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Reference Services

The Archives’ collections are public records, open to all for research. Reference staff are available to help patrons find the information they need. Note that some materials may be restricted from use for privacy reasons.

Guidelines for Submitting Reference Requests

Information about resources for research can be requested in person, by mail, or by email.

In Person

220 Morrissey Blvd.
Boston, MA 02125

By Mail

Massachusetts Archives
220 Morrissey Blvd.
Boston, MA 02125

By Email

Archives staff can do only brief research to answer requests, so please be as specific as possible about your query. In-depth research will require a personal visit.

Queries are handled in the order received, and all responses will be sent by mail or email.

Reading Room Research Policy

You don’t need an appointment to use Archives materials, but calling ahead may save time or avoid an unnecessary trip.

All persons have the right, by law, to use public records. Certain materials, however, are restricted from public use for privacy reasons, to protect trade secrets, to protect investigations, or when withholding best serves the public interest.

To protect records in the care of the Archives, all patrons must observe the following rules:

  • Register at the reference desk. Photo identification is required.
  • All personal belongings, including handbags, briefcases, waist packs, bags, containers, jackets, hats and coats must be placed in lockers.
  • Pencils must be used to take notes. No pens or other permanent markers are allowed.
  • Notebooks, papers, books, etc., used in the reading room are subject to search upon leaving the reading room.
  • Researchers should work as quietly as possible.
  • Food, drink, or smoking are not allowed.
  • The Reading Room closes promptly at 4:30. Vault pulls cease at 4:00 and all vault materials must be returned to the vault by 4:15.

When using original materials patrons must also:

  • Fill out and sign the request form.
  • Handle materials with care. Do not lean or write on them.
  • Return materials to the reference desk if you leave your desk.
  • Use supports for bound volumes.
  • Maintain the existing order and arrangement of materials. Questions or comments should be directed to the reference staff.
  • Consult with reference staff when copying any materials. Mark materials for copying with the slips provided and leave them in the folder. Do not use post-it notes.
  • Avoid removing materials from the reading room/reference desk area.

Duplication Services

The Massachusetts Archives provides the following duplication services:

Photocopies

All photocopies are five cents per page. Materials may only be copied in accordance with Archives policies.

Prints of Microfilm Images

All microfilm prints cost 50 cents per page. Five microfilm reader/printers are available in the reading room for patron use. The printers are self-serve. We also have two microfilm scanners available for researchers. If you bring your own USB storage drive, you can make scans of microfilm images free of charge.

Copies of Vital Records

Digital images of birth, marriage, and death records are available through www.FamilySearch.org. You can search by name, sex, place, life event, family member, and birth/death year.

If you cannot find the record you need online, you can email us a request for digital images of up to five unique records from 1841-1930. We can either email you links to scans of the originals (if they are available online), or make individual scans by request.

Certified Copies of Vital Records

Certified copies of births, marriages, and deaths from 1841 to 1930 can be ordered in person, through the mail, or through email. The cost is $3.00 per certificate, payable by cash or check made to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Please complete a Certified Vital Records Order Form for each unique certificate you are requesting and email it to: or print and mail it to:

Massachusetts Archives
Attn: Certified Vitals
220 Morrissey Blvd.
Boston, MA 02125

All orders take approximately 4-6 weeks to process. Researchers may order a maximum of five certificates at one time.

If mailing your request, please include individual checks for $3.00 for each certificate requested. If you submit your request over email, we will mail you an invoice along with your certificates and payment is due upon receipt.

If we are unable to locate any of the records from your request, we will refund your payment.

We cannot accept credit card or electronic payments.

Self-service Photographic Copying

Available at no cost. Non-flash photography is permitted in the Reading Room. Researchers may bring additional equipment to photograph materials with the approval of Archives staff. Handheld scanners are not permitted. An appointment must be made in advance. The Archives is not able to supply lights, copy stands, easels, or other equipment.

Digital Reproduction

High-resolution scans are available on a case-by-case basis, depending upon the condition and size of the document. The cost is $10.00 for each digital file shared electronically through the state’s secure file transfer system. Orders can take up to four weeks to process.

Architectural Plans

The Archives works with an outside vendor to reproduce architectural plans. The condition of the plan will determine whether or not it can be sent out for scanning. The reference staff will discuss this and other reproduction options with you. Cost of the scans can vary and is determined by the vendor. Orders can take two weeks to be delivered to the vendor.

Publication

Materials in the Massachusetts Archives are public records and may be used in publication for no additional cost. The Archives requires patrons to obtain a Permission to Publish form, agreeing to use a standard citation for archival materials and provide a copy of the published work to the Archives. This form is available from the Reference staff.

Copyright

Records created by Massachusetts government agencies and institutions held by the Massachusetts Archives are not copyrighted, and are available for public use. Copyright for materials submitted to state agencies may be held by the person or organization that created the document. Patrons are responsible for clearing copyright on such materials. For more information on copyright law, please consult the U.S. Copyright Office.

Publications

These guides offer 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.

Collections Guide
A detailed listing of individual record series held at the Archives, organized by state agency.