Atlantic City Heritage Collections Archive

09/02/2026

Author Marci Mazzarotto will be visiting the library next week to discuss her book "The Jersey Shore on Film." Learn about the role Atlantic City and the Jersey Shore have played in the filmmaking industry.

08/26/2026

Learn all about the antique phonograph, the music from that period and Atlantic City's early entertainment history at this program led by "Phonograph DJ MAC" Michael Cumella.

07/27/2026

Author Calvin Stovall, Jr. will Zoom with us Wednesday, July 29, at 2 p.m, as part of our Atlantic City Book Talk Series. Stop by the William K. Cheatham Building (Main Library) meeting room to join the Zoom, or email [email protected] to have the link emailed so you can join the Zoom from home.

Throughout America’s history of slavery and segregation, Black travelers faced not just unwelcoming environments but the challenge of finding safe places to rest and recharge. In response to this basic human need, courageous Black entrepreneurs carved out spaces within the dominant culture, creating a network of Black-owned hotels, motels, and resorts that offered comfort and safety for Black travelers.

Stovall, a seasoned hospitality professional with nearly 30 years of experience, brings this overlooked history to light. In his book, "Hidden Hospitality: Untold Stories of Black Hotels, Motels, and Resorts from the Pioneer Days to the Civil Rights Era", Stovall shares the inspiring stories of these pioneers.

07/14/2026

Our Revolution 250 Series finale is set for Wednesday, July 15, at 4 p.m. in the William K. Cheatham Building (Main Library) meeting room. Library archivist Danielle Osake will discuss the rich history of Atlantic City, from its start to modern day. This is a free program. Light refreshments will be served.

07/10/2026

Our next AC Research Club program is in one week. Library archivist Danielle Osakwe leads the club. Space is limited. To register, fill out an online form (tinyurl.com/2y6be8rn), call (609) 345-2269, ext. 3066, or email [email protected].

07/08/2026

The final program of our Revolution 250 Series - held in celebration of the U.S. Semiquincentennial - on Wednesday, July 15, at 4 p.m. at the William K. Cheatham Building (Main Library). Library archivist Danielle Osake will discuss the history of Atlantic City.

06/24/2026

Janet Robinson Bodoff and Leesa Toscano discussed their book "Speaking of Atlantic City: Recollections & Memories" today as part of our Atlantic City Book Talk Series.

The series continues July 29 when Calvin Stovall Jr. joins us to discuss his book "Hidden Hospitality: Untold Stories of Black Hotel, Motel, and Resort Owners from the Pioneer Days to the Civil Rights Era."

06/22/2026

Just a friendly reminder that our Atlantic City Book Talk Series resumes this week!

Janet Robinson Bodoff and Leesa Toscano will discuss their book - Speaking of Atlantic City: Recollections & Memories - Wednesday at 2 p.m. in the William K. Cheatham Building (Main Library) meeting room.

About the book: Memories of Atlantic City’s past remained etched in the hearts of millions of visitors and locals alike who sought out the bright lights and sandy beaches of the Jersey Shore. Floats festooned with blooming flowers paraded down the boardwalk carrying Miss America contestants during the annual pageant, drawing huge crowds for decades. Streetcars ran the length of Atlantic Avenue until 1955, and the call of the motorman announcing each stop can still be heard in the dreams of past vacationers and residents. The burgers and birch beer slung from the lunch counter of Hi-Hat Joe’s attracted thousands of teenagers from near and far in the 1950s and ’60s. Mobsters, politicians and entertainers such as Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin frequented the bustling midcentury 500 Club. Bodoff and Toscano curate a collection of nostalgic stories and poems about Atlantic City’s past.

06/18/2026

The next program in our Atlantic City Book Talk Series is only a week away. Click the link to learn more about Janet Robinson Bodoff, Leesa Toscano and their book, "Speaking of Atlantic City: Recollections & Memories." tinyurl.com/mr2rsrh7

06/16/2026

Atlantic City’s rich history is on display in one of the city’s most iconic buildings, Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall. The Atlantic City Experience, presented by the Atlantic City Free Public Library, is located in the Boardwalk Hall lobby and can be viewed Monday through Friday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

It showcases the culturally diverse heritage and exciting history of Atlantic City through a series of topical exhibits and a nostalgic timeline. The exhibits highlight many of the important events, places and people for which Atlantic City is known. There is no charge to view the exhibits.