Masks are required for unvaccinated visitors and strongly encouraged for all.
Masks are required for all in the Children's Center. More information here.
Partner with the Genealogical Society of Bergen County
What is the Heritage CATalog?
Click here for more information and search tips.
Collecting COVID-19 Stories
The Bolger Heritage Center is collecting materials which document the response of our community to the coronavirus that causes COVID-19.
We are seeking stories from Village residents as you react to new policies and recommendations aimed to restrict the virus’ spread. One day this time will be considered history, and we wish to document and preserve the materials and stories that demonstrate how you are continuing to communicate, work, commute, learn, use the Library, teach, create, celebrate, mourn, and give aid to others.
To read and see the stories submitted so far, please click here.
Local History & Genealogy Events:
Bolger Heritage Center Meetings/Events:
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Wednesday January 12 at 2pm, A Virtual Tour of the Hidden Archives (Virtual). Take a virtual backstage tour of the Ridgewood Public Library's hidden gems with Local History Librarian Sarah Kiefer. In this rare opportunity you'll get a glimpse at what the Bolger Heritage Center has to offer. Learn how to research your home, find information on your ancestors, and gain insight on the history of Ridgewood. In addition, you'll get a chance to view our recently restored Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps, thanks to a grant funded by the Bergen County Cultural & Historic Preservation Committee. Registration required, please click here.
GSBC Meetings/Events (Virtual)
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Monday January 10 at 2pm, Cite That Source When You Find It! Everyone says you need to cite your sources in research - but citing sources in genealogy doesn't have to be complicated or cause anxiety. Learn the basic components of citations and some tips that will ensure you cover all the necessary information. Registration required, please click here.
Genealogy Consultations:
Have any genealogical brick walls you need help with? You can now email the Genealogical Society of Bergen County directly to set up an appointment. What’s more, you can make an appointment with a genealogy consultant, who has expertise in exactly what you’re researching: Bergen County, New York City, New Jersey, census records, archival newspapers, etc. And if you need help using a specific database, they can help with that as well, be it Ancestry Library Edition, familysearch.org, or just internet genealogy in general.
Appointments will be conducted through the “Zoom” platform, at any time convenient for both you and the genealogist.
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To make an appointment, email the Society at gsbc.queries@gmail.com.
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To see the areas of expertise, please click here.
Did you know?
Through the Ridgewood Public Library you have remote access to, Newspaper Archive, an online resource for historical and genealogical information. You'll have access to newspapers from 12 countries, including United States, United Kingdom, Ireland, China, more, 1607-present. Explore your family tree and discover your history at NewspaperARCHIVE.com.
Contact heritagecenter@ridgewoodlibrary.org for remote access details.
Storytellers @RPL Oral History Project
Objectives are:
· To record residents’ life stories and significant memories.
· To identify and preserve the history of the community.
· To document Ridgewood family life, community organizations and record historical moments.
How do I participate?
If you are interested in being interviewed or you know someone who is,
please contact Librarian Sarah Kiefer in the Bolger Heritage Center:
heritagecenter@ridgewoodlibrary.org or 201-670-5600 x135
Volunteer Genealogy Consultants from the Genealogical Society of Bergen County
For Reference Assistance or an Appointment contact Local History Librarian, Sarah Kiefer
heritagecenter@ridgewoodlibrary.org -- 201.670.5600, ext. 135
The Ridgewood Public Library is open to the public.
Please contact Local History Librarian Sarah Kiefer to schedule an appointment
to visit the Bolger Heritage Center: skiefer@ridgewoodlibrary.org.
Monday - Thursday, 9 am - 9 pm
Friday, 9 am - 6 pm
Saturday, 9 am - 5 pm
Sunday, 1 pm - 5 pm
HOW TO PREPARE FOR A VISIT
Communicating with Heritage Center staff is always helpful before a visit. You know what to expect and we can prepare for your visit. Call: 201-670-5600, ext. 135 OR email: heritagecenter@ridgewoodlibrary.org
Advance planning is required for MAPS, ARCHIVES, RIDGEWOOD HOUSE HISTORY RESEARCH.
No advance planning is required for use of genealogy databases (on your own), books, periodicals, and CDs in the Bolger Heritage Center, or for use of any of our resources on microfilm (newspapers, NJ State Census for Bergen County, Ridgewood city directiories).
Interested in a tour? Local History Librarian Sarah Kiefer provided a virtual tour of the BHC and you can now watch the video here.