Massachusetts Vital Records for Family History Projects

Overview of Massachusetts Vital Records

Older vital record registers, particularly those from the mid to late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, are useful, but often include less genealogical information than later records. The accuracy of information can also vary according on its proximity to the recorded event. More modern vital records (post-1925) often include some, but not all, of the following information:

Birth Records

Genealogical Information in Birth Records

• Full name (first, middle, and last)
• Place of birth (including address and town/city)
• Date of birth (day, month, and year)
• Time of birth (recording began in the 1950s)
• Parents' names, ages, and addresses
• Parents' birthplaces (city, town, state, country; sometimes just state or country)
• Parents' occupations (no longer recorded as of 1990)
• Number of previous children of the mother (not always filled in and no longer recorded)

For an example of a Massachusetts birth record transcribed for genealogy, please visit our sample page.

Marriage Records

Genealogical Information in Marriage Records

• Names and genders of both parties
• Date of marriage (day, month, and year)
• Exact place of marriage (often includes the church, officiant, etc.)
• Names and birthplaces of both parties' parents
• Birthplaces and ages of both parties (sometimes specific birth dates)
• Occupations of both parties
• Number of times married, divorced, and/or widowed

To see an example of a Massachusetts marriage record transcribed for genealogy, check our sample page.

Death Records

Genealogical Information in Death Records

• Full name of the deceased
• Place of death (specific address, whether residence or institution)
• Town or city of death and residence
• Date of death (day, month, and year)
• Age at death
• Birth date and place (not always accurate or known)
• Marital status and name of spouse
• Parents' names (not always filled in)
• Parents' birthplaces (not always known)
• Causes of death (primary, secondary, and contributing)
• Place and date of burial or cremation
• Name of funeral home or director
• Name of physician or medical examiner
• Name of informant (sometimes states relationship to the deceased)

For an example of a Massachusetts death record transcribed for genealogy, visit our sample page.

Note: Older records (pre-1920s) typically have limited medical information on death certificates or registers.

Accuracy and Limitations of Vital Records

When conducting genealogy research with vital records, bear these things in mind:

• The accuracy of information may diminish as the record moves further from its original event.
• For example, death certificates may have less precise birth information than the original birth certificate.
• Marriage certificates frequently contain valuable information about both spouses and their parents.
• Older records may include less detailed information than more recent ones.

How to Obtain Massachusetts Vital Records for Genealogy

To order transcribed vital records for genealogical purposes:

1. Choose the type of record you need (birth, marriage, or death)
2. Click on the appropriate link below to access our secure online order form
3. Complete the application with as much information as you know
4. Pay the required fee ($20 per record)
5. Receive your transcribed record via email within 10-14 business days

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long will it take to receive my records?

A: The turnaround time is 10-14 business days once we receive your completed order form.

Q: What information do I need to provide to get the most accurate record?

A: The more information you can provide (such as full name, date, and place of event), the easier it is to locate and transcribe the record.

Q: How much do the records cost?

A: Each transcribed record costs $20. Payment is made online during the application process.