From Card to Click: Discover the Massachusetts Legislative Biographical File

For just shy of two centuries, the State Library of Massachusetts has been a vital resource for those seeking information on past and present legislators. At the core of this legacy are two biographical card files—collections of both typed and handwritten index cards that together chronicle over 300 years of Massachusetts political history. Thanks to a three-year collaboration with our dedicated partners on the Application Development Team in the Executive Office for Administration and Finance Office of Information Technology (“A&F IT”) and our passionate, history-obsessed interns, we’re excited to announce the beta launch of the Massachusetts Legislative Biographical File Database! You can bookmark and access it directly—just choose “Search State Library” to begin exploring!

From card catalog to new database!

Digitizing a Legacy

Once available only in-library, these index card files were digitized and then transcribed into a searchable database. Each entry will eventually include the card image and links to related materials such as photographs and manuscript letters in the State Library’s collections, creating a unified, one-stop research experience.

Two Files, One Mission

The first file, located in the Main Reading Room, spans from the colonial era to today. The second, housed in our Special Collections Department, covers the late 18th century through approximately 1915. Together, these files contain over 20,000 cards, each offering biographical details such as names, birth and death dates, residences, education, occupations, party affiliations, and legislative service. Many cards include information on both sides and may reference letters or additional documents in the library’s collections.

Manuscript 151: The Tillinghast Legacy

Much of this collection owes its existence to Caleb Benjamin Tillinghast (1843–1909), Massachusetts’ first State Librarian. A passionate genealogist, Tillinghast sent over 75,000 letters and questionnaires to compile biographical data on legislators. These letters, now digitized and housed in Special Collections as Manuscript 151, are often cited directly on the cards and will be linked to the individual database entries.

Manuscript 138: Boston Journal Memoranda

Also digitized is Manuscript 138, a set of printed questionnaires sent to legislators between 1868 and 1892 by the Boston Journal. These offer rich biographical sketches and will also be integrated and linked to the individual database entries.

For more background on both of these collections, check out our previous blog post.

Preserving History, Enhancing Access

This database project has faced its share of challenges—from missing or inconsistent data on the original cards to shifting geographic names over time. Still, the State Library remains committed to preserving and enhancing access to this valuable historical resource, while working to verify and expand the information contained in the database. Whether you're a researcher, historian, or just curious, the Legislative Biographical File offers a unique glimpse into the lives of past Massachusetts lawmakers and Massachusetts history. If you have information that could help us authenticate the information or fill in the gaps, we’d love to hear from you! Just reach out via email or the form on our website!


Judith Carlstrom
Head of Technical Services