Massachusetts Genealogical Council

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The Massachusetts Genealogical Council was founded in 1980 and is the umbrella organization representing Massachusetts genealogists, historical societies, libraries, and researchers 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 both the Massachusetts and federal legislatures 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 be open in 1639. 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.