Guide to Historical Records and Genealogical Resources of Nantucket, Massachusetts
Additional Town Records
Building
Department
New Town Building, 37 Washington St.
Contact information: 508/228-7222
Hours: 8-3:30 pm, Monday-Friday (except holidays)
The Building Department has records dating from 1972 to the present. These include building plans and the Historic District Commission actions on those plans. The owner's name(s), plot number, and details about the structure are the major pieces of information in the records. Since the plans are filed by tax map and parcel number, researchers should obtain that information before attempting to locate a particular file.
Conservation
Commission
New Town Building, 37 Washington St.
Contact information: 508/228-7230 Fax: 508/228-7232
Hours: 8-3:30 pm, Monday-Friday, (except holidays)
The Nantucket Conservation Commission administers the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act and the Nantucket Wetlands Bylaw. Under these laws, any individual planning to remove, fill, dredge, alter, or build within 100 feet of a fresh or saltwater wetland must file either a Request for Determination and/or a Notice of Intent. With a request, the commission states whether or not it has jurisdiction over the project and whether or not the project may alter wetlands. The commission's response to a Notice of Intent application provides the applicant with a list of conditions by which the project may proceed, or reasons why the project cannot proceed. Wetlands include any marsh, wet meadow, swamp, bog, bank, dune, or beach. Records begin in the late 1970s and continue to the present. Information in the records includes the name(s) of the applicants, map and parcel number, and details about the particular application.
Fire
Department
Pleasant Street Station, Pleasant St. & Sparks
Ave.
Contact information: 508/228-2324
Hours (non-emergency): Monday-Friday, 8:30-3:30
pm (except holidays)
Private fire companies served until 1838, when the Massachusetts Legislature passed a special act establishing the Nantucket Fire Department. Some scrapbooks have been prepared by the department containing photographs, information on fire equipment, and newspaper accounts of notable events. Most old records, however, are not readily accessible. The department suggests that any researcher call first with a request before going to the fire station.
Historic
District Commission
New Town Building, 37 Washington St.
Contact information: 508/228-7231
Hours: 8:30-3:30 pm, Monday-Friday, (except holidays)
The Historic District Commission was established by the Massachusetts legislature in 1955. Its purpose is "to promote the general welfare of the inhabitants of the Town of Nantucket through the preservation and protection of historic buildings, places and districts of historic interest through the development of an appropriate setting for these buildings, places and districts." The HDC reviews exterior architectural features of all proposals to construct, alter, move or demolish buildings. Information contained in the proposals includes the owner's name, address, and details about the proposed construction or demolition. Records for the past three years are retained in the HDC office; all other records are in storage.
Municipal
Finance Department
Accounting, GIS: Town Building, 22 Federal Street
Contact information: 508/228-7209 Hours: 8:30-3:30
pm, Monday-Friday, (except holidays)
Assessor, Treasury: 16 Broad Street
Contact information: 508/325-5332
Hours:Same as above
The Department of Municipal Finance provides a broad range of financial services to the town, including accounting transactions, assessing and collecting taxes, and maintaining the Geographic Information System (GIS). There are two locations for the department: the accounting, administration, and GIS operations are at 22 Federal Street; the assessing, tax collecting, and treasury functions are at 16 Broad Street. Information about the town's financial operations and transactions, excluding assessments and collections, are retained for seven years. The assessor's office maintains its records indefinitely. The earliest assessment records date from about 1870 and are not readily accessible. Records from 1900 through 1991 have been microfilmed, while those from 1992 to the present are retained in their original form. Both the microfilmed and current records may be viewed at the assessor's office at 16 Broad Street. A large amount of data is maintained in the Geographic Information System, which ties this information to locations. Maps displaying this information may be ordered through the assessor's office.
Police
Department
20 South Water Street
Contact information: 508/228-1212 (Non-emergency)
Fax: 508/228-7246
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 to 3:30 pm (except holidays)
The Police Department maintains a number of records related to public safety and law enforcement. Requests for information are dealt with on a case-by-case basis and researchers are urged to contact the department to discuss their specific requirements. Older records are stored at a remote location and are not readily accessible.
Shellfish
and Marine Department
Town Pier, 34 Washington Street
Contact information: 508/228-7260
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30-3:30 pm (except holidays)
The Shellfish and Marine Department began in 1989 and is responsible for boat registrations; beach and harbor management; enforcement of environmental, fish and shellfish regulations; and general safety on the waters of Nantucket. Records relating to these activities are kept in the department's office. Specific research requests should be discussed with members of the department.