Questions and Suggestions

Methods of requests

Our answer process

Examples of questions

"I want a copy of a death notice for my Great Grandmother Mary Smith who died in Boston in 1916."

We need to have a specific day, month and year to check local newspapers for any such information. Also, we cannot provide genealogical research, but we have identified resources to help you in your search, "Genealogy".

"Can you send me some information about the whaling industry?"

Since there are numerous books and Internet resources for such topics, we would expect you to do this basic research. We will try to answer a specific question, for example, about a specific ship or person that had some link to Boston or Massachusetts.

"What are some interesting facts about Boston?"

We cannot research this type of question. We can confirm a fact, or give information on a particular fact. Please use historical chronologies for this type of information.

Examples of questions we can answer:
"Who was mayor of Boston on August 15, 1886?"

"Is there a city or telephone directory listing for George Sullivan in Dorchester in 1952?"

"How many people died in the Cocoanut Grove fire?"

"Is the Schrafft candy company still in existence, if not, when did it close?"

"Do you have an original edition of the Bay Psalm book?"

Questions on any Library events, programs, etc.

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