New Horizons Genealogy

"Specializing in New England and New York Colonial American Ancestry"


Massachusetts State and Colonial Census Records


Massachusetts State census records were taken every ten years from 1855 to 1945, but only the original population schedules for the 1855 and 1865 census still exist. All other state census years are lost or destroyed.

The originals, as well as microfilmed copies of the 1855 and 1865 Massachusetts State Census, are now located at the Massachusetts Archives.

Both state series have similar information as the 1850 and 1860 federal census. In addition, both the 1855 and 1865 state census records contain categories for deaf, dumb, blind, insane, idiotic, pauper or convict. The 1865 also has information about whether a man is over the age of 16 and owns taxable property. It also has recorded columns for a legal voter or a naturalized voter.

Massachusetts Substitute Census Records:

Massachusetts Tax Valuation Lists are one of the most valuable, and most often neglected sources of genealogical information and prove to be a great census substitute. They usually divulge the names of heads of households and other males aged 16 or over and can be used to prove parentage when no other records are available. Tax lists place individuals in a particular place at a particular time and indicate the type and amount of property owned. See The Beginner's Guide to Using Tax Lists.


Try our free online genealogy search engine


Statewide Massachusetts Census Records

Barnstable County:

Other Census Records:

Berkshire County:

Other Census Records:

Bristol County:

Other Census Records:

Dukes County:

Other Census Records:

Essex County:

Substitute Census Records:

Franklin County:

Substitute Census Records:

Hampden County:

Other Census Records:

Hampshire County:

Other Census Records:

Middlesex County:

Substitute Census Records:

Nantucket County:

Other Census Records:

Norfolk County:

Other Census Records:

Plymouth County:

1855 Plymouth County, Ma. Census 1865 Plymouth County, Ma. Census
Substitute Census Records:

Suffolk County:

Substitute Census Records:

Worcester County:

Other Census Records:


If you know of a link that should be added to this list, please submit it to: add a link


Books of Interest:


Search Massachusetts Census Records Now!

Search For Genealogy Records In Our Archives!