal, petroleum and railroad, the growth of suburbia, the expansion of its infrastructure-highways, parkways, turnpikes, Metropark, etc.

Continue reading about the Oral History Project...

Woodbridge Local History Digital Archives

Internet ArchiveEver wanted to see a race program from the Woodbridge Speedway from the 1930s? Peruse 16 years of Town Council meeting minutes from 1934 to 1950? Flip through anniversary booklets from your church, fire department and other community organizations? Read a nineteenth century history of Union and Middlesex Counties? You can enjoy these and more in our Local History Digital Archives.

Through a generous grant from the Middlesex County Cultural and Heritage Commission and support from the library cooperative Lyrasis and the Sloan Foundation, Woodbridge Public Library has been able to digitize over 70 unique local history items. A joint initiative with the Woodbridge Municipal Clerk's Office resulted in the inclusion of the Council Minutes in the archive.

Watching Woodbridge History

Woodbridge Public Library invites you to join us in Watching Woodbridge History. Thanks to the generous cooperation of The Woodbridge Channels, Woodbridge Public Library is able to offer online viewing of many of the fine programs they have produced about the unique history of our area. So, pop some popcorn, make yourself comfortable and sit back and enjoy Watching Woodbridge History!