[mabear]

Hello, I was born in Boston and am doing research on my family roots. I know that in California, birth, marriage and death records are available on-line. In New York, birth records are available in the NYC Library, not sure about the availablity of New York marriage and death records. How does one get to see Massachusetts vital records? Thank you. Mary S.

[LoganTech]

I'm sure there's a website out there for that, but it's not worth it. Getting it done in person is not only faster, but cheaper... Do you know where it is located? E-mail me if you have any questions.

[mabear]

Thanks LoganTech.

Does anyone know of an ONLINE data base for Massachusetts births, marriages, divorces, and deaths that can be accessed in a user-friendly manner (like by date and first name only for birth records, etc.) Money is no object. he he

Also, there must be one location in Massachusetts where all state records can be browsed in person - Boston? Surely one doesn't have to visit every town one at a time to get a look at one page at a time. How do birth mothers and adoptees in Massachusetts get any information? Non-id information is good but for folks who were never adopted, just "given" to a family member - there's got to be a way to check the public records.

Hugs and thanks!

Mary S.

[Ktates]

This might help...

http://www.mass.gov/dph/bhsre/rvr/rvr.htm

May have to order rather than browse on line. It says there is nothing available online. I'm not sure if that's what you were looking for but it might steer you in the right direction. Good luck.

[mabear]

Thanks ktates.

It's good to have that address and costs, I really appreciate your help. Looks like I'd need to travel quite a distance and then pay $9 a day to search on my own. Or I can call for $18 to have a search done by phone, if I don't have an exact date. Or I can always write for certificates if I have all the information that is needed. Not too good.

Does anyone know where I can buy searchable cd's with Massachusetts vitals information?

Hugs, Mary S.

[mabear]

CORRECTION: FYI - Charge at the Dorchester/Boston address is $9 per hour, not $9 per day. The genealogy office is open for 5.5 hours daily, so the cost to search/browse Massachusetts birth, marriage, divorce, and death record information in person is about $50 per day.

-Mary S.

[marleigh]

hi
I just posted a thread asking for help in this very same area. you really do have to go in person to search! I tried for years to find somewhere online where you can search Mass. vital statistics and there in NTOTHING. Im not sure where you live but Im in florida and I posted hoping someone in Boston would be will to go there and search for me and Id be willing to pay them. I take a flight up myself but I have 4 year old triplets and no one to watch them! so if any kind person replies to my post maybe you could use then too. let me know if you get any mor info
best of luck
Mary

[mabear]

Hi Marleigh!

When in Boston this summer, I found out there are 2 separate locations for searching: downtown Boston, and Dorchester. I was able to pick up my own birth certificate in person in less than 2 hours - a vanilla transaction. But to see names of all babies born on a certain day in a certain part of the city - I'd go to Dorchester ONLY IF SOMEONE CAN VERIFY SEARCHING IS ALLOWED.

Best wishes, dear to you and the triplets.

Hugs,

Mary S.

[marleigh]

hi again
I IS allowed I called BUT and this is a BIG but---they do have a weird clause about searching records of "out of wedlock births" not sure if that pertains to you?
Mary

[mabear]

Originally posted by marleigh
hi again
I IS allowed I called BUT and this is a BIG but---they do have a weird clause about searching records of "out of wedlock births" not sure if that pertains to you?
Mary

[mabear]

Hi Mary!

Before I'd pay someone in Massachusetts to do a search for me, I'd find out some information about the Massachusetts process "up-front". If the Dorchester search room really does prohibit searches on "out of wedlock births", perhaps they don't even make those records available to the public at all- even the "GENEALOGY PUBLIC" who of course takes great preference over the "FIND MY FAMILY" public.

We are in a terrific game. On the one hand, states love to get income from people interested in viewing vital statistics. On the other, how can they blatantly assist individuals looking for their families when there's a law on the books banning this very activity? It is all so very wrong.

I was blessed with two parents who stayed with me through life but I have been helping personal friends (in CA, NY, and MA so far) find their families, so far to no avail. And if there are no adoption papers, you can't even petition the courts to help!

I feel the U. S. Government and/or every one of our states should not only rescind all their stupid secrecy laws, but should - get this - ASSIST people who are hurting so much. Reuniting families would be such a wonderful slogan instead of democracizing Iraq. (Obviously I am not including children under age 18 who certainly do need protection.)

Hugs,

Mary S.

[emily.fisher]

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q. Can I get a copy of my adoption papers?

Adoption records in Massachusetts are sealed, "closed", for a period of 100 years. For more information read General Laws of Massachusetts, Chapter 210: Adoption of Children and Change of Name.



The link referred to (Chapter 210) is here:

http://www.mass.gov/legis/laws/mgl/gl-210-toc.htm

[inked2]

Hi there. I have been to vital records in MA. You can't look online, but you can go and look yourself for a small fee per hour.