The Archives’ collections are public records and are open to all for research. A reference staff is available to help patrons find the information they need. Note that some materials may be restricted from use for reasons of privacy.
Although an appointment is not necessary to use Archives materials, a phone call may save you time or an unnecessary trip. Reference staff can answer questions, refer you to appropriate materials, or help you plan a research visit.
For additional information call 617-727-2816.
Information about resources for research can be requested by:
In person
220 Morrissey Blvd.
Boston MA 02125
By mail
Massachusetts Archives
220 Morrissey Blvd.
Boston MA 02125
By e-mail
archives@sec.state.ma.us
By fax
617-288-8429
Archives staff can do only brief research to answer questions based on
information in Archives records. Please be as specific as possible about
the issue you are interested in. In-depth research requires a personal
visit.
If you are not able to visit the Archives to do research in person, you
may want to hire a student or professional who can conduct research on
your behalf.
Queries are handled in the order received, and all responses will be
sent by U.S. mail.
Please include your full name, mailing address, and telephone number
on all requests.
For information on requesting copies of vital records (birth, death, and marriage records), please see Copies of Vital Records below.
An appointment is not necessary to look at Archives materials. Please feel free to telephone in advance (617-727-2816) if you would like to verify hours, check what materials may be suitable to your research needs, or discuss research strategies.
All persons have the right, by law, to use public records. Certain materials, however, are restricted from public use for reasons of privacy, to protect trade secrets, to protect investigations, or when the public interest is best served by withholding materials. For more information on public record exemptions, please see the Public Records Division web page.
In order to protect the records in the care of the Archives, all patrons
are expected to observe the following rules.
When using original materials patrons must also:
The Massachusetts Archives provides the following duplication services:
Researchers interested in obtaining copies of birth, marriage, and death records for personal or genealogical research can access digital images of Massachusetts Vital Records for the years 1841 to 1920 through the Archives website by following the appropriate links: Digital Records at the Massachusetts Archives
While researchers are encouraged to utilize the digital images of vital records available on our website, the Archives staff can also provide microfilm photocopies of vital records from the years 1841 to 1920. Researchers can request photocopies of vital records in person, by e-mail, or by mail. Please provide the full name and date (no greater than a 10-year span) for each event. If possible, the location, volume and page number, parents' names, and any additional information you might be able to provide will be extremely helpful. Please remember to include a mailing address so that we can mail the photocopies to you. Researchers may request a maximum of five records at one time and must wait for receipt of copies from their initial order before submitting their next request. The cost for microfilm copies of vital records is $.50US (fifty cents) per page and we will send an invoice payable upon receipt.
NOTE: Digital or microfilm copies of birth, marriage, or death records from 1921 to 1925 are not available at this time. Researchers interested in obtaining copies of vital records from 1921 to 1925 should follow the instructions for ordering Certified Copies outlined below.
Certified copies of births, marriages and deaths from 1841 to 1925 can be ordered in person or by mail only. Please provide the full name and date (no greater than a 10-year span) for each event. If possible, the location, volume and page number, parents' names, and any additional information you might be able to provide will be extremely helpful. The cost for each certificate is $3.00US payable by cash, check, or money order. We are not able to accept credit card payments at this time. Please include a separate check for each certificate requested. Researchers may order a maximum of five certificates may be ordered at one time and must wait for receipt of copies from their initial order before submitting a new request. If we are unable to locate the record you have requested we will return your payment.
Checks should be made payable to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Our mailing address is:
Massachusetts Archives
220 Morrissey Blvd.
Boston, MA 02125
The following digital guides are available to help researchers get a better understanding of the types of records held at the Massachusetts Archives:
Summary Guide to Holdings
A broad overview of different collections at the Archives, organized by topic
Collection Guides
Detailed listing of individual record series held at the Archives, organized by state agency