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Archiver > MAWORCES > 2005-09 > 1127688759


From: "Lisa Lepore" <>
Subject: Re: [MAWORCES] Courthouse blues
Date: Sun, 25 Sep 2005 18:52:39 -0400
References: <20050924.172104.5299.571700@webmail13.lax.untd.com>


Dot -

You might have better luck if you start at the
Massachusetts State Archives in Boston.
They have a website which lists their holdings.

Here is the link to their family research guide
http://www.sec.state.ma.us/arc/arcgen/genidx.htm

The New England Historical Genealogy Society.
http://www.newenglandancestors.org/
on Newberry Street in Boston.

The Worcester Public Library
http://www.worcpublib.org/

The Boston Public Library
http://www.bpl.org/

American Antiquarian Society
http://www.americanantiquarian.org/

It might be a good idea to make a specific list of what
you want to look for when you are here, and then ask
where is the best place to find them.

The LDS church has filmed many records which you
can get a library near you, so you probably want to limit
your search to things that can only be found here. If certain
documents and records have already been filmed, it's
a lot easier to look at those records first, and limit the
number of items that you must get from the court or
other official government office. It's probably a lot cheaper
too.

I think the problem with the court is that they just don't
have the resources to help researchers. They have tons
of people in and out of there everyday for current legal
matters and property research for home sales or probate
work, etc.

I'm sure it seems like bureaucracy, but it's probably the
only way they can function and still serve the needs of
everyone.

Once you learn what the system is though, you can figure out
before hand what you will need to do, and how long it will take
so you can plan your time accordingly.

Good luck,
Lisa



----- Original Message -----
From: <>
To: <>
Sent: Saturday, September 24, 2005 8:20 PM
Subject: [MAWORCES] Courthouse blues


> 2 years ago, I visited Worcester County from my home in Florida.
> I went to the courthouse and was baffled by the amount of
beauracracy that was in place to keep folks from getting family
records.
> I found the indexes only by chance, found a clerk who handed me 4
request forms (absolutely no more than 4) and who reluctantly looked
for the records. Only one of the 4 could be found.
> I also visited the City Records office and was not allowed to look
at anything. I could only put in written requests and give them $88 to
send me copies of 4 records. Out of the 4 requests (which were very
specific) only 2 were the right people.
> All this to say, I plan to try again in October. Is there a strategy
that you have found that may help me?
> All ideas appreciated.
> Dot in FL
>


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