The Joseph F. Mattice Papers include correspondence, photographs, newspaper clippings, photographs and ephemera pertaining to the life and professional career of Joseph F. Mattice. The bulk of the collection consists of material from his political career as mayor of Asbury Park, specifically concerning the Asbury Park riots of July 1970.

The Joseph F. Mattice Papers include correspondence, newspaper clippings, photographs, and ephemera ranging from 1929-1985. The material is organized into six series: Asbury Park New Jersey Riots July 1970, Correspondence, Photographs, Ephemera, Newspaper Clippings, and Audiovisual materials. There is also one oversize folder consisting of a political flyer and two magazines. Mattice acquired the materials during his career as a student at Georgetown University, lawyer, city council member, district court judge, and Monmouth County board of elections member. Mattice was mayor of Asbury Park during the July 1970 riots. The riots lasted from July 4-10, 1970. They began in reaction to the African American community’s frustration with employment discrimination and the poor living conditions in the predominately African American West side neighborhood. The riots caused significant damage to the West Side, 167 people were arrested, and local and State police were summoned. In the end, city government and West Side residents worked together to come to a resolution. The Asbury Park July 1970 riots brought national attention to the town, which is documented via the received correspondence, clippings, and ephemera in the collection.

The later correspondence consists of personal letters and papers coupled with newspaper clippings pertaining to politics in Asbury Park and Monmouth County as a whole.