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How to Find Public Records in Massachusetts
Public Records Search: Massachusetts
State Archives
The Massachusetts State Archives may be reached by visiting the
website for the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts at
sec.state.ma.us/index/htm and clicking on the appropriate link
�Massachusetts Archives.� Once directed to the state archives,
researchers may obtain access to valuable historical records for a wide
range of government agencies as well as those pertaining to genealogy.
Interestingly, to visit the Massachusetts Archives in person requires an
appointment. It is open to the entire public, but researchers who visit
the archives will be required to register and present valid
identification due to increased security measures. Of course, there are
alternatives to visiting the site in person. The site presents a
streamlined procedure for making requests for materials and/or research.
From the archive�s main page, click on the research services link. This
page clearly states how to reach the archives depending on the route you
choose. To reach staff by mail, send your query or request to
Massachusetts Archives, 220 Morrissey Blvd. Boston MA 02125. Send your
email request to archives @sec.state.ma.us. Fax requests should be sent
to 617-288-8429. Of course, you may also call the archives at
617-727-2816. Additionally, the site provides an extensive contact page
listing staff members, job titles and email addresses to reach staff
members individually.
Each request will be handled in the order it is received. The site
states that �archives staff can do only brief research to answer
questions based on information in archives records.� For this reason,
the archive�s requires researchers to make very specific requests. Be
sure to include your name, mailing address, email and telephone number
on each of your requests. The site maintains that by law all individuals
have the right to archived materials. Consequently, the site does not
charge for research, even though the research they perform is of a
limited nature.
The site does charge for photocopies ($.30 per page) as well as other
duplication services like microfilm prints, photographic prints,
certified copies of vital records, color copies, etc�These services and
charges are listed on the website as well. It may be helpful to call to
clarify how to extend payment for these services as it is not stated on
the site.
The Massachusetts State Archives are extensive and go back to colonial
times. Among its vast holdings researchers will have access to the
following types of records and information: colonial charters, treaties,
convention proceedings, compacts, legal codes, provincial court files,
general court files, petitions, reports, House and Senate dockets, court
records, witchcraft records, Indian Affairs records, Black history
records, census records, various vital records, divorce records,
adoption records, military records, probate records, passenger lists and
many more.
While the website takes a �no-frills� approach to extending information,
it is actually one of the better sites in the country for performing
research. Not only are the holdings vast, the guidelines are clear and
the types of records are not simply listed, but also contain specific
descriptions. The �researching your family history� link on the main
archive�s page directs you to these descriptions which are invaluable
for performing research online. For instance, researchers can find dates
as well as how the materials are formatted�print, microfilm, etc�Each of
the listed record types in this section is also given a visual sample of
the record�a nice touch that is quite helpful to researchers searching
for materials long distance.
Additionally, the site lists other sites that will prove helpful for a
records search. There is also a kids section which is a great feature
for young researches interested in genealogy. While other may offer a
fancier format, this site gives researchers everything they need to
perform research and send their requests.
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