 "Most records in Massachusetts, including birth, marriage, divorce
and death records, are considered public records. Records not
accessible to the public are sealed or restricted records. They can include adoptions, a birth out of wedlock or
a marriage under legal age."
This policy of "open access" is highly
unusual for most states do not allow access for a specified period of time. The
neighboring state of Rhode Island for example, does not allow access to death records
until 50 years after the event and 100
years for births and marriages.
Massachusetts by far has one of the most complete and
preserved collection of vital records of any state in the country. In fact as early as
1841, it was the first state in the country to attempt a statewide centralization of vital
records.
Because of that centralization, researchers have the very good fortune, if they choose, of
searching literally two sets of records. Every vital event - birth, marriage or death -
must be recorded by the town or city clerk where the event occurred. A copy of this record
is then sent to the state authorities. Hence, the two sets of records.
For researchers, this is truly a bonanza for if the
town, city or even the county is not known, the statewide indexes can be consulted.
If the town or city is known, researchers can access records directly from the local town
or city clerk's office. This is especially helpful when dealing with a common
surname such as Smith, Jones or Brown.
Be aware however, that occasionally not all vital records were forwarded to the state.
This was rare, but it did happen. Also, not all information recorded on the vital
record was reported to the state. This too is a rare find. To be sure, one should always
consult the detail at both locations if there is ever a doubt or question. It's also true
that not every vital event was recorded. That's especially true of pre 20th century
records.
Though some minor gaps in record locations do exist,
the current statewide repository of vital records within the state can be
succinctly divided into two main collections, or locations.
-
Statewide
Location Of Vital
Records
-
Each of these collections, or locations, are
described in more detail by following the appropriate link. Both locations are based on the date on which the vital record event took place:
1916 -
2008 (Department of Health)**
**For
current (last 90 day) events: The town or city clerk has up to 90 days to forward copies of all vital records to
the state. Unfortunately, there are some towns that can take longer than 90 days.
Therefore, if you're looking for a recent vital record (last six months or so),
you may also need to know the specific town or city in which the event occurred.
1841 -
1915
(Massachusetts State Archives)
Before 1841 (Town and or City
Halls)
For original records before 1841, your best bet is to contact the city or town in which
the event occurred. In addition, each town or city clerk always has and still does, record
every vital record in that town - right up to the present.
-
Massachusetts Vital Record
Links
-
General
Laws
of Massachusetts, Chapter 46: Registry of Births, Marriages and
Deaths.
-
General
Laws
of Massachusetts, Chapter 210: Adoption of Children and Change of
Name.
-
Vital record information
for all other states.
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family history project. We do not provide individual lookups.
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