Massachusetts Research Tips and Strategies

Massachusetts Research Strategies
Below are links to different research strategy pages to help you locate your ancestors in Massachusetts


 * Massachusetts Online Genealogy Records
 * How to find Massachusetts Birth Records
 * How to find Massachusetts Death Records

Massachusetts Research Tips
These tips will help you as you research your ancestors in Massachusetts.


 * Birth information: Towns have been recording births in Massachusetts since the 1600s. Statewide registration began in 1841. The best substitute record for locating birth information is death records (the majority of death records will list the date of birth of the decedent, and since death certificates are considered a primary resource, they can provide you with the same documentation as a birth certificate). Or, try these other substitute records.
 * Finding Parents: Massachusetts towns have been recording deaths since the 1600s. Statewide registration began in 1841. They often will list the parents of the deceased and their birth information. Search Massachusetts death records
 * Look in all censuses: Always look for your ancestor in every possible census. There are clues regarding immigration, naturalization, and occupation that can lead to other records. Sometimes parents can be found living with their children later in life. Search U.S. Censuses.

Massachusetts Record Finder
This Record Finder is designed to help you determine the best record to search for the type of information you are looking for. It is most helpful for post-1850 research.

Further Massachusetts Research
For more research on Massachusetts, including research at the county level, visit the Massachusetts page on the Research Wiki.

Search all of the Massachusetts record collections at FamilySearch.