New Jersey State Archives

09/03/2026

Did you know today was world beard day? We’re celebrating with some of our favorite facial hair moments from our Civil War Carte de Visite collection! [SDEA4010]

And yes, we know some of them aren't beards, but they were too good not to share.

09/01/2026

On September 13, 1777, at Piscataway, a large group of loyalists from Eastern Pennsylvania, Hunterdon, and Sussex county, was ambushed on their way to join the British Forces. Of this group, 41 were captured and brought to trial by the New Jersey Supreme Court for High Treason. After their trials (and many pleas for pardons) only two were hung – John Mee and James Iliff. While all were convicted and sentenced to be hanged, most of the others were conscripted into the Continental Army, where they later deserted and defected back to their loyalist roots. This month’s exhibit in the Manuscript Reading Room examines a small selection of the materials housed at the archive detailing this event and its aftermath.

08/31/2026

08/26/2026

Happy National Dog Day! [SCRF0003]

08/24/2026

Can you still not get enough of the Rev War? Our new window case on the first floor displays some of our archives materials about the revolution, including receipts, supreme court cases, letters, and damages. Check it out on your next visit!

08/20/2026

Our joint NJ250 website with the state library has new articles added every month. This article is by our Director Joseph Klett, exploring the genealogical link between two of New Jersey’s founding fathers.
https://www.njstatelib.org/exhibits/nj250/1776era/a-family-affair-the-founding-fathers-from-new-jersey/?fbclid=IwY2xjawTYTtNleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeR8nKXLl8nusJuU8wng0777I1aF1TH7DkZ2BOnSDj_oqHY30WoWBUnw7GYqA_aem_5nYNA9tzZb1y_4rCUgdA3w

08/19/2026

Today we welcomed the First Lady of Pennsylvania, Lori Shapiro, to the State Archives as she came to research some of her New Jersey relatives.

Office of the First Lady of Pennsylvania

08/17/2026

This summer, the Electronic Records Unit was fortunate to host Jada Thompson, a senior at Rider University, for a summer internship.

During her time with us, Jada reformatted cassette tapes containing oral histories of twentieth-century political and government leaders in New Jersey, scanned corresponding transcripts, and assisted with the installation of our exhibit “Divided Loyalties.”

We are grateful for her hard work and enthusiasm, and we wish her the best as she begins her senior year!

08/15/2026

Did you know the state insect is the honey bee? Today is National Honey Bee Awareness Day, so we’re celebrating with some of our favorite six legged friends! [SAGSE001]

08/11/2026

Have you ever wondered what kind of Revolutionary you would have been? Our new exhibit at 225 West State Street has a quiz that can help you find out! Come visit on the first floor.