Research Aids
Local History Books:
A variety of books – both new and old – on Kingston history are available on the Library’s Gift Page.
Online Databases:
American Ancestors: The New England Historical Genealogical Society is the oldest genealogical society in the country. For over 160 years, NEHGS has helped new and experienced researchers trace their heritage in New England and around the world. NEHGS databases are now available to Kingston library card holders. It is available only in the Library.
Ancestry Library is the largest family history site with over 4 billion names in worldwide historical records, family tree services, genealogy and more. A Kingston library card is required.
Web sites and organizations that may help you with researching Kingston history:
Jones River Village Historical Society: Kingston’s historical society founded in 1909; takes care of the Major John Bradford Homestead and offers many educational and social programs throughout the year.
Additional resources:
Local: |
State: |
| Evergreen Cemetery Association Green Street Kingston, MA 02364 781-585-4507 |
Boston City Archives 201 Rivermoor Street West Roxbury, MA 02132 |
| Kingston Historical Commission Town Hall 26 Evergreen Street Kingston, MA 02364 781-585-0500 |
Massachusetts Probate Courts Plymouth Probate Court 11 South Russell Street Plymouth, MA 02360(508) 747-6204 |
| Kingston Town Clerk Town Hall 26 Evergreen Street Kingston, MA 02364 781-585-0502 |
Massachusetts Registry of Deeds Plymouth Registry Obery Street Plymouth, MA 02361-3535 (508) 830-9200 (508) 830-9280 (FAX) |
| General Society of Mayflower Descendants PO Box 3297, 4 Winslow Street Plymouth, MA 02361 508-746-3188 |
Massachusetts Historical Society 1154 Boylston Street Boston, MA 02215 617-536-1608 |
| Parting Ways Parting Ways, in Plymouth, was the name of one of America’s earliest free black settlements. In 1792, four black Revolutionary War veterans were rewarded for their military service by being granted 106 acres at a fork in the road leading out of Plymouth to Kingston. Information can also be found on the Plymouth Colony Archive Project. |
Massachusetts Registry of Vital Records & Statistics 150 Mount Vernon St., 1st Floor Dorchester, MA 02125-3105 617-740-2600 |
| Pilgrim Society/Pilgrim Hall Museum 75 Court Street Plymouth, MA 02360 508-746-1620 |
Massachusetts Society of Genealogists, Inc. PO Box 215 Ashland, MA 01721-0125 508-892-1225 |
| Plimoth Plantation Research Library Route 3A Plymouth, MA 02360 508-746-1622 |
Massachusetts Society of Mayflower Descendants 100 Boylston St., Suite 750 Boston, MA 02116 617-338-1991 |
| Plymouth Ancestors Plimoth Plantation and the New England Historic Genealogical Society have joined together to provide the most up-to-date genealogical information on the inhabitants of the Plymouth Colony in 1627. |
Massachusetts State Archives 220 Morrisey Blvd., Columbia Pt. Dorchester, MA 02125 617-727-2816 |
| Plymouth Colony Archive Project Presents a collection of searchable texts, including court records, colony laws, 17thcentury text, biographical profiles of selected colonists, wills, probate inventories and much more. Developed by the late James Deetz, author of In Small Things Forgotten and The Times of Their Lives: Life, Love and Death in Plymouth Colony. |
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| Massachusetts State Library State House Room 341 Boston, MA 02133 617-727-5819 |
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| Plymouth County Registry of Deeds & Probate 11 Russell Street Plymouth, MA 02360 508-830-9200 |
National Archives at Boston 380 Trapelo Road Waltham, MA 02452-6399 1-866-329-6465 [toll free] |
| Plymouth Public Library 132 South Street Plymouth, MA 02360 508-830-4250 Lee Regan, History Librarian |
New England Historic Genealogical Society 101 Newbury Street Boston, MA 02116-3007 617-536-5740 |
| Plymouth Cordage Historical Society 10 Cordage Park Circle Plymouth, MA 02360 508-746-7707 |
Additional sites of interest:
Davistown Museum
This is a regional history, tool, and art museum located in the hill country of central coastal Maine. The museum has a wealth of information, particularly on C. Drew and Company tools, which were made here in Kingston.