While many libraries have family and local history collections for the town in which they are located, Boston Public Library’s collection is unique in that it includes all of Massachusetts and most of New England. The Local and Family History Collection includes more than 30,000 wide-ranging materials from the 17th–21st centuries. Close to 6,000 items relate to individual families, and nearly 2,000 more in the local and family history field are available for circulation.
Reference Services librarians are available at the information desk in the Washington Room of the McKim Building on the 2nd floor.
Reference Services offers research and study assistance on many subjects, including history and the social sciences. Librarians can help you with searching the library’s print and online collections and our online databases of articles and research sources. For any items the library does not own, librarians can assist patrons with requesting material from other libraries.
You can contact the department by phone (617-536-5400), by email (ask@bpl.org), the BPL's online form, or by mail at:
The Boston Public Library
Central Library at Copley Square
Research Services Department
700 Boylston Street
Boston MA 02116