Massachusetts Genealogical Council
Downloads
Handouts
Our Advocacy White Paper:
"Framing a Discussion About Vital Records Access"
Often when legislators are met with a question about access to genealogical records, they voice their concern about whether these records are tied to consumer identity theft. Our white paper explains why it is important to keep records open. At the same time, it shows that consumer ID theft comes from other sources.
Workshop: "Protecting Access in Massachusetts"
MGC did a two-session presentation on the importance of open records at the Boston Public Library. This set of slides was used in the second session, which looked at how bills were made into laws. It focuses on the times and places were citizens can state their concerns, provide comments, or testify. Know how to use your time wisely.
Handout: "Access to Vital Records in Massachusetts"
This handout describes the history of vital records in Massachusetts, and the laws governing their access. Massachusetts has a significantly different history from most other states except Connecticut and Vermont. Those of us with Massachusetts ancestors are grateful for this unfettered access.
Handout: "Your Health Pedigree Chart"
The U.S. Surgeon General's office encourages people to provide their doctor with their family health history. Using the pedigree chart already familiar to familiar to genealogists, this handout provides plenty of information for you or your family members to make health notes about direct ancestors.
Handout: "Pioneer Valley Locality Guide"
Attendees to the New England Regional Genealogical Conference in Springfield, Massachusetts, will benefit from this researcher's guide to repositories and resouces in Western Massachusetts.
The MGC Newsletter
Our Most Recent Newsletter
Our Fall 2021 newsletter announces the theme and keynote speakers for Connections, MGC's 2021 Seminar. We look at the first year of our M:O.R.E. presentations, and at the upcoming 1950 census release. The issue includes updates from our Civil Records/Federal, Genetic DNA, and Membership Directors. Don't miss the article on using the Boston Ships Passenger List Index.
Our Newsletter Archives
Here is a list of downloadable newsletters. Click to open, then if you wish to you can print or save to your hard drive. They are large files, so please be patient while they load.
2021: Fall
2019: Winter, Summer
2018: Winter
2017: none
2016: Winter
2013: none
2010: Spring, Summer-Fall
2009: Winter, Summer (note that the date on the front page is wrong), Fall
2007: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
2005: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
2004: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
2003: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
2002: none
2001: none
2000: Spring-Summer, Fall-Winter
1998-1999: Fall-Winter
1997-1998: Fall-Winter
1996: Winter-Spring, Fall
1995: Winter, Spring-Summer
1994: Winter
1993: Winter