The Ringwood Public Library serves a community with a rich, complex history ranging from the Ramapough community to the iron mines and local estates. Library staff recently discovered a “hidden gem” involving a Japanese Baron who owned over 1,600 acres in the area, a story that sparked intense local interest and high engagement with the library’s newsletter.

By participating in the Community History program, the library aims to move beyond standard archival work to learn how to empower residents to co-create history projects. They are exploring developmental ideas like multi-media webpages, educational board games, or guided hiking trails that will help students and residents connect with the lived experiences of those who shaped Ringwood’s past.