Using the Archives

Contacting the Archives

Archivist: Jennifer McGillan
Click here to send an e-mail.
Phone: (973) 929-2995
Fax: (973) 428-8237

US Mail: Jewish Historical Society of MetroWest
901 Route 10 East
Whippany , NJ 07981

Archives Hours:

The Archives are generally available to researchers 9 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Friday, excluding legal and major Jewish holidays. Friday hours will vary due to Shabbos closing times; please call ahead to confirm a late afternoon appointment on Fridays.

Using the Archives : Accessing the Records

The JHSMW Archives contain unique and irreplaceable records of the history of the greater Jewish community of Essex, Morris, Sussex and northern Union counties of New Jersey. Because of the value and rarity of these materials, special rules for the use of the collections are needed to ensure that these items will continue to be available and in good condition.

General Archives Rules

Food and/or drink are not permitted near archival records at any time.
Researchers are requested to use either pencils or laptops when taking notes. Pens are not permitted to be used near archival records.
Many of the materials held in the archives are very old and have become fragile or brittle with time. Researchers are asked to take special care when handling these materials and may be asked to wear cotton gloves when handling photographs and some documents.
Researchers are not permitted to enter the archival stacks; if additional records are needed, please alert the Archivist, who will be happy to retrieve the documents for you.

Using the Archives : On the Day(s) of Your Visit

The JHSMW Archives are located on the lower level of the Alex Aidekman Community Center. To reach the Archives , enter the through the main doors, make a right at the security desk and walk straight ahead; the Historical Society is directly in front of you.

When visiting the Archives, please remember to bring a pencil, as pens are not permitted to be used at any time. Also, please finish consuming any food or drink before entering the room, as eating and drinking are not permitted near archival records. Bottles with screw-on caps and pre-packaged food may be retained as long as they are securely closed and stored in a bag or backpack.

If a member of JHSMW staff is not visible when you arrive, please call out or knock loudly on the door. At the time you arrive, if you have made an appointment in advance, the materials should be out and waiting for you, and a member of the Archives staff will indicate where they are. If you are making a "drop-in" visit, the materials you request will be brought to you by a member of Archives staff.

PLEASE do NOT attempt to retrieve the materials from the stacks yourself; access to the stacks is restricted to members of the JHSMW staff ONLY. If you need additional materials to complete your research, please alert a member of the JHSMW staff, who will retrieve the items for you.

If you will need more than one visit to complete your research, please advise a member of the JHSMW staff, who will place your materials on a special shelf within the Archives. If you will be engaging in long-term projects, you have the option of making "standing appointments" to visit on specific days and times on a regular basis.

Using the Archives : Circulation and Photocopying

Due to their rarity and uniqueness, archival materials do not circulate under any circumstances, and may be only be used at the office of the JHSMW. However, it is usually possible to photocopy archival documents so they can be used elsewhere. While most archival materials can be photocopied, some can not, due to age or deterioration. Before photocopying materials, please present them to a member of JHSMW staff for evaluation.