Archives Spotlight
Did you know? The Archives Division of the County Clerk's Office preserves, organizes, and provides access to Monmouth County government records of enduring historic value that are retained on a permanent basis. These records include documents pertaining to deeds, court cases, naturalizations, and many other subjects. The records are used for genealogical, historical, and other research needs.
The Archives Division also works to educate the public about Monmouth County history through public programs and exhibits, such as Archives and History Day, which is held annually in October.
The Monmouth County Archives Division is open to the public Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is located at 125 Symmes Drive (Lower Level), Manalapan, NJ 07726. Appointments are strongly encouraged and can be made by emailing ArchivesResearch@co.monmouth.nj.us.
What is Housed at the Archives?
- County government documents such as deeds and other property records; marriage returns (1790s to 1878), naturalizations (pre-1990), old court documents, and other records.
- Special collections such as newspaper clippings and photos from the Red Bank Register and local news videotapes from Monmouth Cablevision (TV 34).
- Records of previous Archives publications.
What is Not Housed at the Archives?
- Birth records, except for slaves born after the Gradual Emancipation Act of 1804.
- Deaths, except for Coroner Inquests, 1786-1915.
- Divorces.
- Wills and probate records. Please contact the Monmouth County Surrogate for these records.
- Records from other counties, except for towns now in Ocean County when it was part of Monmouth County pre-1850.
Important Links for the Monmouth County Archives
- The Archives Website: The Archives website is the gateway to knowledge about records in the Archives. On the right side of the Archives home page are useful links to Finding Aids, Searchable Databases, and the Open Public Records System (OPRS).
-
Finding Aids: "Finding Aid" is the term archivists use to denote a guide to a specific batch of records. Click on the "Finding Aid" tab on the right side of the home page to choose a record group from the list provided.
-
Searchable Databases: The Archives has more than a dozen searchable databases online that can be searched by name, including Marriages, Naturalizations, Coroners Inquests, Name Changes, and Illegitimate Children. To access these records, you can email the Archives for the record, which will be sent back to you as a digital file in an email attachment, at no charge.
-
Open Public Records System (OPRS): Thousands of digitized documents are also available for viewing through Monmouth County's Open Public Record System (OPRS) website, which can be accessed by clicking here.
For questions about the Archives or to make an appointment, please email ArchivesResearch@co.monmouth.nj.us or visit MonmouthCountyClerk.com/Archives.
Preservation Week Seminar
The Monmouth County Clerk's Office's Research Archivist, Mary Hussey, will give a free informational Zoom presentation on how to use the Archives' Records Collections. Additionally, the presentation will give tips to improve research skills. The presentation will take place Tuesday, April 25th at 10:30 a.m.
This presentation, celebrating the American Library Association’s Preservation Week, is hosted by the Monmouth County Library.
The presentation is free, but registration is required to participate. Visit the Monmouth County Library events website to register.
|
Very truly yours,
Christine Giordano Hanlon, Esq.
Monmouth County Clerk
|
|
