Historical and Genealogical Resources

Many resources for local history and genealogy can be found at the Ames Free Library. Although we have a strong collection of local resources, our staff is unable to offer in-depth research for you. You are welcome however to come and use any resources you need to complete your research. Here are a few titles of interest.

History of the Town of Easton Massachusetts (1886), by William Chaffin and members of the Easton Historical Society

History of Easton Massachusetts 1886-1974 by Margaret M. McEntee and members of the Easton Historical Society

Easton's Neighborhoods by Edward Hands

A Family History; the Ames Family of North Easton, Massachusetts by William Ames (videotape)

The Easton Green Flyer by the Town of Easton. This newsletter from the 1950s included a series entitled "Easton in Pictures" which included a sheet with a picture and short history of a building or geographic area. The Library has the complete set of "Easton in Pictures", but not a complete set of the Easton Green Flyer.

Easton Town Reports: 1845 - present. These sources contain birth/death and marriage records as well as annual reports of town committees and offices.

North Easton Village Reports: 1907 - 1928. These contain interesting information about the town, such as the need for a new compressed air whistle for the fire station in 1926.

Poll Taxes: 1853, 1861, 1870-1890, 1910, 1920, 1960 and 1970. This resource gives the real estate taxes paid by Easton residents for the years listed.

Easton Journal: The Easton journal began publication in 1993. The library has most issues from 1994 to present with some gaps.

Easton Bulletin: 1931/32, 1944-1966, 1993 - Present. Current issues contain much the same information as the Easton Journal.

New England Historical and Genealogical Register: 1847 - 1920. The New Bedford Public Library has a complete set.