| Favorite Repositories |
 |
 |
 |
|
This list was created from submissions to the APG-NEW-ENGLAND email list (and, previously, the NEAPG email list) with the purpose of informing members of repositories and/or sources not commonly used in genealogical research. Descriptions of holdings are by no means comprehensive, but rather are intended to share those sources that may be missed in the typical search. To add your favorite place to the list, email us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it (public mail list) or at p This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Connecticut
Archdiocese of Hartford Archives Maria Medina, Archivist 134 Farmington Ave Hartford, CT 06105 (860) 541-6491
Microfilmed parish records are available with no known restrictions; however, an appointment is necessary. Note that the Diocese of Bridgeport does not have centralized records at this time. Those records are held at local parishes.
Maine
Library of the Franco-American Genealogical Society of York County McArthur Public Library 270 Main St. Biddeford, Maine 04005 207-284-4181 http://www.mcarthur.lib.me.us/history_genealogy.htm
In addition to family genealogies, the collection contains a large number of vital records, including volumes of Canadian and American marriages; the Loiselle files; the Moncton files of marriages; and the Drouin books (indexed by male surnames) and a separate set of Drouin microfiches (indexed by female surnames), covering marriages for the entire Province of Quebec (from the 1700's to the 1930's).
Maine Historical Society Library 510 Congress St. (temporary home) Portland, Maine 04101 (207) 774-1822 http://www.mainehistory.org/library_holdings.shtml
The collection contains catalogs and indexes, including an excellent obituary index; published genealogies; manuscripts; state, county and town histories for Maine and other New England communities; biographical resources (including the multi-volume seriesMaine Families in 1790 and Ring's Index to State-of-Mainers, an index to biographical compilations of Maine people who appear in approximately 50 books in the MHS collections); numerous lineage society records, vital records ( including Maine Vital records and pre-1892 and 1892–1954, available on microfilm for every Maine town); cemetery records and transcriptions (including Maine Old Cemetery Association); town reports; city directories; misc. military records for New England; periodicals; several microfilmed historic newspapers; misc. immigration records; misc. land & probate records; as well as some Canadian and ethnic resources.
Springvale Public Library Genealogy Room 443 Main St. Springvale, Maine 04083 207-324-4624 http://www.springvalelibrary.org/genealogy.htm
When you don’t want to drive into a city, the Genealogy Room at the Springvale Public Library is a little gem. It specializes in Northern New England materials. The collection includes Maine town histories and family histories; Maine vital records (pre-1892 and 1892-1936 on microfilm); local Sanford-Springvale vital records; newspapers; photos; voter registrations from 1935; maps; Mayflower Families and early immigrants; and numerous genealogical periodicals.
Massachusetts
American Antiquarian Society (AAS) http://www.americanantiquarian.org
Houghton Library Harvard University Cambridge, MA 02138 617-495-2441 http://hcl.harvard.edu/libraries/#houghton
The library has a rich manuscript collection and is open to the public.
Massachusetts Archives 220 Morrissey Boulevard Boston, MA 02125 http://www.sec.state.ma.us/arc/arcidx.htm
Institutional records (state alms houses, schools, prisons, hospitals, etc.) are woefully underutilized sources. Registers provide basic personal information, and case histories may also be available. These records have been microfilmed and are available through the FHL. Ann S. Lainhart’s book, A Researcher's Guide to Boston, contains further information on these records (see Appendix 7). Ann is currently transcribing records of the Boston Female Asylum, a private institution (1800-1866) that took in over 800 girls, trained them and placed them as servants in homes all over New England.
Massachusetts Grand Lodge of Masons 186 Tremont Street Boston, MA 02111 617-426-7040; 800-882-1020 (within Massachusetts) http://www.massfreemasonry.org/
The Masons’ membership card file dates to the 1700s. Cards include date of birth and residence at time of membership.
Northeastern University School of Law 400 Huntington Avenue Boston, MA 02115(617) 373-3332 http://www.slaw.neu.edu/library/
Holdings include Superior Court reports (on the top floor), published for each state, with case summaries and indexes. The library is open to the public. No appointment is necessary.
Phillips Library Peabody-Essex Museum East India Square 161 Essex Street Salem, MA 01970-3783 978-745-9500; 866-745-1876 http://www.pem.org/museum/library.php
The maritime collection is superb for research pertaining to those involved in the maritime trade in New England prior to 1900. The collection is also a real treasure trove for Essex County research, and includes most town histories for most Massachusetts towns, as well as hundreds of printed genealogies for New England families. The staff is knowledgeable and helpful. Public hours are very limited.
Worcester Area Libraries
The libraries of the Worcester area have published a pamphlet, “Where in Worcester,” which lists local institutions and their holdings. Repositories include the Worcester Public Library, Worcester City Clerk’s Office, Massachusetts National Guard Museum and Archives, American Antiquarian Society, Worcester Historical Museum, Worcester Probate Court, Worcester Register of Deeds, and the Guy Burnham Map and Aerial Photography Library at Clark University. Many repositories routinely add guides and finding aids to their websites (e.g., the Worcester Public Library’s guide to their Local History & Genealogy Collection).
New Hampshire
Tuck Library New Hampshire Historical Society 30 Park Street Concord, NH 03301-6316 603-228-6688 https://www.nhhistory.org/library.html
The library has an outstanding manuscript collection, including original church records, family papers, diaries, account books and Justice of the Peace records. These sources are particularly helpful with “brick wall” problems when the search is expanded beyond the surname to include the surrounding community.
|
