MASSACHUSETTS, ONE OF THE ORIGINAL 13 colonies, has a rich and storied history that has greatly influenced the United States as a whole. An intellectual, cultural and educational hub, the state is home to some of the most prestigious institutions of higher learning, and has birthed several renowned scientists, innovators and authors, from Henry David Thoreau to Louisa May Alcott to Benjamin Franklin.
As a colony, Massachusetts played a significant role in the American Revolution, with events like the Boston Tea Party and the Battle of Bunker Hill becoming iconic moments in the fight for independence.
Massachusetts’ history and culture are deeply intertwined, forming a dynamic tapestry that reflects its significant contributions to American society. This guide covers how to research your ancestors from this hallowed commonwealth.
A HISTORY OF MASSACHUSETTS
What is now Massachusetts was inhabited for thousands of years before European arrival. By the 1600s, notable tribes included the Wampanoag, Massachusett
