Introduction to Colonial Era Vital Records
Colonial Massachusetts vital records, spanning 1635 to 1840, offer a rare glimpse into the lives of early New England settlers and descendants. These records, which include births, marriages, and deaths, are excellent resources for genealogists, historians, and anyone interested in researching their ancestors in early America.
Map of Plymouth Colony, one of the earliest settlements in Massachusetts
During this time, record-keeping was mostly the duty of town clerks, resulting in a decentralized system with varying quality and uniformity among towns. Despite these limitations, these documents provide detailed information about individuals and families, social norms, and the formation of early American towns.
Historical Context of Record Keeping
1620-1630s
Early settlements established, with informal record-keeping by religious leaders.
1639
Massachusetts Bay Colony mandates that town clerks record all births, marriages, and deaths.
1692
Plymouth Colony merges with Massachusetts Bay Colony, extending record-keeping practices.
1750s-1780s
Improved literacy and standardization lead to more detailed and consistent records.
1780-1840
Gradual shift towards more secular record-keeping as church and state roles separate.
Types of Records Available
Birth Records
Colonial birth records typically include:
- Child's name
- Date of birth
- Parents' names
- Sometimes: place of birth, father's occupation
Marriage Records
Marriage records often provide:
- Names of bride and groom
- Date of marriage
- Names of parents (more common in later records)
- Sometimes: ages, residences, occupations
Death Records
Death records from this period may include:
- Name of deceased
- Date of death
- Age at death
- Sometimes: cause of death, parents' names, spouse's name
How to Access Colonial Vital Records
Key Point: Many original records are still held by town clerks. Contacting the relevant town office is often the first step in accessing these documents.
Massachusetts Town and City Clerks Offices
An Example of Digitized Massachusetts Vital Records Book
Cities and towns are the primary source for original records. Many communities have digitized their earlier vital records and they are free and online. This should be your first step. Determine if the town or city your interested in has digitized their records.
Massachusetts Archives
Contains microfilm copies of numerous town records. Allows access to other colonial documents that might enhance vital records. Located in Boston, provides both in-person and mail-in research services. Again, many of their holdings have been scanned and made available for free via the FamilySearch.org website. For examples, see the online resources listed below.
Libraries and Historical Societies
Often have transcriptions or published collections of vital records. May contain unique local history materials that supplement vital records. Examples: New England Historic Genealogical Societies church record collections and American Antiquarian Society for their acclaimed Massachusetts newspaper collection.
Research Tips for Colonial Records
- Discover colonial handwriting. Familiarize yourself with common scripts and abbreviations from the era.
- Be ready for spelling variations. Names and places were commonly spelled phonetically or inconsistently.
- Use many sources: Cross-reference vital records with church records, land deeds and probate records to gain a whole picture.
- Consider the historical context: Keep in mind that historical events (such as King Philip's War and the American Revolution) may have an impact on the availability of records.
- Explore the nearby towns: If a record cannot be found in the predicted town, search the surrounding areas. Check out our Massachusetts cemetery guide, which includes links to Find a Grave® for more options.
- Understand the calendar changes: Keep in mind that the transition from the Julian to the Gregorian calendar in 1752 may have an impact on date interpretations.
Free Online Resources for Colonial Era Vital Records
Several online databases offer access to indexes or images of Massachusetts vital records during this period:
- FamilySearch - Massachusetts, Town Clerk, Vital and Town Records, 1626-2001: Index and images.
- Family Search - Massachusetts Town Records, ca. 1638-1961: Index and images to various town vital records from the following counties: Berkshire, Bristol, Dukes, Essex, Franklin, Hampden, Hampshire, Norfolk, Plymouth, Suffolk, and Worcester.
A number of towns have contributed their "early records" to the Internet Archive - a free service that allows users to read or download entire books. A short search of their holdings revealed that these 25 towns or cities have records (abstracts) dating back to 1850 online. The list is random, and there are many other towns.
Conclusion
Colonial Massachusetts vital records are rich sources of historical and genealogical information. While they present unique challenges, the rewards of researching these records are immeasurable for understanding our early American ancestors.
Looking for records after 1840? Check our Early State Registration Guide
About the Author
J. James Simonson, a graduate of Suffolk University's Journalism and Marketing Communications program, with a minor in Local History, has been instrumental in genealogy research since the early 1990s. Known for his expertise in Massachusetts vital records, he has helped many piece together intricate family histories and is passionate about assisting others in discovering their ancestral narratives.