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Massachusetts: Local History & Genealogy Resource Guide

Vital Records

Based on the date of the vital event (birth, death, marriage, divorce), determine whether you are seeking a state, territory, county, or parish level record. If the record you are seeking has been digitized, you can access it online, through the projects described below. If it has not been digitized or if you need a certified copy, contact the appropriate state or county office to view the record.

Timeline of Vital Records

Birth Records

Before 1841
For birth records dating before 1841, researchers must contact the city and town clerks in the municipality where the event occurred. A list of all the city and town clerks in Massachusetts can be found at: Massachusetts City and Town Directory External.

1841-1925
The Massachusetts State Archives External currently hold births for all Massachusetts cities and towns for the years 1841 through 1925.

1926-present
Massachusetts birth records from 1926 to the present are held at the Department of Public Health, Registry of Vital Records and Statistics. Their contact information is:
Massachusetts Registry of Vital Records
150 Mount Vernon St.
Dorchester MA 02125
617-740-2600

Birth records from 1926 to the present are also available through the various offices of City and Town clerks. A list of all the city and town clerks in Massachusetts can be found at: Massachusetts City and Town Directory External.

Death Records

Before 1841
For death records dating before 1841, researchers must contact the city and town clerks in the municipality where the event occurred. A list of all the city and town clerks in Massachusetts can be found at: Massachusetts City and Town Directory External.

1841-1925
The Massachusetts State Archives External currently hold deaths for all Massachusetts cities and towns for the years 1841 through 1925.

1926-present
Massachusetts death records from 1926 to the present are held at the Department of Public Health, Registry of Vital Records and Statistics. Their contact information is:
Massachusetts Registry of Vital Records
150 Mount Vernon St.
Dorchester MA 02125
617-740-2600

Death records from 1926 to the present are also available through the various offices of City and Town clerks. A list of all the city and town clerks in Massachusetts can be found at: Massachusetts City and Town Directory External.

Marriage Records

Before 1841
For marriage records dating before 1841, researchers must contact the city and town clerks in the municipality where the event occurred. A list of all the city and town clerks in Massachusetts can be found at: Massachusetts City and Town Directory External.

1841-1925
The Massachusetts State Archives External currently hold marriages for all Massachusetts cities and towns for the years 1841 through 1925.

1926-present
Massachusetts marriage records from 1926 to the present are held at the Department of Public Health, Registry of Vital Records and Statistics. Their contact information is:
Massachusetts Registry of Vital Records
150 Mount Vernon St.
Dorchester MA 02125
617-740-2600

Marriage records from 1926 to the present are also available through the various offices of City and Town clerks. A list of all the city and town clerks in Massachusetts can be found at: Massachusetts City and Town Directory External.

Divorce Records

See the Courthouse Records section of this guide.

Online Resources for Vital Records

The subscription resources marked with a padlock are available to researchers on-site at the Library of Congress. If you are unable to visit the Library, you may be able to access these resources through your local public or academic library.

Using Ancestry Library Edition for Massachusetts

Begin your search through Ancestry's vast collections, by viewing the list designated as Massachusetts records External.

Using FamilySearch for Massachusetts

FamilySearch provides useful state and county wikis that make excellent starting points for research. The Massachusetts Wiki External includes links to each of its counties.

FamilySearch has digitized many of its microfilms containing county courthouse records including birth, death, and marriage. Not all records have been indexed yet, so search engine results may NOT show you the full range of FamilySearch data. You must browse the FamilySearch catalog External listings for each county to view the full set of records available. The vast amount of accessible original records is well worth your time to explore.

There is no fee to use FamilySearch, but you must create a free, personal account to access the databases and digital records.

Obtaining Copies of Vital Records

Contact Massachusetts Archives Digital Records External to learn more about accessing 1841-1920 records digitally. For records from 1921 to 1925, contact the Massachusetts State Archives Vital Records Division External about obtaining certified copies.

Published Vital Records

Below are selected print publications for statewide vital records. The following titles link to fuller bibliographic information in the Library of Congress Online Catalog. Links to additional online content are included when available.

To locate additional published materials, go to the Print Resources section of this guide for search tips on locating published county courthouse records, abstracts, and indexes that may aide you in locating original records at the county level.