This is the regional office of the National Archives and Records Administration. It houses a large collection of Federal Census, ship arrivals in the port of Boston, etc., all on microfilm. It used to be the go to place to find such records, but today all of this information is available online from genealogy websites such as Ancestry(fee), FamilySearch(free), etc. There is really nothing to see here and little reason to visit for research, but there are occasional programs and some other services. The staff is friendly, and there is ample free parking.

Excellent source of real physical documents for family research. But you have to know how to use them and prepare before you arrive. Also understand all the rules and regulations which they fully enforce. No pens!Also there is nothing to do in the immediate area for other family members who are not interested so don’t bring them along, either adult or child

The staff was so helpful. They helped me find my grandfather;scitizen papers. They shared the history at the time he cameover from Italy and the rules at that time. There was no charge.I was amazed how accurate their process is.

The National Archives complex on Trapelo Road in Waltham is the Northeast US storehouse for important government documents. Visit the research room, which is a great resource for anyone doing genealogy research. I was able to see the originals of my great-grandparents' applications for citizenship from the late 1930s, complete with photos. For a nominal fee, I received high-resolution copies of the applications, which I treasure. The Archives also subscribes to most of the popular genealogy sites, including Ancestry.com, and they are available free of charge here. The staff is helpful and knowledgeable, and there are often amateurs doing their own research who are willing to jump in and help you get started.

It is a place to visit if time permits while you are in the area. Specially if you are visitor to the area there are lot to learn. Kids enjoyed too