When it comes to researching genealogy and history, old newspapers are a goldmine of information. Unfortunately, finding these papers can be challenging, especially when working with new collections in a new area. While some commercial online databases and the Library of Congress’s Chronicling America offer substantial collections of publications, many more papers are unavailable through these providers.
Fortunately, the Atlantic County Clerk of the Court and the local library system have digitized more Atlantic County newspapers, making them more accessible to researchers. One example is The Atlantic County Record, a Jersey Shore paper published in Mays Landing, which the Atlantic County Clerk has made available for free public access from the 1860s to the 1960s. In addition to this county-seat newspaper, Atlantic County, New Jersey libraries offer even more titles for researchers.
These resources have been invaluable to my work, saving me from using a clunky old microfilm reader to eyeball the film. This digitization of old newspapers significantly benefits anyone interested in uncovering the past, particularly genealogists and historians. With greater ease of access, we now have a vast wealth of information at our fingertips.
Thank you to the Atlantic County Clerk and libraries for making the past more accessible.
For access to Atlantic County newspapers, click these links:
Atlantic County Clerk of the Court
Atlantic County Library System
