This large collection dates from the first Boston directory of 1789 and covers most Massachusetts communities. The last Boston directory was published in 1981. Around this time directories for other Massachusetts cities and towns cease to be published, supplanted by the telephone book as a listing for a town's residents, businesses, organizations, and services. Directories contain a list of persons, organized by last name, residing in a town or city. However, some directories (including "Blue Books") do have house guides, which contain listings by address and not individual. City Directories and Voting Lists are found in the State Library's Special Collections.
City Directories and Voting Lists: A - L
City Directories and Voting Lists: M - Z
City Directories with a House Guide
This information is provided by The State Library of Massachusetts.