What You Need to Know Before You Get Started
If you are looking for genealogy information (records prior to 1910), there are some resources available to you:
- The Somerville Public Library provides access to ancestry.com, but it is only available onsite. This might be different with other library systems.
- The Somerville Public Library's local history room also has a full set of directories.
Research Links
- Massachusetts Vital Records: https://www.mass.gov/orgs/registry-of-vital-records-and-statistics
- Massachusetts Archives: https://www.sec.state.ma.us/arc/
- National Archives, Northeast Region: https://www.archives.gov/boston
- Boston City Directories: https://dca.lib.tufts.edu/features/bostonstreets/people/directories.html#browse
- Boston Public Library: https://guides.bpl.org/genealogymain
To Search for a Record with the City Clerk
If the above resources were not helpful and you would like the City Clerk to search for a vital record, there are three ways to submit your request:
- Use our online portal: https://epay.cityhallsystems.com/
- Mail us this form.
- Don’t forget to include a check or money order (not cash) for the $10 fee. Make checks payable to “City of Somerville.”
- Visit the City Clerk’s Office at Somerville City Hall, 93 Highland Avenue, Somerville, MA 02143
- You can pay by cash, check, money order, or credit card (Visa, MasterCard, or Discover only). Make checks payable to “City of Somerville.”
- Please note that you will not learn the results of your search immediately, your request will be placed in the queue.
There is a $10 fee for each record search, and if the records are located, you can order certified copies for an additional $15 each. The office staff will be in touch with the outcome of the search within 10 business days.
Programs & Initiatives
Join us to celebrate Somerville’s open spaces, engage with the City outside of formal meetings, and of course – enjoy some pizza.
The City of Somerville’s New Small Business Vitality Grant offers up to 12 months of rental support for physical storefronts, with a maximum of $50,000.
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