Other Research Resources

Online Resources

  • Newburyport’s Historic Newspapers: Local newspapers dating from 1773-1955, digitized by the Newburyport Public Library Archival Center (free)

  • Southern Essex District Registry of Deeds: Begin researching your historic home by establishing a chain of title using the resources available from the Registry of Deeds.

  • Massachusetts Cultural Resource Information System (MACRIS): Database of information on historic buildings compiled by the Massachusetts Historical Commission.

  • Several local history books are available in full text online through Internet Archive or other services. Try searching for the following titles:

    • History of Newburyport, Mass. 1764-1906, by John J. Currier

    • Ould Newbury Historical and Biographical Sketches, by John J. Currier

    • History of Newbury, Mass. 1635-1902, by John J. Currier

    • A Sketch of the History of Newbury, Newburyport, and West Newbury from 1635-1845, by Joshua Coffin

    • History of the Marine Society of Newburyport, Massachusetts, by William H. Bayley and Oliver O. Jones

Other Local Resources (Linked)

  • Newburyport Public Library Archival Center

  • Historic New England (local historic properties)

  • Custom House Maritime Museum, Newburyport

  • Phillips Library in Rowley, MA (Part of the Peabody Essex Museum)

  • Newburyport Black Heritage Trail: Soldiers, Sailors, and Guinea Village

    Newburyport’s Black Heritage Trail promotes awareness of contributions by an unrecognized part of the community. Sharing their stories honors their presence, celebrates their lives, and enriches Newburyport’s history. Take a walk through our historic city and see the sites of the formerly enslaved, the Civil War memorial honoring our soldiers and sailors, and visit a neighborhood once known as “Guinea Village”. There are a multitude of stories of our small Black community during the past 300 years awaiting your discovery.

  • Newburyport Black Heritage Trail: Fortitude, Fellowship, and Entrepreneurs

    Newburyport’s Black Heritage Trail promotes awareness and recognition of former citizens and their contributions to our community. Sharing their stories honors their presence, celebrates their lives, and enriches Newburyport’s history. Take a walk through our historic city and see the former sites of the Elbow Lane neighborhood, a church with gospel singing every night, and a barber shop owned by an “emperor.” There are a multitude of stories of our small Black community during the past 300 years awaiting your discovery.