Massachusetts Introduction

United States   Massachusetts    Introduction

For detailed information about Massachusetts research, see the Massachusetts Genealogy Guide page.

This set of Wiki pages describes major sources of information about families from Massachusetts. As you read this outline, study the United States set of Wiki pages, which will help you understand terminology and the contents and uses of genealogical records.

Records of the Family History Library
The Family History Library has many of the records described in these Massachusetts Wiki pages. The major holdings include vital records; genealogies; local histories; censuses; and church, military, probate, land, and court records.

Some of the sources described in this set of Wiki pages list the Family History Library's book, microfilm, and microfiche. These are preceded by FHL, the abbreviation for Family History Library. You can use these numbers to locate materials in the library and to order microfilm and microfiche at Family History Centers.

FamilySearch Catalog
The library's records are listed in the FamilySearch Catalog found at the library and at each Family History Center. The catalog is available in a online or microfiche version. To find a record, look in the Place Search of the catalog for:


 * The place where your ancestor lived, such as:
 * UNITED STATES - CENSUS
 * MASSACHUSETTS - VITAL RECORDS
 * MASSACHUSETTS, ESSEX - COURT RECORDS
 * MASSACHUSETTS, ESSEX, SALEM - CHURCH RECORDS


 * The record type you want to search, such as:
 * UNITED STATES - CENSUS
 * MASSACHUSETTS - VITAL RECORDS
 * MASSACHUSETTS, ESSEX - COURT RECORDS
 * MASSACHUSETTS, ESSEX, SALEM - CHURCH RECORDS

The page titles in the Massachusetts Wiki pages match the names of record types used in the catalog.