This gem, prepared by the Office of Secretary of State William Francis Galvin and published by the New England Historic Genealogical Society, is of special value to historians and to genealogists, but is important for all Massachusetts residents.This is where one can go to see the overall dates when "places" were founded by legislative action. It includes the story of how Massachusetts counties and cities and towns were developed over the years- of how areas were "annexed," their dates of annexation and which boundaries were set. This book includes section and village listings for municipalities and an index which begins with "A Praying Indian" town (Billerica, for instance) to Zylonite, a section of the town of Adams.
Massachusetts is comprised of 351 cities and towns. The guide is of great help to people researching any or all of these locations.
Located at the reference desk, there are also several copies in the library stacks. The call number is MR 353.3m3 H57 1997. There are earlier versions of the "treasure" from the years 1920, 1948, 1966 and 1975.
Pamela W. Schofield
Reference Department
