Massachusetts Archives and Libraries: Difference between revisions
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| link1=[[United States Genealogy|United States]] | |||
| link2=[[United States Archives and Libraries|U.S. Archives and Libraries]] | |||
| link3=[[Massachusetts, United States Genealogy|Massachusetts]] | |||
| link4= | |||
| link5=[[Massachusetts Archives and Libraries|Archives and Libraries]] | |||
}} | |||
{{MA-sidebar}}{{TOC left}}<br>These repositories preserve sources, maintain indexes, and provide services to help genealogists document their ancestors who lived in Massachusetts.<br><br> | |||
● For additional information, '''see also''' [[Massachusetts Genealogy Guide#Massachusetts_Repositories|Massachusetts Repositories]] | |||
== Wiki Articles on Major Repositories for Massachusetts == | |||
{{Nowrap|{{AutoLink|Allen County Public Library}} (Ft. Wayne IN){{·}}}} {{Nowrap|{{AutoLink|American Antiquarian Society}}{{·}}}} {{Nowrap|{{AutoLink|Berkshire Athenaeum}}{{·}}}} {{Nowrap|{{AutoLink|Boston Massachusetts FamilySearch Center}}{{·}}}} {{Nowrap|{{AutoLink|Boston Public Library}}{{·}}}} {{Nowrap|{{AutoLink|Dedham Historical Society Library}}{{·}}}} {{Nowrap|{{AutoLink|Harvard University Houghton Library}} {{·}}}} {{Nowrap|{{AutoLink|Haverhill Public Library}}{{·}}}} {{Nowrap|{{AutoLink|Jones Library}}{{·}}}} {{Nowrap|{{Nowrap|{{AutoLink|Massachusetts Historical Society}}{{·}}}} {{AutoLink|Massachusetts State Archives}}{{·}}}} {{Nowrap|{{AutoLink|National Archives at Boston}}{{·}}}} {{Nowrap|{{AutoLink|New England Historic Genealogical Society}}{{·}}}} {{Nowrap|{{AutoLink|New York Public Library}} NY{{·}}}} {{Nowrap|{{AutoLink|Onondaga Historical Association Library}} (Syracuse NY){{·}}}} {{Nowrap|{{AutoLink|Peabody Essex Museum}}{{·}}}} {{Nowrap|{{AutoLink|Pittsfield Federal Records Center}}{{·}}}} {{Nowrap|{{AutoLink|Plymouth Public Library}}{{·}}}} {{Nowrap|{{AutoLink|Registry of Vital Records and Statistics}}{{·}}}} {{Nowrap|{{AutoLink|Springfield History Library and Archives}}{{·}}}} {{Nowrap|{{AutoLink|State Library of Massachusetts}}{{·}}}} {{Nowrap|{{AutoLink|University of Massachusetts Amherst Library}}{{·}}}} {{Nowrap|{{AutoLink|Vermont Historical Society}} (Barre VT)}}{{·}} {{Nowrap|{{AutoLink|Western Reserve Historical Society}} (Cleveland, OH)}} | |||
== Online Records of Massacusetts == | |||
{| style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border: none;" | |||
| <div id="fsButtons"><span class="online_records_button">[[Massachusetts Online Genealogy Records]]</span></div>{{DCfollowup}}<br> | |||
*[http://www.americanancestors.org/search/advanced-search Search archives of the New England Historic Genealogical Society], index. For list of databases, click [http://www.americanancestors.org/browse-database/ here] | |||
*[http://www.sec.state.ma.us/ArchivesSearch/RevolutionarySearch.aspx Massachusetts Archives Collection (1629 - 1799)] <br> | |||
[[Image:WorcesterMA AntiquarianSociety 2.jpg|thumb|right|280px|American Antiquarian Society in Worcester]] | |||
== National Repositories == | |||
=== [[American Antiquarian Society]] === | |||
185 Salisbury Street<br>Worcester, Massachusetts 01609-1634<br>Telephone: 508-755-5221<br>Fax: 508-753-3311<br>Email: [mailto:Library@americanantiquarian.org Library@americanantiquarian.org]<br>Website: [http://www.americanantiquarian.org/ American Antiquarian Society] | |||
|} | |||
{{Block indent|1=The AAS is best known for its U.S. newspaper collection of over 18,000 bound volumes 1704-1820, history, genealogy, Bibles, maps, biography, directories, Native Americans, women, canals, railroads, photos, manuscripts.<ref name="DB59">Dollarhide and Bremer, 59.</ref>|2=1}} | |||
=== [[National Archives at Boston]] === | |||
{| style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border: none;" | |||
| [[Image:NARA Boston.jpg|thumb|right|280px|National Archives at Boston (in Waltham)]]380 Trapelo Road<br>Waltham, MA 02452-6399<br>Phone: (781) 663-0130<br>Fax: (781) 663-0154<br>Email: [mailto:waltham.archives@nara.gov waltham.archives@nara.gov]<br> Website: [http://www.archives.gov/northeast/boston/ National Archives at Boston] | |||
{{Block indent|1=Connecticut, Maine, '''Massachusetts''', New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont documents, photos, and maps of 80 federal agencies, War of 1812, fortifications, coastal facilities, World War II research at Harvard and MIT, federal bankruptcy courts, First Circuit Court of Appeals, Navy, Coast Guard, westward expansion, ethnology, genealogy, Revolutionary War, Civil War, captured German records, territorial papers, censuses, passenger arrival records for Boston and New England, Canadian border crossings.<ref name="DB124">William Dollarhide and Ronald A. Bremer. ''America's Best Genealogy Resource Centers'' (Bountiful, Utah: Heritage Quest, 1998), 124. {{WorldCat|39493985}}. {{FSC|728550|item|disp=FS Library Ref Book 973 J54d}}.</ref><br><br>|2=1}} | |||
|} | |||
=== [[Pittsfield Federal Records Center]] === | |||
10 Conte Drive<br>Pittsfield, MA 01201-8230<br>Telephone: 413-236-3603<br>Fax: 413-236-3609 <br>Email: [mailto:frc@nara.gov frc@nara.gov]<br>Website: [http://www.archives.gov/frc/pittsfield/ Pittsfield Federal Records Center] | |||
{{Block indent|1=The Pittsfield Center has CT, ME, MA, NH, RI, VT federal government agency and court documents. Their large genealogy microfilm collection has been transferred to the '''''Berkshire Athenaeum ''''' listed below.<ref name="Pitts">[http://www.pittsfieldlibrary.org/genealogy.html Genealogy Resources] in Berkshire Athenaeum'' (accessed 14 November 2013).</ref>[[Image:NEHGS Newbury Street.jpg|thumb|right|210px|NEHGS 101 Newbury St in Boston]]<br><br>|2=1}} | |||
=== [[New England Historic Genealogical Society]] === | |||
101 Newbury Street<br>Boston, Massachusetts 02116-3007<br>Telephone: 617-536-5740; Library 617-226-1231<br>Fax: 617-536-7307<br>Email: [mailto:info@nehgs.org info@nehgs.org]<br>Website: [https://www.americanancestors.org/index.aspx AmericanAncestors.org] | |||
{{Block indent|1=Best overall collection for New England vital records and probates, and excellent collection for Canada, Great Britain, Ireland, and Europe. The manuscript collection for members only has diaries, letters, account books, business papers, church and town records, sermons, maps, wills, deeds, unpublished town and family genealogies, photos, and papers of the region's best genealogists since 1850.<ref name="DB55759">Dollarhide and Bremer, 5, 57, and 59.</ref><br><br>|2=1}} | |||
'' | *{{FSC|364659|item|disp=''Rolls of membership of the New-England Historic Genealogical Society, 1844-1891''Boston, Massachusetts : New England Historic Genealogical Society, 1892}} | ||
== Statewide Repositories == | |||
=== [[Massachusetts Historical Society Library]] === | |||
[[Image:MassHistorichq.JPG|thumb|right|280px|Massachusetts Historical Soc Library in Boston]]1154 Boylston Street<br>Boston, MA 02215-3695<br>Telephone: 617-536-1608<br>Fax: 617-859-0074<br>Email: [http://www.masshist.org/contact Contact Us]<br>Website: [http://www.masshist.org/ Massachusetts Historical Society] | |||
{{Block indent|1=Excellent historical materials, original town records, newspapers and genealogies. This collection does '''not''' repeat the New England Historic Genealogical Society collection.<ref name="DB57">Dollarhide and Bremer, 57.</ref><br><br>|2=1}} | |||
'''[[ | === [[Massachusetts State Archives]] === | ||
[[Image:MA State Archives exterior.jpg|thumb|right|280px|Massachusetts State Archives in Boston]]<br>220 Morrissey Boulevard <br>Boston, MA 02125<br>Phone: (617) 727–2816 <br>Email: [mailto:archives@sec.state.ma.us <u>archives@sec.state.ma.us</u>]<br>Website: [http://www.sec.state.ma.us/arc/arcidx.htm Massachusetts Archives Division] | |||
{{Block indent|Government records, censuses, military records, land records, naturalizations, divorces, probate, name changes, and adoptions. Only 18 of the 328 volumes of the excellent ''Massachusetts Archives Collection'', aka Felt Collection, of 1629-1799 history are indexed online. The Archives' [http://www.sec.state.ma.us/arc/arcsrch/SearchWelcome.html online searchable collections] include: }} | |||
{{Block indent|*[http://www.sec.state.ma.us/arc/arcsrch/RevolutionarySearchContects.html The Massachusetts Archives Collection Database (1629-1799)] serves as a searchable, descriptive index and catalog for documents of eighteen volumes of the Massachusetts Archives Collection. }} | |||
{{Block indent|*[http://www.sec.state.ma.us/arc/arcsrch/PassengerManifestSearchContents.html Index to Passenger Manifests (1848-1891)] }} | |||
{{Block indent|*[http://www.sec.state.ma.us/arc/arcsrch/VitalRecordsSearchContents.html Index to Vital Records (1841-1910)]<br>}} | |||
{{Block indent|*[https://www.digitalcommonwealth.org/ Digital Commonwealth], Explore digitized photographs, maps, postcards, manuscripts, books and artifacts from libraries, museums and archives across Massachusetts.<br><br>}} | |||
'''FamilySearch Catalog''' | |||
*{{FSC|285054|item|disp=Card index to the Massachusetts Archives}} | |||
''' | === Registry of Vital Records and Statistics === | ||
150 Mount Vernon Street, 1st Floor<br>Dorchester, MA 02125<br>Telephone: 617-740-2600 for general information, but '''not''' to obtain certified copies<br>Email: [mailto:vital.recordsrequest@mass.gov vital.recordsrequest@mass.gov] for general information, but '''not''' to obtain certified copies<br>Website: [https://www.mass.gov/orgs/registry-of-vital-records-and-statistics Registry of Vital Records] | |||
{{Block indent|The '''Registry of Vital Records and Statistics''' maintains birth, marriage, and death records that occurred in Massachusetts from 1926 to the present. Vital record events have been registered in Massachusetts towns since 1635. Earlier records to at least 1840 are available at the city or town where the event occurred. Statewide collection began in 1841. Records for events that occurred from 1841-1925 are available at the '''[[Massachusetts State Archives]]'''. The Registry also maintains an index of divorces from 1952 to the present. Copies of Massachusetts divorce records are available from the probate court where the divorce was obtained.<ref>Registry of Vital Records and Statistics, "Learn about conducting genealogical research", https://www.mass.gov/info-details/learn-about-conducting-genealogical-research, accessed 21 December 2023.</ref> }} | |||
{{Block indent|At the Registry Research Room you can use their birth, marriage, death and divorce indexes, and examine their vital records, and make extracts. Also, researchers (I.D. is required) may order certified copies of vital records:}} | |||
{{Block indent|*'''''in person''''' at the Registry|2}} | |||
{{Block indent|*'''''by mail''''' using their '''[https://www.mass.gov/how-to/order-a-birth-marriage-or-death-certificate online mail order form]''' |2}} | |||
{{Block indent|*for an ''additional fee'' '''''by telephone''''', '''''by fax''''', or '''''online through the Internet''''' via the private company '''[https://www.vitalchek.com/vital-records/massachusetts/massachusetts-vital-records VitalChek Massachusetts]'''.<br><br>|2}} | |||
=== [[State Library of Massachusetts]] === | |||
[[Image:Mass statehouse eb1.jpg|thumb|right|280px|State Library of Massachusetts in Boston]]State House, Room 341<br>24 Beacon Street<br>Boston, MA 02133<br>Phone: (617) 727–2590<br>Fax: (617) 727–5819<br>Website: [http://www.mass.gov/anf/research-and-tech/oversight-agencies/lib/ State Library of Massachusetts] | |||
{{Block indent|1=Published books, periodicals, state and town histories, government publications, city directories, maps, tax records, newspapers and indexes.<ref name="DB57" /><br><br>|2=1}} | |||
== Regional Repositories == | |||
=== [[Berkshire Athenaeum]] === | |||
[[Image:Berkshire Athenaeum Pittsfield, Massachusetts.JPG|thumb|right|280px|Berkshire Athenaeum in Pittsfield]]1 Wendell Ave<br>Pittsfield, MA 01201<br>Telephone: 413-499-9480<br>Fax: 413-499-9489<br>Email: [mailto:pittsref@cwmars.org pittsref@cwmars.org]<br>Website: [http://www.pittsfieldlibrary.org/ Berkshire Athenaeum Pittsfield Public Library] | |||
{{Block indent|1=Best genealogical respository in western Massachusetts, including newspapers, books, and family histories. Now includes the former '''''Pittsfield Federal Records Center''''''s 71,000 microfilms of censuses, Revolutionary War pension and bounty land warrants, service records 1784-1901, Mexican War, Civil War, World War I, New England naturalizations, 1791-1966, passenger arrivals at Boston, New York, Philadelphia and east coast ports, Canadian border crossings, Indian enrollment cards, Russian Consular records, Barbour Collection for Connecticut, and Vermont vital records index.<ref name="Pitts" /> <ref name="DB59" /> <ref name="DB12425">Dollarhide and Bremer, 124-25.</ref><br><br>|2=1}} | |||
=== | === [[Boston Massachusetts FamilySearch Center]] === | ||
150 Brown Street<br> Weston, Massachusetts 02493-2604<br>Telephone: 781-235-2164<br>Website: [[Boston Massachusetts FamilySearch Center]] | |||
{{Block indent|1=The largest FamilySearch Center in New England. They have published town and county histories of New England, social histories, vital records, family histories, and major indexes.<ref name="DB59" /><br><br>|2=1}} | |||
=== [[Boston Public Library]] === | |||
[[Image:Boston Public Library Johnson building bpl.jpg|thumb|right|280px|Boston Public Library]]700 Boylston St.<br>Boston, MA 02116<br>Phone: (617) 536–5400<br>Fax: (617) 536–4306<br>Email: [mailto:info@bpl.org info@bpl.org]<br>Website: [http://www.bpl.org/ Boston Public Library] | |||
{{Block indent|1=Their collection includes New England newspapers, city directores, town records, county and local histories, and genealogies.<ref name="DB57" /><br><br>|2=1}} | |||
=== [[Dedham Historical Society Library]] === | |||
612 High Street<br>Dedham, MA 02027-0125<br>Telephone: 781-326-1385<br>Email: [mailto:society@dedhamhistorical.org society@dedhamhistorical.org]<br>Website: [http://dedhamhistorical.org/ Dedham Historical Society] | |||
{{Block indent|1=Great collection of manuscripts including deeds, vital and town records from the 15 towns created from old Dedham (south of Boston).<ref name="DB57" /><br><br>|2=1}} | |||
[[Image:Houghton Library Harvard Univ Cambridge MA.jpg|thumb|right|280px|Harvard Univ Houghton Library in Cambridge]] | |||
=== [[Harvard University Houghton Library]] === | |||
15 Quincy St<br>Cambridge, MA 02138<br>Telephone: 617-495-2440<br>Email: [http://asklib.hcl.harvard.edu/ Ask a Librarian] form<br>Website: [http://www.hcl.harvard.edu/libraries/houghton/index.cfm Houghton Library] | |||
{{Block indent|1=Manuscripts and rare books from many nations, but especially New England, Britain and Europe, historical archives of publishing history, political and missionary archives, paintings and artifacts. Largest volume of primary historical documents.<ref name="DB57" /><br><br>|2=1}} | |||
[[Image:Haverhill Public Library.jpg|thumb|right|280px|Haverhill Public Library]] | |||
=== [[Haverhill Public Library]] === | |||
99 Main Street<br>Haverhill, MA 01830<br>Telephone: 978-373-1586<br>Email: [mailto:hpl-ref@mvlc.org hpl-ref@mvlc.org]<br>Website: [http://www.haverhillpl.org/information/local-history-2/ Haverhill Public Library Special Collections] | |||
{{Block indent|1=One of New England's largest collections of original manuscripts, books, genealogical periodicals, and surname folders, local history collection, genealogy databases, Massachusetts vital records to 1910, federal and state censuses, 9,000 New England town and family histories.<ref name="DB59" /> <ref>[http://www.haverhillpl.org/about/local-history/#genealogy-resources Genealogy Resources] in ''Haverhill Public Library'' (accessed 14 November 2013).</ref><br><br>|2=1}} | |||
=== [[Jones Library]] === | |||
[[Image:Jones Library, Amherst MA.jpg|thumb|right|280px|Jones Library in Amherst]]43 Amity Street<br>Amherst, MA 01002<br>Telephone: 413-259-3090<br>Email: [http://www.joneslibrary.org/FormCenter/General-3/Ask-the-Reference-Desk-43 Ask a Librarian] form<br>Website: [http://www.joneslibrary.org/ Jones Library] | |||
{{Block indent|1=The Boltwood Collection includes 20,000 documents, genealogies, family folders, genealogy periodicals, newspapers, and local histories with an emphasis on Amherst and the Pioneer Valley.<ref name="DB59" /> <ref>[http://www.joneslibrary.org/specialcollections/collections/index.html Collections and Finding Aids] in ''Jones Library - Special Collections'' (accessed 14 November 2013).</ref><br><br>|2=1}} | |||
=== [[Peabody Essex Museum]] === | |||
[[Image:Plummer Hall of Phillips Library (Peabody Essex Museum) Salem, Massachusetts.JPG|thumb|right|280px|Peabody Essex Museum Phillips Library]]Phillips Library<br>1 Second Street (temporarily)<br>Peabody, MA USA<br>Telephone: 978-745-9500, or 866-745-1876<br>For the Hearing Impaired: 978-740-3649<br>Email: [mailto:research@pem.org research@pem.org]<br>Website: [http://www.pem.org/ Peabody Essex Museum] | |||
{{Block indent|Essex County books, manuscripts, and government records such as probate records, customs records, and maritime records. Can often help find trans-Atlantic ship logs, and ship images.<br><br>}} | |||
=== [[Plymouth Public Library]] === | |||
132 South Street<br>Plymouth, MA 02360<br>Telephone: 508-830-4250<br>Email: [http://www.plymouthpubliclibrary.org/contact-us/ Contact Us]<br>Website: [http://www.plymouthpubliclibrary.org/ Plymouth Public Library] | |||
{{Block indent|1=Almost all published histories and genealogies of early Massachusetts settlers are here.<ref name="DB59" /><br><br>|2=1}} | |||
=== [[Springfield History Library and Archives]] === | |||
(formerly Connecticut Valley Historical Museum Library)<br>21 Edwards Street<br>Springfield, Massachusetts 01103<br>Telephone: 800-625-7738<br>Email: [mailto:wmshlibrary@springfieldmuseums.org wmshlibrary@springfieldmuseums.org]<br>Website: [http://www.springfieldmuseums.org/the_museums/springfield_history/exhibits/view/156-springfield_history_library_archives#.UoTortJQFu0 Springfield History Library and Archives] | |||
{{Block indent|1=Can help identify Massachusetts emigrants headed west using vital records, land records, and probate records from many New England towns. They also have French Canadian records, the Loiselle Index, New York passenger arrivals, computer databases, over 20,000 genealogy books, 6,000 microforms, 50,000 photos and 2.5 million manuscripts including diaries, and account books.<ref name="DB59" /> <ref>[http://www.springfieldmuseums.org/the_museums/springfield_history/exhibits/view/156-springfield_history_library_archives#.UoTortJQFu0 Springfield History Library and Archives] in ''Springfield Museums'' (accessed 14 November 2013).</ref><br>[[Image:UMass at Amherst W.E.B. DuBois Library.jpg|thumb|right|190px|UMass Amherst Library]]<br>|2=1}} | |||
'' | === [[University of Massachusetts Amherst Library]] === | ||
154 Hicks Way<br>Amherst, MA 01003<br>Telephone: 413-545-0284<br>Email: [mailto:ref@library.umass.edu ref@library.umass.edu]<br>Website: [http://www.library.umass.edu/ UMass Amherst Libraries], and their [http://guides.library.umass.edu/genealogy Online Guide to Genealogy] | |||
{{Block indent|1=Very large set of biographies, genealogies, and never-published histories, and church, business, fraternal, insurance, and manufacturing records. They also have the ''Massachusetts Archives Collection '' microfilms, Franklin, Hampshire, and Suffolk counties' probate records, especially Connecticut River Valley towns.<ref name="DB59" /><br><br>|2=1}} | |||
== Outside of Massachusetts Repositories == | |||
[[Category:Massachusetts|Archives]] | [[Image:Allen County Public Library.jpg|thumb|right|165px|Allen Co Public Library IN]] | ||
=== [[Allen County Public Library]] === | |||
900 Library Plaza <br> Fort Wayne, Indiana 46802 <br> Telephone: 260-421-1225 <br> Email: [mailto:genealogy@acpl.info genealogy@acpl.info]<br>Website: [http://www.genealogycenter.org/ Genealogy Center ACPL] | |||
{{Block indent|1=This is the second-largest genealogy collection in the United States<ref>[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allen_County_Public_Library Allen County Public Library] in ''Wikipedia: the Free Encyclopedia'' (accessed 28 April 2010).</ref> and the largest genealogy collection in a public library. Its holdings include more than 350,000 printed volumes and 513,000 items on microfilm and microfiche.<ref name="ACPLGC">[http://www.acpl.lib.in.us/genealogy/ Genealogy Center] in ''Allen County Public Library'' (accessed 28 April 2010).</ref> It has a premier genealogical periodical collection, local histories, genealogies, databases, military, censuses, directories, passenger lists, ethnic sources, and Canadians. They have a great eastern seaboard and '''Massachusetts''' collection.<ref>[http://www.genealogycenter.org/docs/default-source/resources/aboutusbrochure.pdf?sfvrsn=2 Genealogy Center Collections] in ''Genealogy Center'' (accessed 27 February 2015).</ref><br><br>|2=1}} | |||
=== [[New York Public Library]] === | |||
[[Image:New York Public Library exterior.jpg|thumb|right|280px|New York Public Library in Manhattan]]U.S. History, Local History & Genealogy<br>Irma and Paul Milstein Division<br>First Floor, Room 121<br>Schwarzman Main Branch<br>Fifth Avenue at 42nd Street<br>New York, New York 10018-2788<br>Telephone: 212-930-0828<br>Email: [mailto:histref@nypl.org histref@nypl.org]<br>Website: [http://www.nypl.org/ NYPL home page] | |||
{{Block indent|1=The Genealogy Division has an outstanding collection of American history at national, state and local levels; international genealogy and heraldry in Roman alphabets; Dorot Jewish collection; manuscripts, photos; New York censuses, directories, vital records, Revolutionary War soldiers, Irish in America, and '''Massachusetts''' records.<ref name="DB81">Dollarhide and Bremer, 81.</ref><br><br>|2=1}} | |||
=== [[Onondaga Historical Association Library]] === | |||
321 Montgomery Street<br>Syracuse, New York 13202<br>Telephone:315-428-1864<br>Fax: 315-471-2133<br>Email: [http://www.cnyhistory.org/contact.html Contact Us]<br>Website: [http://www.cnyhistory.org/explore/collections-2/ Onondaga Historical Association Collections and Archives] | |||
{{Block indent|1=10,000 family folders for northeastern families, including many from '''Massachusetts'''.<ref name="DB59" /><br><br>|2=1}} | |||
=== [[Vermont Historical Society Leahy Library]] === | |||
[[Image:Vermont Historical Society.jpg|thumb|right|280px|VT Historical Soc Leahy Library in Barre VT]]Vermont History Center<br>60 Washington Street<br>Barre, Vermont 05641-4209<br>Telephone: 802-479-8509<br>Fax: 802-479-8510<br>Email: [mailto:vhs-library@state.vt.us vhs-library@state.vt.us]<br>Website: [http://vermonthistory.org/research/leahy-library Vermont Historical Society Leahy Library] | |||
{{Block indent|1=Their collection includes a comprehensive name index of '''Massachusetts''' people, strong collection of family and town histories of New England, vital records, cemetery transcripts, genealogical periodicals, manuscripts, maps, and photos.<ref name="DB59" /><ref>[http://vermonthistory.org/research/genealogy/genealogy-research-at-the-vhs Genealogy Research at the Vermont Historical Society] in ''Vermont Historical Society'' (accessed 14 November 2013).</ref><br><br>|2=1}} | |||
=== [[Western Reserve Historical Society]] === | |||
[[Image:Connecticut Western Reserve in northeast Ohio.png|thumb|right|280px|Western Reserve Hist Soc in Cleveland OH]]10825 East Boulevard <br>Cleveland, Ohio 44106-1788 <br>Telephone: 216-721-5722 x1509 <br>Fax: 216-721-0645 <br>Email: [mailto:reference@wrhs.org reference@wrhs.org] <br>Website: [http://www.wrhs.org/research/library/genealogy/ Family History and Genealogical Research] | |||
{{Block indent|1=The Western Reserve was a large part of Ohio at first intended for settlement by '''Connecticut''' Revolutionary War refugees. The '''Research Library''' at the '''''Western Reserve Historical Society''''' ''History Center '' is the premier repository for Cleveland, Ohio and the ''Connecticut Western Reserve '' history material. This important collection includes original land records, as well as many genealogies, biographies, histories, and Bibles from Pennsylvania, New York, and '''New England'''.<ref name="DB89">Dollarhide and Bremer, 89.</ref> Includes over 20 million manuscripts for genealogical research and northeast Ohio history. They have the world's largest and most comprehensive collection of Shaker materials. Other important collections include the American Civil War, and the automotive industry.<ref>[http://www.wrhs.org/research/library/significant-collections/ Significant Collections] in ''Western Reserve Historical Society'' (accessed 27 February 2015).</ref>|2=1}} | |||
{{Block indent|1=*Kermit J. Pike, ''A Guide to the Manuscripts and Archives of the Western Reserve Historical Society'' (Cleveland, Ohio: Western Reserve Historical Society, 1972). {{WorldCat|483574}}; {{FSC|94342|item|disp=FS Library Book 977.1 A3p}}.<br> |2=1}} | |||
{{Block indent|1=*Western Reserve Historical Society. History Library. ''Card Catalog to the Manuscripts Collection in the Library of the Western Reserve Historical Society'' (Salt Lake City, Utah: Genealogical Society of Utah, 1974). {{WorldCat|865891564}}; {{FSC|210248|item|disp=FS Library Films 934566-69; 934617-18}}.<br><br>|2=1}} | |||
== FamilySearch Centers == | |||
Some of the above collections are partially duplicated at the [https://www.familysearch.org/en/library/ FamilySearch Library] and its branch '''[https://www.familysearch.org/centers/locations/ FamilySearch Centers]''' around the world. Most centers can help you by: | |||
*Giving you limited, personal, one-on-one research suggestions (but they do not do research for you) | |||
*Providing access to genealogical records through the premium online Internet '''[[FamilySearch Center Portal|FamilySearch Center Portal]]''' for free. | |||
*Offering free how-to classes (varies by location) | |||
*Fostering contact between genealogical enthusiasts | |||
There are several [[:Category:Massachusetts FamilySearch Centers|centers located in Massachusetts]], ''for example:'' | |||
{{Block indent|[[Franklin Massachusetts FamilySearch Center]]<br>91 Jordan Rd<br>Franklin MA 02038 USA<br>Telephone: 508-553-0977.|2}} | |||
{{Block indent|Each center is staffed by volunteers and has varying hours and services. Telephone in advance to verify their hours.|3}} | |||
To locate one of these 4,500 centers in your own neighborhood, see [https://www.familysearch.org/centers/locations/ Find a FamilySearch Center].<br><br> | |||
== For Further Reading == | |||
*Historical Records Survey (Massachusetts). ''Preliminary Edition of Guide to Depositories of Manuscript Collections in Massachusetts'' (Boston, Massachusetts: Historical Records Survey, 1939). {{WorldCat|1832559|item|disp=At various libraries (WorldCat)}}. {{FSC|581769|item|disp=FS Library Book 974.4 A2hg}}. This work lists major manuscript collections and their locations. | |||
*Carroll D. Wright, ''Report on the Custody and Condition of the Public Records of Parishes, Towns, and Counties'' (Boston, Massachusetts: Wright and Potter, 1889). {{Worldcat|5321644|item|disp=At various libraries (WorldCat)}}. {{FSC|43513|item|disp=FS Library Film 865449 item 2; Fiche 6046869; Book 974.4 A3cr}}. Gives a brief description of the town records that existed in 1889 and which may still be available.<br><br> | |||
== References == | |||
{{reflist}} | |||
{{Massachusetts|Massachusetts}} {{U.S. Archives and Libraries}} </div> | |||
[[Category:Massachusetts_Archives_and_Libraries]] |
Latest revision as of 21:25, 19 August 2025
Massachusetts Wiki Topics |
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Beginning Research |
Record Types |
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Massachusetts Background |
Cultural Groups |
Local Research Resources |
These repositories preserve sources, maintain indexes, and provide services to help genealogists document their ancestors who lived in Massachusetts.
● For additional information, see also Massachusetts Repositories
Wiki Articles on Major Repositories for Massachusetts
Allen County Public Library (Ft. Wayne IN) · American Antiquarian Society · Berkshire Athenaeum · Boston Massachusetts FamilySearch Center · Boston Public Library · Dedham Historical Society Library · Harvard University Houghton Library · Haverhill Public Library · Jones Library · Massachusetts Historical Society · Massachusetts State Archives · National Archives at Boston · New England Historic Genealogical Society · New York Public Library NY · Onondaga Historical Association Library (Syracuse NY) · Peabody Essex Museum · Pittsfield Federal Records Center · Plymouth Public Library · Registry of Vital Records and Statistics · Springfield History Library and Archives · State Library of Massachusetts · University of Massachusetts Amherst Library · Vermont Historical Society (Barre VT) · Western Reserve Historical Society (Cleveland, OH)
Online Records of Massacusetts
Links to online databases and indexes that may include vital records, biographies, cemeteries, censuses, histories, immigration records, land records, maps, military records, naturalizations, newspapers, obituaries, or probate records.
National RepositoriesAmerican Antiquarian Society185 Salisbury Street |
National Archives at Boston
380 Trapelo Road Waltham, MA 02452-6399 Phone: (781) 663-0130 Fax: (781) 663-0154 Email: waltham.archives@nara.gov Website: National Archives at Boston |
Pittsfield Federal Records Center
10 Conte Drive
Pittsfield, MA 01201-8230
Telephone: 413-236-3603
Fax: 413-236-3609
Email: frc@nara.gov
Website: Pittsfield Federal Records Center
New England Historic Genealogical Society
101 Newbury Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02116-3007
Telephone: 617-536-5740; Library 617-226-1231
Fax: 617-536-7307
Email: info@nehgs.org
Website: AmericanAncestors.org
Statewide Repositories
Massachusetts Historical Society Library
1154 Boylston Street
Boston, MA 02215-3695
Telephone: 617-536-1608
Fax: 617-859-0074
Email: Contact Us
Website: Massachusetts Historical Society
Massachusetts State Archives
220 Morrissey Boulevard
Boston, MA 02125
Phone: (617) 727–2816
Email: archives@sec.state.ma.us
Website: Massachusetts Archives Division
FamilySearch Catalog
Registry of Vital Records and Statistics
150 Mount Vernon Street, 1st Floor
Dorchester, MA 02125
Telephone: 617-740-2600 for general information, but not to obtain certified copies
Email: vital.recordsrequest@mass.gov for general information, but not to obtain certified copies
Website: Registry of Vital Records
State Library of Massachusetts
State House, Room 341
24 Beacon Street
Boston, MA 02133
Phone: (617) 727–2590
Fax: (617) 727–5819
Website: State Library of Massachusetts
Regional Repositories
Berkshire Athenaeum
1 Wendell Ave
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Telephone: 413-499-9480
Fax: 413-499-9489
Email: pittsref@cwmars.org
Website: Berkshire Athenaeum Pittsfield Public Library
Boston Massachusetts FamilySearch Center
150 Brown Street
Weston, Massachusetts 02493-2604
Telephone: 781-235-2164
Website: Boston Massachusetts FamilySearch Center
Boston Public Library
700 Boylston St.
Boston, MA 02116
Phone: (617) 536–5400
Fax: (617) 536–4306
Email: info@bpl.org
Website: Boston Public Library
Dedham Historical Society Library
612 High Street
Dedham, MA 02027-0125
Telephone: 781-326-1385
Email: society@dedhamhistorical.org
Website: Dedham Historical Society
Harvard University Houghton Library
15 Quincy St
Cambridge, MA 02138
Telephone: 617-495-2440
Email: Ask a Librarian form
Website: Houghton Library
Haverhill Public Library
99 Main Street
Haverhill, MA 01830
Telephone: 978-373-1586
Email: hpl-ref@mvlc.org
Website: Haverhill Public Library Special Collections
Jones Library
43 Amity Street
Amherst, MA 01002
Telephone: 413-259-3090
Email: Ask a Librarian form
Website: Jones Library
Peabody Essex Museum
Phillips Library
1 Second Street (temporarily)
Peabody, MA USA
Telephone: 978-745-9500, or 866-745-1876
For the Hearing Impaired: 978-740-3649
Email: research@pem.org
Website: Peabody Essex Museum
Plymouth Public Library
132 South Street
Plymouth, MA 02360
Telephone: 508-830-4250
Email: Contact Us
Website: Plymouth Public Library
Springfield History Library and Archives
(formerly Connecticut Valley Historical Museum Library)
21 Edwards Street
Springfield, Massachusetts 01103
Telephone: 800-625-7738
Email: wmshlibrary@springfieldmuseums.org
Website: Springfield History Library and Archives
University of Massachusetts Amherst Library
154 Hicks Way
Amherst, MA 01003
Telephone: 413-545-0284
Email: ref@library.umass.edu
Website: UMass Amherst Libraries, and their Online Guide to Genealogy
Outside of Massachusetts Repositories
Allen County Public Library
900 Library Plaza
Fort Wayne, Indiana 46802
Telephone: 260-421-1225
Email: genealogy@acpl.info
Website: Genealogy Center ACPL
New York Public Library
U.S. History, Local History & Genealogy
Irma and Paul Milstein Division
First Floor, Room 121
Schwarzman Main Branch
Fifth Avenue at 42nd Street
New York, New York 10018-2788
Telephone: 212-930-0828
Email: histref@nypl.org
Website: NYPL home page
Onondaga Historical Association Library
321 Montgomery Street
Syracuse, New York 13202
Telephone:315-428-1864
Fax: 315-471-2133
Email: Contact Us
Website: Onondaga Historical Association Collections and Archives
Vermont Historical Society Leahy Library
Vermont History Center
60 Washington Street
Barre, Vermont 05641-4209
Telephone: 802-479-8509
Fax: 802-479-8510
Email: vhs-library@state.vt.us
Website: Vermont Historical Society Leahy Library
Western Reserve Historical Society
10825 East Boulevard
Cleveland, Ohio 44106-1788
Telephone: 216-721-5722 x1509
Fax: 216-721-0645
Email: reference@wrhs.org
Website: Family History and Genealogical Research
FamilySearch Centers
Some of the above collections are partially duplicated at the FamilySearch Library and its branch FamilySearch Centers around the world. Most centers can help you by:
- Giving you limited, personal, one-on-one research suggestions (but they do not do research for you)
- Providing access to genealogical records through the premium online Internet FamilySearch Center Portal for free.
- Offering free how-to classes (varies by location)
- Fostering contact between genealogical enthusiasts
There are several centers located in Massachusetts, for example:
To locate one of these 4,500 centers in your own neighborhood, see Find a FamilySearch Center.
For Further Reading
- Historical Records Survey (Massachusetts). Preliminary Edition of Guide to Depositories of Manuscript Collections in Massachusetts (Boston, Massachusetts: Historical Records Survey, 1939). At various libraries (WorldCat). FS Library Book 974.4 A2hg. This work lists major manuscript collections and their locations.
- Carroll D. Wright, Report on the Custody and Condition of the Public Records of Parishes, Towns, and Counties (Boston, Massachusetts: Wright and Potter, 1889). At various libraries (WorldCat). FS Library Film 865449 item 2; Fiche 6046869; Book 974.4 A3cr. Gives a brief description of the town records that existed in 1889 and which may still be available.
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 1.9 Dollarhide and Bremer, 59.
- ↑ William Dollarhide and Ronald A. Bremer. America's Best Genealogy Resource Centers (Bountiful, Utah: Heritage Quest, 1998), 124. WorldCat 39493985. FS Library Ref Book 973 J54d.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Genealogy Resources in Berkshire Athenaeum (accessed 14 November 2013).
- ↑ Dollarhide and Bremer, 5, 57, and 59.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 Dollarhide and Bremer, 57.
- ↑ Registry of Vital Records and Statistics, "Learn about conducting genealogical research", https://www.mass.gov/info-details/learn-about-conducting-genealogical-research, accessed 21 December 2023.
- ↑ Dollarhide and Bremer, 124-25.
- ↑ Genealogy Resources in Haverhill Public Library (accessed 14 November 2013).
- ↑ Collections and Finding Aids in Jones Library - Special Collections (accessed 14 November 2013).
- ↑ Springfield History Library and Archives in Springfield Museums (accessed 14 November 2013).
- ↑ Allen County Public Library in Wikipedia: the Free Encyclopedia (accessed 28 April 2010).
- ↑ Genealogy Center in Allen County Public Library (accessed 28 April 2010).
- ↑ Genealogy Center Collections in Genealogy Center (accessed 27 February 2015).
- ↑ Dollarhide and Bremer, 81.
- ↑ Genealogy Research at the Vermont Historical Society in Vermont Historical Society (accessed 14 November 2013).
- ↑ Dollarhide and Bremer, 89.
- ↑ Significant Collections in Western Reserve Historical Society (accessed 27 February 2015).
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