The State Library of Massachusetts collects, preserves, and provides access to records documenting the history of Massachusetts. A sub-set of these records comprises personal papers of Massachusetts legislators. Dating from late 20th century, these collections represent the spectrum of political opinion in the Commonwealth. Included are the papers of Jack H. Backman, Jarrett T. Barrios, Gloria L. Fox, and Thomas P. Kennedy, among many others.
Each collection is unique to its creator and can provide insight into the daily work of a legislator as well as information on issues of particular concern to the legislator or the legislator's district. These records provide first-hand documentation of the decisions, ideas, and actions made by the legislators. In these collections researchers can find notes from debates, drafts of bills, records documenting committee work, and materials related to speeches, appearances, and events, including campaign materials.
To access a list of legislators’ papers housed at the State Library and to browse guides to these collections, visit this link: https://www.mass.gov/lists/massachusetts-state-legislators-papers-collections-at-the-state-library.
To search for other State Library collections that complement personal papers (for example, scrapbooks and photographs), visit our online catalog.
If you have any questions regarding personal papers or if you are a legislator and would like to donate your personal papers, please contact the Special Collections Department at special.collections@mass.gov.
Silvia Mejia
Special Collections Librarian
