Despite minor document gaps, the state's current statewide repository of vital records has two main collections. Furthermore, not all vital events were recorded, particularly in pre-20th-century records. Additionally, some vital record information was not reported to the state, though this is also rare. Occasionally, the state received only some of a city or town's vital records. Again, it is beneficial when dealing with a common surname such as Smith, Jones, or Brown. Researchers can access records directly from the local town or city clerk's office if the town or city is known. Researchers will find this system particularly advantageous since the statewide indexes enable them to locate the records, even when the event's town, city, or county is unknown. Then, a copy of this record is forwarded to the state recording office, resulting in two sets of documents. As early as 1841, it was the first state in the country to attempt a statewide centralization of vital records.īecause of that centralization, researchers looking for Massachusetts public records have the good fortune, if they choose, of searching two sets of documents.įirst, the town or city clerk where a birth, marriage, or death occurred must record the event, creating an initial document. Massachusetts has one of the most complete and preserved collections of vital records of any state in the country. How Are Vital Records Created in Massachusetts? For example, the neighboring state of Rhode Island does not allow access to death records until 50 years after the event and 100 years for births and marriages. This "open access" policy is highly unusual because most states do not allow access for a specified time. The Massachusetts Archives allows the viewing of restricted documents after 100 years. In addition, there is "about a 100-year-old hold" on those types of records. These can consist of adoptions, birth out of wedlock, marriage under the legal age, or any marriage in which one of the spouses was born out of wedlock. Those not accessible to the public include sealed, impounded, or restricted documents. State law does restrict access to some records. "Most vital records in the state, including birth, marriage, divorce, and death records, are considered public records and can be viewed or purchased by anyone." Record Availability and Restricted Access The cities of Worcester and Boston have searchable birth, marriage, and death indexes on their websites. Two of the larger cities in the state have online indexes to their records.
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