Massachusetts Genealogical Council (MGC) was founded in 1980 and is the umbrella organization representing Massachusetts genealogists, historical societies and individuals who are concerned about records preservation and free and unfettered access to civil records.

MGC serves as the records access watchdog and provides a reality check for the Massachusetts legislature regarding access issues.

Thanks in large part to efforts by MGC, genealogists are able to access all Massachusetts vital records located in the State Archives in Dorchester.

Government-produced records are public records. Massachusetts enacted its first law ensuring that public records are open records in 1641. The public good is improved when historians, genealogists, journalists, authors, investigators, and other citizens, have access to records. Genealogists owe it to themselves to advocate for open public records.

Massachusetts Legislative Activity — Stay Informed!

MGC regularly communicates with members about Massachusetts and federal legislative activities concerning records preservation and access in several ways.

• Our website at_­ http://www.massgencouncil.org/
• Our Blog! MGC Sentinel
• MGC periodic electronic bulletins
• The MGC Newsletter

To help monitor the activities of the Massachusetts Legislature, please contact the MGC Director of Civil Records, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it