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{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2023}}
{{Infobox archives
| name = Massachusetts Archives
| image = [[File:Coat of arms of Massachusetts.svg|center|140px]]
| director =
| employees =
| country = [[United States]]
| subdivision title = State
| subdivision = [[Massachusetts]]
| city = [[Boston]]
| address = 220 Morrissey Blvd,02125
| site = [https://www.sec.state.ma.us/arc/ Mass State Archives]}}
[[File:Exterior - Massachusetts Archives - IMG 9242.JPG|thumb|right|The Massachusetts Archives building]]
[[File:Exterior - Massachusetts Archives - IMG 9242.JPG|thumb|right|The Massachusetts Archives building]]
[[File:Commonwealth Museum - Massachusetts Archives - IMG 9256.JPG|thumb|right|Treasures in the Commonwealth Museum]]
[[File:Commonwealth Museum - Massachusetts Archives - IMG 9256.JPG|thumb|right|Documents in the Commonwealth Museum]]


The '''Massachusetts Archives''' is the state archive of [[Massachusetts]]. It "serves the Commonwealth and its citizens by preserving and making accessible the records documenting government action and by assisting government agencies in managing their permanent records."<ref>http://www.sec.state.ma.us/arc/arcmis/misidx.htm Retrieved 2010-08-05</ref> The archives currently occupies quarters on [[Morrissey Boulevard]] in [[Boston]]'s [[Dorchester, Boston|Dorchester]] neighborhood. For fiscal year 2010 the state budgeted $389,815 to the archives.<ref>http://www.mass.gov/bb/gaa/fy2010/app_10/act_10/ha05110200.htm Retrieved 2010-08-05</ref> The [[Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth]] bears responsibility for its administration.
The '''Massachusetts Archives''' is the state archive of [[Massachusetts]]. It "serves the Commonwealth and its citizens by preserving and making accessible the records documenting government action and by assisting government agencies in managing their permanent records."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sec.state.ma.us/arc/arcmis/misidx.htm |title= |website=www.sec.state.ma.us |access-date=2010-08-05}}{{title missing|date=May 2022}}</ref> The archives occupies quarters on the [[Columbia Point, Boston|Columbia Point]] peninsula in [[Boston]]'s [[Dorchester, Boston|Dorchester]] neighborhood on the [[University of Massachusetts Boston]] campus. For fiscal year 2010 the state budgeted $389,815 to the archives.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mass.gov/bb/gaa/fy2010/app_10/act_10/ha05110200.htm |title= |website=www.mass.gov |access-date=2010-08-05}}{{title missing|date=May 2022}}</ref> The [[Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth]] bears responsibility for its administration.


In addition to "the official records created by Massachusetts state government,"<ref>http://www.sec.state.ma.us/arc/arccol/colidx.htm Retrieved 2010-08-05</ref> the archives "counts among its treasures the state’s own copies of the [[United States Declaration of Independence|Declaration of Independence]] and the [[United States Bill of Rights|Bill of Rights]], the 1780 [[Massachusetts Constitution]], the ... 1629 charter [of [[Massachusetts Bay Colony|Massachusetts Bay]]], and Revolutionary and Civil War records. It also has numerous documents signed by the likes of [[George Washington]], [[John Adams]], and [[John Hancock]], as well as treaties made with Native American tribes, and slave and witchcraft records. There are also many artifacts, including [[Paul Revere]]’s engraving plate of the [[Boston Massacre]], and military accouterment from the Civil War to World War I."<ref>Herman. 2010; p.42</ref>
In addition to "the official records created by Massachusetts state government,"<ref name="sec.state">{{cite web |url=http://www.sec.state.ma.us/arc/arccol/colidx.htm |title= |website=www.sec.state.ma.us |access-date=2010-08-05}}{{title missing|date=May 2022}}</ref> the archives "counts among its treasures the state’s own copies of the [[United States Declaration of Independence|Declaration of Independence]] and the [[United States Bill of Rights|Bill of Rights]], the 1780 [[Massachusetts Constitution]], the ... 1629 charter [of [[Massachusetts Bay Colony|Massachusetts Bay]]], and Revolutionary and Civil War records. It also has numerous documents signed by the likes of [[George Washington]], [[John Adams]], and [[John Hancock]], as well as treaties made with Native American tribes, and slave and witchcraft records. There are also many artifacts, including [[Paul Revere]]’s engraving plate of the [[Boston Massacre]], and military accouterment from the Civil War to World War I."<ref name="Herman">Herman. 2010; p.42</ref>

==Commonwealth Museum==
The Archives operates the Commonwealth Museum to educate and display some of its collections of important documents about state and national history.<ref>{{cite web|title=Commonwealth Museum|url=http://www.sec.state.ma.us/mus/index.html|publisher=Massachusetts Secretary of State|accessdate=11 July 2015}}</ref> The main permanent exhibit is entitled "The Massachusetts Experiment in Democracy: 1620–Today", and traces the Massachusetts experience through the [[Colonial history of the United States|Colonial]], [[American Revolutionary War|Revolutionary]], [[Federalist Era|Federal]], and 19th century reform periods. The sub-theme, “Tracing our Roots,” tells the story of four representative Massachusetts families of Native American, English, African-American and Irish heritage. The museum also features changing exhibits of state history from its collections. Admission is free.


==History==
==History==
⚫
===19th century===
⚫
"The proposal for the general arrangement of these papers into volumes was laid before the [[Massachusetts Historical Society]], at their meeting, December 31, 1835. On a motion made by Lemuel Shattuck, Esq., a committee of that body was appointed to petition the Legislature for this object; which resulted in the course of the ensuing session in the passage of a Resolution to that effect, and appropriating means to defray the expense. In pursuance of this Act of the Legislature, the Rev. Joseph B. Felt, a gentleman possessing eminent qualifications for the service, was employed for the execution of the labor."<ref>Massachusetts Archives. New England historical and genealogical register. 1848; p.105+. [http://books.google.com/books?pg=PA105 Google books]</ref>


⚫
===19th century===
⚫
In 1836 Felt "was commissioned, by Governor [[Edward Everett|Everett]], to arrange the State Archives of Massachusetts. ... The amount of work required was truly fearful. The papers were in what seemed inextricable confusion; a vast amount of documents, in the utmost disorder, suffered to accumulate through two centuiies before men's eyes were opened to discern their importance. There was extreme difficulty in deciphering many of them; and but few had distinctive or intelligible endorsements. A careful examination of every sentence, and a discriminating minute scrutiny of their import and bearings, were necessary to arrange them where they belonged; and a comprehensive system of classification had to be organized. ... With a brief interruption, it constituted the regular occupation of about ten years of his laborious life. Before its completion, he was sent to England, commissioned by the State Government for the purpose, to look for duplicates of Colonial and Provincial Records and other public papers, of which the originals had been lost. ... In 1846, the work was accomplished. The papers were divided into appropriate departments; properly classified, according to subjects and dates, carefully and skillfully attached to blank leaves; durably and handsomely bound; titled, with distinct letters and figures; and conspicuously numbered. A General Index was prepared. The shelves of the State Department, present the grand result, in two hundred and forty-one large and thick volumes."<ref>Charles W. Upham. Our historical writers: Joseph Barlow Felt, LL.D. The Historical Magazine, Feb. 1870; p.109. [http://books.google.com/books?pg=PA109 Google books]</ref>
⚫
"The proposal for the general arrangement of these papers into volumes was laid before the [[Massachusetts Historical Society]], at their meeting, December 31, 1835. On a motion made by [[Lemuel Shattuck]], Esq., a committee of that body was appointed to petition the Legislature for this object; which resulted in the course of the ensuing session in the passage of a Resolution to that effect, and appropriating means to defray the expense. In pursuance of this Act of the Legislature, the Rev. Joseph B. Felt, a gentleman possessing eminent qualifications for the service, was employed for the execution of the labor."<ref>Massachusetts Archives. New England historical and genealogical register. 1848; p.105+. </ref>


⚫
In 1836 Felt "was commissioned, by Governor [[Edward Everett|Everett]], to arrange the State Archives of Massachusetts. ... The amount of work required was truly fearful. The papers were in what seemed inextricable confusion; a vast amount of documents, in the utmost disorder, suffered to accumulate through two centuiies before men's eyes were opened to discern their importance. There was extreme difficulty in deciphering many of them; and but few had distinctive or intelligible endorsements. A careful examination of every sentence, and a discriminating minute scrutiny of their import and bearings, were necessary to arrange them where they belonged; and a comprehensive system of classification had to be organized. ... With a brief interruption, it constituted the regular occupation of about ten years of his laborious life. Before its completion, he was sent to England, commissioned by the State Government for the purpose, to look for duplicates of Colonial and Provincial Records and other public papers, of which the originals had been lost. ... In 1846, the work was accomplished. The papers were divided into appropriate departments; properly classified, according to subjects and dates, carefully and skillfully attached to blank leaves; durably and handsomely bound; titled, with distinct letters and figures; and conspicuously numbered. A General Index was prepared. The shelves of the State Department, present the grand result, in two hundred and forty-one large and thick volumes."<ref>Charles W. Upham. Our historical writers: Joseph Barlow Felt, LL.D. The Historical Magazine, Feb. 1870; p.109.</ref>
[[File:Commonwealth Museum Columbia Point in Dorchester Massachusetts.jpg|thumb|350px|left|alt=The Commonwealth Museum located at Columbia Point in Dorchester, Massachusetts.|The Commonwealth Museum located at Columbia Point in [[Dorchester, Massachusetts]].]]
Some scholars disliked Felt's arrangement. [[Justin Winsor]] complained in the 1880s: "In our State House ... are tier upon tier of volumes, labelled 'Massachusetts Archives,' so arranged, indeed, in an attempted classification, that it is irksome and unsatisfactory to consult them. They are rich, however, to the patient inquirer in the evidences of Boston's power and significance in our colonial history."<ref>Justin Winsor. The memorial history of Boston: including Suffolk County, Massachusetts, 1630-1880, Volume 1. Boston: James R. Osgood, 1885; p.xix</ref>
Some scholars disliked Felt's arrangement. [[Justin Winsor]] complained in the 1880s: "In our State House ... are tier upon tier of volumes, labelled 'Massachusetts Archives,' so arranged, indeed, in an attempted classification, that it is irksome and unsatisfactory to consult them. They are rich, however, to the patient inquirer in the evidences of Boston's power and significance in our colonial history."<ref>Justin Winsor. The memorial history of Boston: including Suffolk County, Massachusetts, 1630-1880, Volume 1. Boston: James R. Osgood, 1885; p.xix</ref>


Line 17: Line 33:


===20th century===
===20th century===
"The Massachusetts Archives used to be located at the [[Massachusetts State House|State House]]. But after the state’s oldest document — the 1629 Charter of Massachusetts Bay — was stolen in 1984, the decision was made to build a new archives near the [[John F. Kennedy Library]] and Museum at Columbia Point in Dorchester."<ref>Herman. 2010; p.41</ref> (The 1629 charter was later recovered). The new building opened in 1985.<ref>Lodi News-Sentinel - Nov 20, 1985</ref> "The 100,000-square-foot building ... was designed to resemble the early forts on the surrounding shoreline."<ref>http://www.sec.state.ma.us/arc/arcbld/bldidx.htm Retrieved 2010-08-05</ref>
"The Massachusetts Archives used to be located at the [[Massachusetts State House|State House]]. But after the state’s oldest document — the 1629 Charter of Massachusetts Bay — was stolen in 1984, the decision was made to build a new archives near the [[John F. Kennedy Library]] and Museum at Columbia Point in Dorchester."<ref>Herman. 2010; p.41</ref> (The 1629 charter was later recovered). The new building opened in 1985.<ref>Lodi News-Sentinel - Nov 20, 1985</ref> "The 100,000-square-foot building ... was designed to resemble the early forts on the surrounding shoreline."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sec.state.ma.us/arc/arcbld/bldidx.htm |title=The Archives Facility |website=www.sec.state.ma.us |access-date=2010-08-05 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20040611233846/http://www.sec.state.ma.us/arc/arcbld/bldidx.htm |archivedate=11 Jun 2004}}</ref>


===21st century===
===21st century===
"The state appropriated $390,000 for the archives [in 2010], a 29 percent reduction from the year before. ... John Warner, the head archivist, makes $66,634 a year. The archives budget appears to be one of the lowest in the country."<ref>Herman. 2010; p.42</ref>
"The state appropriated $390,000 for the archives [in 2010], a 29 percent reduction from the year before. ... John Warner, the head archivist, makes $66,634 a year. The archives budget appears to be one of the lowest in the country."<ref name="Herman" />


==Holdings==
==Holdings==
[[File:Document in Commonwealth Museum - Massachusetts Archives - IMG 9259.JPG|thumb|right|Paul Revere's bill for riding, 1775]]
[[File:Document in Commonwealth Museum - Massachusetts Archives - IMG 9259.JPG|thumb|right|Paul Revere's bill for riding, 1775]]


As of 2010, the archives' voluminous holdings range throughout the history of Massachusetts:<ref>http://www.sec.state.ma.us/arc/arccol/colidx.htm Retrieved 2010-08-05</ref>
As of 2010, the archives' voluminous holdings range throughout the history of Massachusetts:<ref name="sec.state" />

* Records reflecting the structure of Massachusetts state government:
* Records reflecting the structure of Massachusetts state government:
** "Foundation documents: Colonial charters, treaties, compacts, and agreements with Indian tribes and with other states. Proceedings of state constitutional conventions. Constitution of 1780 and amendments. State legal codes."
** "Foundation documents: Colonial charters, treaties, compacts, and agreements with Indian tribes and with other states. Proceedings of state constitutional conventions. Constitution of 1780 and amendments. State legal codes."
** "Legislative records: Files of the colonial General Court (1629-1780), the Provincial Congress (1774-1775), and the state [[Massachusetts General Court|General Court]] (1780-present): Petitions, orders, reports, messages, bills. Unenacted legislation and enacted statutes and resolves. House and Senate dockets, roll calls, and journals. Committee and legislative commission hearing and background files."
** "Legislative records: Files of the colonial General Court (1629-1780), the Provincial Congress (1774-1775), and the state [[Massachusetts General Court|General Court]] (1780-present): Petitions, orders, reports, messages, bills. Unenacted legislation and enacted statutes and resolves. House and Senate dockets, roll calls, and journals. Committee and legislative commission hearing and background files."
** "State secretary records: Administrative files; initiative and referendum petitions; state and national election returns; state regulation files and register; lobbyist registrations; municipal home rule charters and acceptances of local option statutes; notices of appointment, lists, and qualifications (oaths of office) of state and local officials; census registers and returns; ... returns of names changed in probate court. Corporate articles of organization (prior to 1851 see legislative records)."
** "State secretary records: Administrative files; initiative and referendum petitions; state and national election returns; state regulation files and register; lobbyist registrations; municipal home rule charters and acceptances of local option statutes; notices of appointment, lists, and qualifications (oaths of office) of state and local officials; census registers and returns; ... returns of names changed in probate court. Corporate articles of organization (prior to 1851 see legislative records)."
** Executive records: [[Governor of Massachusetts|Governor]] (1802-present); Council; Administration and Finance; Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation; Economic Development and Manpower Affairs/Labor; Education; Environmental Affairs; Health and Human Services; Public Safety/Adjutant General; Transportation and Construction; Treasurer records; Attorney General records; Court records.
** Executive records: [[Governor of Massachusetts|Governor]] (1802–present); Council; Administration and Finance; Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation; Economic Development and Manpower Affairs/Labor; Education; Environmental Affairs; Health and Human Services; Public Safety/Adjutant General; Transportation and Construction; Treasurer records; Attorney General records; Court records.

* Special colonial and early state materials to 1800:
* Special colonial and early state materials to 1800:
** "328-volume Massachusetts Archives Collection which contains colonial, provincial, and Revolutionary records."
** "328-volume Massachusetts Archives Collection which contains colonial, provincial, and Revolutionary records."
Line 39: Line 53:
** "Documents relating to Indian affairs, including military, trading, and census records. The Archives also holds 19th-century records of the Guardians of Indians."
** "Documents relating to Indian affairs, including military, trading, and census records. The Archives also holds 19th-century records of the Guardians of Indians."
** "Witchcraft records: ... depositions, examinations, warrants, and other court documents."
** "Witchcraft records: ... depositions, examinations, warrants, and other court documents."

* Other historical resource files:
* Other historical resource files:
** "[[Massachusetts Historical Commission]]: compliance files of historic sites and structures in Massachusetts listed in the [[National Register of Historic Places]] and related tax certification program files."
** "[[Massachusetts Historical Commission]]: compliance files of historic sites and structures in Massachusetts listed in the [[National Register of Historic Places]] and related tax certification program files."
** "Work Projects/[[Works Progress Administration]]s' Massachusetts Historical Records Survey (1936-1942), American Portraits Survey, and Black Historical Records Survey."
** "Work Projects/[[Works Progress Administration]]s' Massachusetts Historical Records Survey (1936-1942), American Portraits Survey, and Black Historical Records Survey."

* Nontextual materials:
* Nontextual materials:
** "Photographs: Senate presidents, House speakers, governors. Activities and buildings of state institutions. Massachusetts boundary markers. Public works and harbor and river projects. Aerial survey mapping; waterworks and sewer construction; parks engineering; reservations and facilities. [[Boston Harbor]] dredging and pier construction."
** "Photographs: Senate presidents, House speakers, governors. Activities and buildings of state institutions. Massachusetts boundary markers. Public works and harbor and river projects. Aerial survey mapping; waterworks and sewer construction; parks engineering; reservations and facilities. [[Boston Harbor]] dredging and pier construction."
Line 49: Line 61:
** "Paintings: New England birds by [[Louis Agassiz Fuertes|L.A. Fuertes]]."
** "Paintings: New England birds by [[Louis Agassiz Fuertes|L.A. Fuertes]]."
** "Audio-visuals: Press conferences, public service announcements, hearings, interviews, and public relations materials."
** "Audio-visuals: Press conferences, public service announcements, hearings, interviews, and public relations materials."
⚫
* "Local records: Vital records, charters, valuation lists, the debtors/criminal calendars of the [[Charles Street Jail|Suffolk County (Charles Street) Jail]], case files of the [[Middlesex County Training School]], and files of the [[Boston Housing Authority]]."

⚫
* "Private records: Personal papers of governors [[Oliver Ames (governor)|Oliver Ames]] and [[Eugene Foss]]; miscellaneous military documents; architectural plans; and photographs relating to wars and other historical events, and of state officials and institutions."<ref name="sec.state" />
⚫
* "Local records: Vital records, charters, valuation lists, the debtors/criminal calendars of the [[Charles Street Jail|Suffolk County (Charles Street) Jail]], case files of the Middlesex County Training School, and files of the Boston Housing Authority."

⚫
* "Private records: Personal papers of governors [[Oliver Ames]] and [[Eugene Foss]]; miscellaneous military documents; architectural plans; and photographs relating to wars and other historical events, and of state officials and institutions."<ref>http://www.sec.state.ma.us/arc/arccol/colidx.htm Retrieved 2010-08-05</ref>


==State Archivists==
==State Archivists==
* Robert Nicholas Olsberg, ca.1976<ref>Lewiston Evening Journal (Maine), Dec 4, 1976</ref>
* Robert Nicholas Olsberg, ca.1976<ref>Lewiston Evening Journal (Maine), Dec 4, 1976</ref>
* John Warner, ca.2010<ref>Herman. 2010; p.42</ref>
* John Warner, ca.2010<ref name="Herman" />
==See also==
* [[Massachusetts Public Records Law]]


==References==
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{Reflist|35em}}


==Further reading==
==Further reading==
* Dongan Acts Restored; Papers of New York's Colonial Days Returned to the State by Massachusetts. New York Times, May 26, 1901,
* Dongan Acts Restored; Papers of New York's Colonial Days Returned to the State by Massachusetts. New York Times, May 26, 1901,
* {{citation |title=Too Many Records, Too Little Room at Massachusetts Archives |date=September 2015 |publisher=WBUR News |url= https://www.wbur.org/news/2015/09/13/records-overflowing-massachusetts-archives }}
* Colman M. Herman. [http://www.commonwealthmagazine.org/Investigations/Investigative-Reports/2010/Spring/Hidden-treasure.aspx Hidden treasure]: The state's library and archives are underfunded, understaffed, and inaccessible to both researchers and ordinary citizens. Commonwealth, April 13, 2010


==External links==
==External links==
{{commonscat|Massachusetts Archives}}
{{Commons category|Massachusetts Archives}}
* http://www.sec.state.ma.us/arc/
* [http://www.sec.state.ma.us/arc/ Massachusetts Archives Division]
* [http://www.sec.state.ma.us/mus/index.html Commonwealth Museum]

{{University of Massachusetts Boston}}
{{U.S. state history museums}}
{{US archival agencies}}
{{Authority control}}


{{Coord|42|21|34|N|71|3|45|W|type:landmark_region:US_dim:81|display=title}}
{{coord missing|Massachusetts}}


⚫
[[Category:1985 architecture]]
[[Category:Dorchester, Boston]]
[[Category:Dorchester, Boston]]
[[Category:State archives of the United States]]
[[Category:State archives of the United States]]
[[Category:Government of Massachusetts]]
[[Category:Government of Massachusetts]]
[[Category:History of Massachusetts]]
[[Category:History of Massachusetts]]
[[Category:Government buildings completed in 1985]]
⚫
[[Category:1980s architecture in the United States]]
[[Category:Government buildings in Boston]]

Latest revision as of 15:20, 13 February 2024

Massachusetts Archives
Map
42°21'34"N, 71°3'46"W
Standort220 Morrissey Blvd,02125, Boston, United States
WebsiteMass State Archives
The Massachusetts Archives building
Documents in the Commonwealth Museum

The Massachusetts Archives is the state archive of Massachusetts. It "serves the Commonwealth and its citizens by preserving and making accessible the records documenting government action and by assisting government agencies in managing their permanent records."[1] The archives occupies quarters on the Columbia Point peninsula in Boston's Dorchester neighborhood on the University of Massachusetts Boston campus. For fiscal year 2010 the state budgeted $389,815 to the archives.[2] The Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth bears responsibility for its administration.

In addition to "the official records created by Massachusetts state government,"[3] the archives "counts among its treasures the state’s own copies of the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights, the 1780 Massachusetts Constitution, the ... 1629 charter [of Massachusetts Bay], and Revolutionary and Civil War records. It also has numerous documents signed by the likes of George Washington, John Adams, and John Hancock, as well as treaties made with Native American tribes, and slave and witchcraft records. There are also many artifacts, including Paul Revere’s engraving plate of the Boston Massacre, and military accouterment from the Civil War to World War I."[4]

Commonwealth Museum

[edit]

The Archives operates the Commonwealth Museum to educate and display some of its collections of important documents about state and national history.[5] The main permanent exhibit is entitled "The Massachusetts Experiment in Democracy: 1620–Today", and traces the Massachusetts experience through the Colonial, Revolutionary, Federal, and 19th century reform periods. The sub-theme, “Tracing our Roots,” tells the story of four representative Massachusetts families of Native American, English, African-American and Irish heritage. The museum also features changing exhibits of state history from its collections. Admission is free.

History

[edit]

19th century

[edit]

"The proposal for the general arrangement of these papers into volumes was laid before the Massachusetts Historical Society, at their meeting, December 31, 1835. On a motion made by Lemuel Shattuck, Esq., a committee of that body was appointed to petition the Legislature for this object; which resulted in the course of the ensuing session in the passage of a Resolution to that effect, and appropriating means to defray the expense. In pursuance of this Act of the Legislature, the Rev. Joseph B. Felt, a gentleman possessing eminent qualifications for the service, was employed for the execution of the labor."[6]

In 1836 Felt "was commissioned, by Governor Everett, to arrange the State Archives of Massachusetts. ... The amount of work required was truly fearful. The papers were in what seemed inextricable confusion; a vast amount of documents, in the utmost disorder, suffered to accumulate through two centuiies before men's eyes were opened to discern their importance. There was extreme difficulty in deciphering many of them; and but few had distinctive or intelligible endorsements. A careful examination of every sentence, and a discriminating minute scrutiny of their import and bearings, were necessary to arrange them where they belonged; and a comprehensive system of classification had to be organized. ... With a brief interruption, it constituted the regular occupation of about ten years of his laborious life. Before its completion, he was sent to England, commissioned by the State Government for the purpose, to look for duplicates of Colonial and Provincial Records and other public papers, of which the originals had been lost. ... In 1846, the work was accomplished. The papers were divided into appropriate departments; properly classified, according to subjects and dates, carefully and skillfully attached to blank leaves; durably and handsomely bound; titled, with distinct letters and figures; and conspicuously numbered. A General Index was prepared. The shelves of the State Department, present the grand result, in two hundred and forty-one large and thick volumes."[7]

The Commonwealth Museum located at Columbia Point in Dorchester, Massachusetts.
The Commonwealth Museum located at Columbia Point in Dorchester, Massachusetts.

Some scholars disliked Felt's arrangement. Justin Winsor complained in the 1880s: "In our State House ... are tier upon tier of volumes, labelled 'Massachusetts Archives,' so arranged, indeed, in an attempted classification, that it is irksome and unsatisfactory to consult them. They are rich, however, to the patient inquirer in the evidences of Boston's power and significance in our colonial history."[8]

Some of the manuscript materials were transcribed in the 1850s. "The records of the government from its first institution in England down to the overthrow of the charter are almost a history in themselves. The student is no longer required to decipher the ancient writing, for in 1853-54 the records were copied and printed under the editorial care of Dr. N. B. Shurtleff."[9]

20th century

[edit]

"The Massachusetts Archives used to be located at the State House. But after the state’s oldest document — the 1629 Charter of Massachusetts Bay — was stolen in 1984, the decision was made to build a new archives near the John F. Kennedy Library and Museum at Columbia Point in Dorchester."[10] (The 1629 charter was later recovered). The new building opened in 1985.[11] "The 100,000-square-foot building ... was designed to resemble the early forts on the surrounding shoreline."[12]

21st century

[edit]

"The state appropriated $390,000 for the archives [in 2010], a 29 percent reduction from the year before. ... John Warner, the head archivist, makes $66,634 a year. The archives budget appears to be one of the lowest in the country."[4]

Holdings

[edit]
Paul Revere's bill for riding, 1775

As of 2010, the archives' voluminous holdings range throughout the history of Massachusetts:[3]

  • Records reflecting the structure of Massachusetts state government:
    • "Foundation documents: Colonial charters, treaties, compacts, and agreements with Indian tribes and with other states. Proceedings of state constitutional conventions. Constitution of 1780 and amendments. State legal codes."
    • "Legislative records: Files of the colonial General Court (1629-1780), the Provincial Congress (1774-1775), and the state General Court (1780-present): Petitions, orders, reports, messages, bills. Unenacted legislation and enacted statutes and resolves. House and Senate dockets, roll calls, and journals. Committee and legislative commission hearing and background files."
    • "State secretary records: Administrative files; initiative and referendum petitions; state and national election returns; state regulation files and register; lobbyist registrations; municipal home rule charters and acceptances of local option statutes; notices of appointment, lists, and qualifications (oaths of office) of state and local officials; census registers and returns; ... returns of names changed in probate court. Corporate articles of organization (prior to 1851 see legislative records)."
    • Executive records: Governor (1802–present); Council; Administration and Finance; Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation; Economic Development and Manpower Affairs/Labor; Education; Environmental Affairs; Health and Human Services; Public Safety/Adjutant General; Transportation and Construction; Treasurer records; Attorney General records; Court records.
  • Special colonial and early state materials to 1800:
    • "328-volume Massachusetts Archives Collection which contains colonial, provincial, and Revolutionary records."
    • "The Eastern Lands papers document settlement of public lands in the District of Maine and its separation from Massachusetts as a state in 1820."
    • "Transcripts of the Archives of the Plymouth Colony, 1620-1691. Included are legislative, court, financial, and vital records; deeds and wills."
    • "Documents relating to Indian affairs, including military, trading, and census records. The Archives also holds 19th-century records of the Guardians of Indians."
    • "Witchcraft records: ... depositions, examinations, warrants, and other court documents."
  • Other historical resource files:
  • Nontextual materials:
    • "Photographs: Senate presidents, House speakers, governors. Activities and buildings of state institutions. Massachusetts boundary markers. Public works and harbor and river projects. Aerial survey mapping; waterworks and sewer construction; parks engineering; reservations and facilities. Boston Harbor dredging and pier construction."
    • "Maps and plans: Eastern Lands (Maine, 17th-18th centuries); early state, national, and continental maps; maps and plans deposited with the state secretary; parks engineering; waterways; state planning land use maps; state aid highway construction maps; town plans (1794, 1830); building inspection plans; mental hospital, correctional facility building plans."
    • "Paintings: New England birds by L.A. Fuertes."
    • "Audio-visuals: Press conferences, public service announcements, hearings, interviews, and public relations materials."
  • "Local records: Vital records, charters, valuation lists, the debtors/criminal calendars of the Suffolk County (Charles Street) Jail, case files of the Middlesex County Training School, and files of the Boston Housing Authority."
  • "Private records: Personal papers of governors Oliver Ames and Eugene Foss; miscellaneous military documents; architectural plans; and photographs relating to wars and other historical events, and of state officials and institutions."[3]

State Archivists

[edit]
  • Robert Nicholas Olsberg, ca.1976[13]
  • John Warner, ca.2010[4]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ www.sec.state.ma.us http://www.sec.state.ma.us/arc/arcmis/misidx.htm. Retrieved August 5, 2010. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)[title missing]
  2. ^ www.mass.gov http://www.mass.gov/bb/gaa/fy2010/app_10/act_10/ha05110200.htm. Retrieved August 5, 2010. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)[title missing]
  3. ^ a b c www.sec.state.ma.us http://www.sec.state.ma.us/arc/arccol/colidx.htm. Retrieved August 5, 2010. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)[title missing]
  4. ^ a b c Herman. 2010; p.42
  5. ^ "Commonwealth Museum". Massachusetts Secretary of State. Retrieved July 11, 2015.
  6. ^ Massachusetts Archives. New England historical and genealogical register. 1848; p.105+.
  7. ^ Charles W. Upham. Our historical writers: Joseph Barlow Felt, LL.D. The Historical Magazine, Feb. 1870; p.109.
  8. ^ Justin Winsor. The memorial history of Boston: including Suffolk County, Massachusetts, 1630-1880, Volume 1. Boston: James R. Osgood, 1885; p.xix
  9. ^ Justin Winsor. Narrative and critical history of America, Volume 3. Houghton, Mifflin and Co., 1881
  10. ^ Herman. 2010; p.41
  11. ^ Lodi News-Sentinel - Nov 20, 1985
  12. ^ "The Archives Facility". www.sec.state.ma.us. Archived from the original on June 11, 2004. Retrieved August 5, 2010.
  13. ^ Lewiston Evening Journal (Maine), Dec 4, 1976

Further reading

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