Massachusetts Research Tips and Strategies

Below are links to different research strategy pages to help you locate your ancestors in Massachusetts

These tips will help you as your research your ancestors in Massachusetts.

Birth information: Towns have been recording births in Massachusetts since the 1600s. Statewide registration began in 1841. The best substitute record for locating birth information is death records (the majority of death records will list the date of birth of the decedent, and since death certificates are considered a primary resource, they can provide you with the same documentation as a birth certificate). Or, try these other substitute records.
Finding Parents: Massachusetts towns have been recording deaths since the 1600s. Statewide registration began in 1841. They often will list the parents of the deceased and their birth information. Search Massachusetts death records
Look in all censuses: Always look for your ancestor in every possible census. There are clues regarding immigration, naturalization, and occupation that can lead to other records. Sometimes parents can be found living with their children later in life. Search U.S. Censuses.