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How to Research Your Massachusetts Ancestry
Tracing your family history in Massachusetts is a rewarding journey, thanks to the state’s early and extensive recordkeeping. Even before a centralized system was created in 1844, local towns were required to maintain vital records of births, marriages, and deaths. Many of these early records date back to the 1600s and provide valuable insight into the lives of your ancestors.
To get started, begin by identifying the town where your ancestor lived. Massachusetts records are typically kept at the town level, so knowing the location is key. Town clerks often hold original registers, but many early records have been published in books or digitized in online databases. Look for collections titled Massachusetts Vital Records to 1850, sometimes known as the “Tan Books,” which cover dozens of towns.
If your ancestors lived in Massachusetts after 1844, you can search the centralized statewide indexes available through the Massachusetts Registry of Vital Records and Statistics. Many of these records are also available through genealogical websites like FamilySearch, Ancestry, and American Ancestors.
Church records, town histories, probate files, and cemetery transcriptions are also useful resources, especially for colonial-era research. When possible, cross-check names and dates, as spelling errors and inconsistencies are common in early records.
Massachusetts offers a treasure trove of material for anyone researching family history. With persistence and the right sources, you can uncover stories that stretch back through centuries.