Massachusetts Archives and Libraries: Difference between revisions

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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]
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]
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: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>
{{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]]  ===
=== [[National Archives at Boston]]  ===
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| [[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]
| [[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]
: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>
{{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]]  ===
=== [[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]
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]
: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>
{{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]]  ===
=== [[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]
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]
: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>
{{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}}
*{{FSC|364659|item|disp=''Rolls of membership of the New-England Historic Genealogical Society, 1844-1891''Boston, Massachusetts : New England Historic Genealogical Society, 1892}}
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=== [[Massachusetts Historical Society Library]] ===
=== [[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]
[[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]
: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>
{{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]]  ===
=== [[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]
[[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]
: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|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: }}
:*[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/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. }}
:*[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/PassengerManifestSearchContents.html Index to Passenger Manifests (1848-1891)] }}
:*[http://www.sec.state.ma.us/arc/arcsrch/VitalRecordsSearchContents.html Index to Vital Records (1841-1910)]<br>
{{Block indent|*[http://www.sec.state.ma.us/arc/arcsrch/VitalRecordsSearchContents.html Index to Vital Records (1841-1910)]<br>}}
:*[https://www.digitalcommonwealth.org/ Digital Commonwealth], Explore digitized photographs, maps, postcards, manuscripts, books and artifacts from libraries, museums and archives across Massachusetts.<br><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'''
'''FamilySearch Catalog'''
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=== Registry of Vital Records and Statistics ===
=== 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]
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]
: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|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> }}


: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|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:}}
::*'''''in person''''' at the Registry
{{Block indent|*'''''in person''''' at the Registry|2}}
::*'''''by mail''''' using their '''[https://www.mass.gov/how-to/order-a-birth-marriage-or-death-certificate online mail order form]'''  
{{Block indent|*'''''by mail''''' using their '''[https://www.mass.gov/how-to/order-a-birth-marriage-or-death-certificate online mail order form]''' |2}}
::*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>
{{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]] ===
=== [[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]
[[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]
:Published books, periodicals, state and town histories, government publications, city directories, maps, tax records, newspapers and indexes.<ref name="DB57" /><br><br>
{{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 ==
== Regional Repositories ==
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=== [[Berkshire Athenaeum]]  ===
=== [[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]
[[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]
: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>
{{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]] ===
=== [[Boston Massachusetts FamilySearch Center]] ===
150 Brown Street<br> Weston, Massachusetts 02493-2604<br>Telephone: 781-235-2164<br>Website: [[Boston Massachusetts FamilySearch Center]]
150 Brown Street<br> Weston, Massachusetts 02493-2604<br>Telephone: 781-235-2164<br>Website: [[Boston Massachusetts FamilySearch Center]]
: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>
{{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]] ===
=== [[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]  
[[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]  
:Their collection includes New England newspapers, city directores, town records, county and local histories, and genealogies.<ref name="DB57" /><br><br>
{{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]]  ===
=== [[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]  
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]  
: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>
{{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]]
[[Image:Houghton Library Harvard Univ Cambridge MA.jpg|thumb|right|280px|Harvard Univ Houghton Library in Cambridge]]
=== [[Harvard University Houghton Library]]  ===
=== [[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]
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]
: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>
{{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]]
[[Image:Haverhill Public Library.jpg|thumb|right|280px|Haverhill Public Library]]
=== [[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]   
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]   
: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>
{{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]]  ===
=== [[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]
[[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]
: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>
{{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]]  ===
=== [[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]  
[[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]  
: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>
{{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]]  ===
=== [[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]
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]
:Almost all published histories and genealogies of early Massachusetts settlers are here.<ref name="DB59" /><br><br>
{{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]]  ===
=== [[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]  
(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]  
: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>
{{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]]  ===
=== [[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]
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]
: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>
{{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 ==
== Outside of Massachusetts Repositories ==
Line 123: Line 123:
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]  
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]  


: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>
{{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]]  ===
=== [[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]
[[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]
: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>
{{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]]  ===
=== [[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]
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]
:10,000 family folders for northeastern families, including many from '''Massachusetts'''.<ref name="DB59" /><br><br>
{{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]]  ===
=== [[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]
[[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]
: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>
{{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]]  ===
=== [[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]
[[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]
: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>
{{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}}
:*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>  
{{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}}
:*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>
{{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 ==
== FamilySearch Centers ==
Line 150: Line 150:
*Fostering contact between genealogical enthusiasts
*Fostering contact between genealogical enthusiasts
There are several [[:Category:Massachusetts FamilySearch Centers|centers located in Massachusetts]], ''for example:''   
There are several [[:Category:Massachusetts FamilySearch Centers|centers located in Massachusetts]], ''for example:''   
::[[Franklin Massachusetts FamilySearch Center]]<br>91 Jordan Rd<br>Franklin MA 02038 USA<br>Telephone: 508-553-0977.
{{Block indent|[[Franklin Massachusetts FamilySearch Center]]<br>91 Jordan Rd<br>Franklin MA 02038 USA<br>Telephone: 508-553-0977.|2}}
:::Each center is staffed by volunteers and has varying hours and services. Telephone in advance to verify their hours.
{{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>
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>


Latest revision as of 21:25, 19 August 2025

Massachusetts Wiki Topics
Massachusetts flag.png
Beginning Research
Record Types
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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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.

American Antiquarian Society in Worcester

National Repositories[edit | edit source]

American Antiquarian Society[edit | edit source]

185 Salisbury Street
Worcester, Massachusetts 01609-1634
Telephone: 508-755-5221
Fax: 508-753-3311
Email: Library@americanantiquarian.org
Website: American Antiquarian Society

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.[1]

National Archives at Boston[edit | edit source]

National Archives at Boston (in Waltham)
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
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.[2]

Pittsfield Federal Records Center[edit | edit source]

10 Conte Drive
Pittsfield, MA 01201-8230
Telephone: 413-236-3603
Fax: 413-236-3609
Email: frc@nara.gov
Website: Pittsfield Federal Records Center

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.[3]
NEHGS 101 Newbury St in Boston


New England Historic Genealogical Society[edit | edit source]

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

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.[4]

Statewide Repositories[edit | edit source]

Massachusetts Historical Society Library[edit | edit source]

Massachusetts Historical Soc Library in Boston

1154 Boylston Street
Boston, MA 02215-3695
Telephone: 617-536-1608
Fax: 617-859-0074
Email: Contact Us
Website: Massachusetts Historical Society

Excellent historical materials, original town records, newspapers and genealogies. This collection does not repeat the New England Historic Genealogical Society collection.[5]

Massachusetts State Archives[edit | edit source]

Massachusetts State Archives in Boston


220 Morrissey Boulevard
Boston, MA 02125
Phone: (617) 727–2816
Email: archives@sec.state.ma.us
Website: Massachusetts Archives Division

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' online searchable collections include:
*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.
*Digital Commonwealth, Explore digitized photographs, maps, postcards, manuscripts, books and artifacts from libraries, museums and archives across Massachusetts.

FamilySearch Catalog

Registry of Vital Records and Statistics[edit | edit source]

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

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.[6]
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:
*in person at the Registry
*by mail using their online mail order form
*for an additional fee by telephone, by fax, or online through the Internet via the private company VitalChek Massachusetts.

State Library of Massachusetts[edit | edit source]

State Library of Massachusetts in Boston

State House, Room 341
24 Beacon Street
Boston, MA 02133
Phone: (617) 727–2590
Fax: (617) 727–5819
Website: State Library of Massachusetts

Published books, periodicals, state and town histories, government publications, city directories, maps, tax records, newspapers and indexes.[5]

Regional Repositories[edit | edit source]

Berkshire Athenaeum[edit | edit source]

Berkshire Athenaeum in Pittsfield

1 Wendell Ave
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Telephone: 413-499-9480
Fax: 413-499-9489
Email: pittsref@cwmars.org
Website: Berkshire Athenaeum Pittsfield Public Library

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.[3] [1] [7]

Boston Massachusetts FamilySearch Center[edit | edit source]

150 Brown Street
Weston, Massachusetts 02493-2604
Telephone: 781-235-2164
Website: Boston Massachusetts FamilySearch Center

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.[1]

Boston Public Library[edit | edit source]

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

Their collection includes New England newspapers, city directores, town records, county and local histories, and genealogies.[5]

Dedham Historical Society Library[edit | edit source]

612 High Street
Dedham, MA 02027-0125
Telephone: 781-326-1385
Email: society@dedhamhistorical.org
Website: Dedham Historical Society

Great collection of manuscripts including deeds, vital and town records from the 15 towns created from old Dedham (south of Boston).[5]

Harvard Univ Houghton Library in Cambridge

Harvard University Houghton Library[edit | edit source]

15 Quincy St
Cambridge, MA 02138
Telephone: 617-495-2440
Email: Ask a Librarian form
Website: Houghton Library

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.[5]

Haverhill Public Library

Haverhill Public Library[edit | edit source]

99 Main Street
Haverhill, MA 01830
Telephone: 978-373-1586
Email: hpl-ref@mvlc.org
Website: Haverhill Public Library Special Collections

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.[1] [8]

Jones Library[edit | edit source]

Jones Library in Amherst

43 Amity Street
Amherst, MA 01002
Telephone: 413-259-3090
Email: Ask a Librarian form
Website: Jones Library

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.[1] [9]

Peabody Essex Museum[edit | edit source]

Peabody Essex Museum Phillips Library

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

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.

Plymouth Public Library[edit | edit source]

132 South Street
Plymouth, MA 02360
Telephone: 508-830-4250
Email: Contact Us
Website: Plymouth Public Library

Almost all published histories and genealogies of early Massachusetts settlers are here.[1]

Springfield History Library and Archives[edit | edit source]

(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

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.[1] [10]
UMass Amherst Library

University of Massachusetts Amherst Library[edit | edit source]

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

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.[1]

Outside of Massachusetts Repositories[edit | edit source]

Allen Co Public Library IN

Allen County Public Library[edit | edit source]

900 Library Plaza
Fort Wayne, Indiana 46802
Telephone: 260-421-1225
Email: genealogy@acpl.info
Website: Genealogy Center ACPL

This is the second-largest genealogy collection in the United States[11] 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.[12] 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.[13]

New York Public Library[edit | edit source]

New York Public Library in Manhattan

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

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.[14]

Onondaga Historical Association Library[edit | edit source]

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

10,000 family folders for northeastern families, including many from Massachusetts.[1]

Vermont Historical Society Leahy Library[edit | edit source]

VT Historical Soc Leahy Library in Barre VT

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

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.[1][15]

Western Reserve Historical Society[edit | edit source]

Western Reserve Hist Soc in Cleveland OH

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

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.[16] 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.[17]
*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; FS Library Book 977.1 A3p.
*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; FS Library Films 934566-69; 934617-18.

FamilySearch Centers[edit | edit source]

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:

Franklin Massachusetts FamilySearch Center
91 Jordan Rd
Franklin MA 02038 USA
Telephone: 508-553-0977.
Each center is staffed by volunteers and has varying hours and services. Telephone in advance to verify their hours.

To locate one of these 4,500 centers in your own neighborhood, see Find a FamilySearch Center.

For Further Reading[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 1.9 Dollarhide and Bremer, 59.
  2. ↑ 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. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Genealogy Resources in Berkshire Athenaeum (accessed 14 November 2013).
  4. ↑ Dollarhide and Bremer, 5, 57, and 59.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 Dollarhide and Bremer, 57.
  6. ↑ 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.
  7. ↑ Dollarhide and Bremer, 124-25.
  8. ↑ Genealogy Resources in Haverhill Public Library (accessed 14 November 2013).
  9. ↑ Collections and Finding Aids in Jones Library - Special Collections (accessed 14 November 2013).
  10. ↑ Springfield History Library and Archives in Springfield Museums (accessed 14 November 2013).
  11. ↑ Allen County Public Library in Wikipedia: the Free Encyclopedia (accessed 28 April 2010).
  12. ↑ Genealogy Center in Allen County Public Library (accessed 28 April 2010).
  13. ↑ Genealogy Center Collections in Genealogy Center (accessed 27 February 2015).
  14. ↑ Dollarhide and Bremer, 81.
  15. ↑ Genealogy Research at the Vermont Historical Society in Vermont Historical Society (accessed 14 November 2013).
  16. ↑ Dollarhide and Bremer, 89.
  17. ↑ Significant Collections in Western Reserve Historical Society (accessed 27 February 2015).
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