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<center>For a detailed guide to Massachusetts research,<br>see the [[Massachusetts Genealogy Guide|'''Massachusetts Genealogy Guide''']] page.</center> | <center>For a detailed guide to Massachusetts research,<br>see the [[Massachusetts Genealogy Guide|'''Massachusetts Genealogy Guide''']] page.</center> | ||
<br> [[ | <br> | ||
== Online Resources == | |||
*[https://www.americanancestors.org/search/databasesearch/429/massachusetts-historical-data-relating-to-cities-and-towns Massachusetts: Historical Data Relating to Cities and Towns] at American Ancestors — index & images ($) | |||
*[http://www.learnwebskills.com/family/countyhistories2.htm#ma County and Town Histories], includes biographies | |||
*[http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=6261&cj=1&netid=cj&o_xid=0002703009&o_lid=0002703009&o_sch=Affiliate+External First Settlers of Connecticut and Massachusetts: Genealogical Notes and Contributions]($), index | |||
*[http://www.massachusettsgenealogy.net/database.htm Massachusetts History and Genealogy, Ancestry Articles, Databases and Products], online county histories with biographies | |||
*[https://books.google.com/books?id=tfH_xDzFOpQC&printsec=frontcover&source=gbs_ge_summary_r&cad=0#v=onepage&q&f=false Honor Roll of Massachusetts Patriots Heretofore Unknown: Being a List of Men and Women who Loaned Money to the Federal Government During the Years 1777-1779], e-book | |||
*'''1950-1990''' [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=62512 U.S., Aerial Photos from VintageAerial.com, 1963-2009 (1950-1990)] at Ancestry — index & images ($); incomplete for all states, only rural areas included | |||
== Brief History == | |||
The following important events in the history of [[Massachusetts Genealogy Guide|Massachusetts]] affected political jurisdictions, family movements, and record keeping. | The following important events in the history of [[Massachusetts Genealogy Guide|Massachusetts]] affected political jurisdictions, family movements, and record keeping. | ||
*'''1620-1691'''<nowiki>: The Plymouth Colony was established. It eventually spread over today's Plymouth, Barnstable, and Bristol Counties.</nowiki> | *'''1620-1691'''<nowiki>: The Plymouth Colony was established. It eventually spread over today's Plymouth, Barnstable, and Bristol Counties.</nowiki> | ||
*'''1621: | *'''1621: ''' Peace Treaty between Wampanoag Indians and Pilgrams - Strawberry hill, Plymouth, Massachusetts arranged by Squanto. | ||
*'''1630'''<nowiki>: Massachusetts Bay Colony was founded. It expanded to today's area of Essex, Middlesex, Old Norfolk (now part of New Hampshire), and Suffolk Counties.</nowiki> | *'''1630'''<nowiki>: Massachusetts Bay Colony was founded. It expanded to today's area of Essex, Middlesex, Old Norfolk (now part of New Hampshire), and Suffolk Counties.</nowiki> | ||
*'''1631:'''First public Thanksgiving - Massachusetts Bay Colony | *'''1631:'''First public Thanksgiving - Massachusetts Bay Colony | ||
*'''1660:'''John Eliot founded first Indian church in New England at Natick, Massachusetts on the Charles River. | *'''1660:'''John Eliot founded first Indian church in New England at Natick, Massachusetts on the Charles River. | ||
*'''1675-1676:''' | *'''1675-1676:''' King Philips War, between the Indians and colonist. | ||
*'''1677-1741: '''Massechusetts and New Hampshire border dispute. Residents sometimes taxed by both colonies. London finally adjudicates new border in New Hampshire's favor. | *'''1677-1741: '''Massechusetts and New Hampshire border dispute. Residents sometimes taxed by both colonies. London finally adjudicates new border in New Hampshire's favor. | ||
*'''1691'''<nowiki>: A new charter was granted to Massachusetts Bay Colony, uniting it with Plymouth Colony. Parts of Maine and Nova Scotia were also added to Massachusetts.</nowiki> | *'''1691'''<nowiki>: A new charter was granted to Massachusetts Bay Colony, uniting it with Plymouth Colony. Parts of Maine and Nova Scotia were also added to Massachusetts.</nowiki> | ||
*'''1775'''<nowiki>: The</nowiki> | *'''1775'''<nowiki>: The</nowiki> [[Revolutionary War, 1775 to 1783|Revolutionary War]] began at Lexington and Concord. | ||
*'''1786'''<nowiki>: The Ohio Land Company was formed, resulting in the emigration of many Massachusetts residents to</nowiki>[[Ohio Genealogy|Ohio]]. | *'''1786'''<nowiki>: The Ohio Land Company was formed, resulting in the emigration of many Massachusetts residents to</nowiki>[[Ohio, United States Genealogy|Ohio]]. | ||
*'''1788'''<nowiki>: (February 6,) Massachusetts became the sixth state to ratify the Constitution.</nowiki> | *'''1788'''<nowiki>: (February 6,) Massachusetts became the sixth state to ratify the Constitution.</nowiki> | ||
*'''1820'''<nowiki>:</nowiki>[[Maine Genealogy|Maine]] was separated from Massachusetts. | *'''1820'''<nowiki>:</nowiki>[[Maine, United States Genealogy|Maine]] was separated from Massachusetts. | ||
*'''1830s-1840s'''<nowiki>: As the factory system developed, thousands of foreign laborers began moving to Massachusetts.</nowiki> | *'''1830s-1840s'''<nowiki>: As the factory system developed, thousands of foreign laborers began moving to Massachusetts.</nowiki> | ||
*'''1861-1865'''<nowiki>: During the</nowiki>[[United States Civil War, 1861 to 1865|Civil War]] 146,000 men from Massachusetts served in the Union Army. | *'''1861-1865'''<nowiki>: During the</nowiki>[[United States Civil War, 1861 to 1865|Civil War]] 146,000 men from Massachusetts served in the Union Army. | ||
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== Historical Content == | == Historical Content == | ||
Histories are great sources of genealogical information. Many contain biographical information about individuals who lived in the area, including: | Histories are great sources of genealogical information. Many contain biographical information about individuals who lived in the area, including: | ||
{{columns-list|3| | |||
{ | |||
| | |||
*Parents' names | *Parents' names | ||
*Maiden names of women | *Maiden names of women | ||
*Place of birth, death, or marriage | *Place of birth, death, or marriage | ||
*Occupation | *Occupation | ||
*Migration | *Migration | ||
*Military service | *Military service | ||
*Descendants | *Descendants | ||
}} | |||
=== Local Histories === | === Local Histories === | ||
Some of the most valuable sources for family history research are local histories. Published histories of towns, counties, and states usually contain accounts of families. They describe the settlement of the area and the founding of churches, schools, and businesses. You can also find lists of pioneers, soldiers, and civil officials. Even if your ancestor is not listed, information on other relatives may be included that will provide important clues for locating your ancestor. A local history may also suggest other records to search. Local histories are extensively collected by the [https://www.familysearch.org/en/library/ FamilySearch Library], public and university libraries, and state and local historical societies. | |||
*''Massachusetts: A Bibliography of Its History'' <ref>Haskell, John Duncan. ''Massachusetts: A Bibliography of Its History''. Hanover, New Hampshire: University Press of New England, 1983. (FamilySearch Library {{FSC|305348|title-id|disp=book 974.4 H23m}}.) </ref> | |||
*''Massachusetts: A Bibliography of Its History'' <ref>Haskell, John Duncan. ''Massachusetts: A Bibliography of Its History''. Hanover, New Hampshire: University Press of New England, 1983. ( | |||
*''A Bibliography of American County Histories'' <ref>Filby, P. William. ''A Bibliography of American County Histories''. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing, 1985. ({{ | *''A Bibliography of American County Histories'' <ref>Filby, P. William. ''A Bibliography of American County Histories''. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing, 1985. ({{FSC|A Bibliography of American County Histories|title|disp=FS Catalog book 973 H23bi}})</ref> <ref>[http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/12356760referer=brief_results Worldcat] </ref> | ||
*''United States Local Histories in the Library of Congress'' <ref>Kaminkow, Marion J. ''United States Local Histories in the Library of Congress''. 5 vols. Baltimore: Magna Charta Book, 1975-76. ({{ | *''United States Local Histories in the Library of Congress'' <ref>Kaminkow, Marion J. ''United States Local Histories in the Library of Congress''. 5 vols. Baltimore: Magna Charta Book, 1975-76. ({{FSC|252458|title-id|disp=FS Catalog book 973 A3ka}}.) </ref><ref>[http://www.worldcat.org/search?q=United+States+Local+Histories+in+the+Library+of+Congressqt=results_page Worldcat] </ref> | ||
=== State Histories Useful to Genealogists === | === State Histories Useful to Genealogists === | ||
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Good genealogists strive to understand the life and times of their ancestors. In this sense, any history is useful. But certain kinds of state, county, and local histories, especially older histories published between 1845 and 1945, often include biographical sketches of prominent individuals. The sketches usually tend toward the laudatory, but may include some genealogical details. If these histories are indexed or alphabetical, check for an ancestor's name. Some examples for the State of Massachusetts are: | Good genealogists strive to understand the life and times of their ancestors. In this sense, any history is useful. But certain kinds of state, county, and local histories, especially older histories published between 1845 and 1945, often include biographical sketches of prominent individuals. The sketches usually tend toward the laudatory, but may include some genealogical details. If these histories are indexed or alphabetical, check for an ancestor's name. Some examples for the State of Massachusetts are: | ||
*''Commonwealth History of Massachusetts: Colony, Province, and State'' <ref>Hart, Albert Bushnell, ed. ''Commonwealth History of Massachusetts: Colony, Province, and State''. 5 vols. New York, NY: The States History, 1927-30. ( | *''Commonwealth History of Massachusetts: Colony, Province, and State'' <ref>Hart, Albert Bushnell, ed. ''Commonwealth History of Massachusetts: Colony, Province, and State''. 5 vols. New York, NY: The States History, 1927-30. (FS Library book {{FSC|656150|title-id|disp=974.4 H2h}}.) </ref> | ||
=== United States History === | === United States History === | ||
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The following are only a few of the many sources that are available: | The following are only a few of the many sources that are available: | ||
*''The Almanac of American History'' | *''The Almanac of American History''.<ref>Schlesinger, Jr., Arthur M. ''The Almanac of American History.'' Greenwich, Conn.: Bison Books, 1983. ({{FSC|The Almanac of American History.|title|disp=FS Catalog book 973 H2alm}})</ref><ref>[http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/9392978referer=brief_results Worldcat]</ref> This provides brief historical essays and chronological descriptions of thousands of key events in United States history. | ||
*''Dictionary of American History, Revised ed'' <ref>'' Dictionary of American History, Revised ed., 8 vols''. New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1976. ({{ | *''Dictionary of American History, Revised ed.'' <ref>'' Dictionary of American History, Revised ed., 8 vols''. New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1976. ({{FSC|76529|title-id|disp=FS Catalog book 973 H2ad}}.)</ref><ref>[http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/2507380referer=brief_results Worldcat]</ref> This includes historical sketches on various topics in U.S. history, such as wars, people, laws, and organizations. A snippet view is available at [http://books.google.com/books?id=Lz9WC9EyF08C&q=9780684138565&dq=9780684138565&ei=F4GxSbisHpDMlQSW3Z36BQ&pgis=1 Google books]. | ||
*''Webster's Guide to American History: A Chronological, Geographical, and Biographical Survey and Compendium'' <ref>'' Webster's Guide to American History: A Chronological, Geographical, and Biographical Survey and Compendium''. Springfield, Mass.: GC Merriam, 1971. ({{ | *''Webster's Guide to American History: A Chronological, Geographical, and Biographical Survey and Compendium''.<ref>'' Webster's Guide to American History: A Chronological, Geographical, and Biographical Survey and Compendium''. Springfield, Mass.: GC Merriam, 1971. ({{FSC|Webster%27s Guide to American History%3A A Chronological%2C Geographical%2C and Biographical Survey and Compendium|title|disp=FS Catalog book 973 H2v}}) </ref><ref>Limited view at [http://books.google.com/books?id=MVU6DS6Re8gCprintsec=frontcoverdq=Webster%27s+Guide+to+American+History:+A+Chronological,+Geographical,+and+Biographical+Survey+and+Compendium%27ei=Vn-xSeS6FJDUlQSby81v#PPP13,M1 Google Books] </ref><ref>[http://www.worldcat.org/search?q=Webster%27s+Guide+to+American+Historyqt=owc_search Worldcat] </ref> This includes a history, some maps, tables, and other historical information. | ||
*''Writings on American History'' <ref>''Writings on American History'' By American Historical Association, Library of Congress, United States National Historical Publications Commission, Published by KTO Press, 1921 {{ | *''Writings on American History''.<ref>''Writings on American History'' By American Historical Association, Library of Congress, United States National Historical Publications Commission, Published by KTO Press, 1921 {{FSC|244514|title-id|disp=FS Catalog book 973 H23w}} </ref><ref>[http://www.worldcat.org/search?q=Writings+on+American+Historyqt=owc_search Worldcat] </ref> Full text available at [http://books.google.com/books?id=mgEPAAAAYAAJ&dq=United+States+Local+Histories+in+the+Library+of+Congress&ei=N3yxSd6pI4K0kATC-qRu Google Books] | ||
To find more books and articles about Massachusetts' history | To find more books and articles about Massachusetts' history search the Internet for phases like "Massachusetts history." [[FamilySearch Catalog Surname Search|FamilySearch Catalog Surname Search]] lists many more histories under topics like: | ||
::MASSACHUSETTS - HISTORY | ::MASSACHUSETTS - HISTORY | ||
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::MASSACHUSETTS, BIBLIOGRAPHY | ::MASSACHUSETTS, BIBLIOGRAPHY | ||
=== | === Websites === | ||
*[ | *[https://www.masshist.org/ Massachusetts Historical Society] | ||
*[http://www.masshome.com/tour.html A Tour of Massachusetts History] | *[http://www.masshome.com/tour.html A Tour of Massachusetts History] | ||
*Massachusetts Historical Commission [http://www.sec.state.ma.us/mhc/mhchpp/TownSurveyRpts.htm Town Histories]<br> | *Massachusetts Historical Commission [http://www.sec.state.ma.us/mhc/mhchpp/TownSurveyRpts.htm Town Histories]<br> | ||
*[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Massachusetts#History Massachusetts History] (Wikipedia) | *[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Massachusetts#History Massachusetts History] (Wikipedia) | ||
*[http://www.msoginc.org/msogwp/ Massachusetts Society of Genealogists, Inc.] | |||
*[ | |||
== Sources == | == Sources == | ||
edits