Archives & Public Records

Guidelines for Access

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has updated the Public Records Regulations, 950 CMR 32, as of January 1, 2017. They have also published A Guide to the Massachusetts Public Records Law (PDF).

The Town of Lexington provides online access to many Town public records, both recent and historical, as well as providing records in response to specific public records requests.

For Lexington Public Schools public records, visit their website.

Public Records Available Online

Public records available online include:

View a more extensive list of available public records.

Requesting Public Records

If you cannot find the public records you want in the resources above, or by searching our Records Repository, you can request public records from the Town.

You can request records by filling out our online request form, or by contacting the appropriate Record Access Officer. You can request records in person, by mail, or by email. Phone requests for public records are not accepted.

If you are not certain who to contact with your request, you can either use our online form for your request, or contact the Assistant Town Manager.

Record Access Officers

View a list of Record Access Officers for the City's various departments.

  1. What is the difference between the federal Freedom of Information Act and the Massachusetts Public Records Law?
  2. Who can help me with questions regarding the Public Records Law?
  3. What is a “public record”?
  4. How do I find the records I seek?
  5. Does the Division of Public Records have my records?
  6. Does the Public Records Law apply to court, legislative or federal records?
  7. What is a Records Access Officer?
  8. What is a records custodian?
  9. How do I obtain copies of public records?
  10. What do I do if my request is denied?
  11. May I also go to court to seek public records?
  12. My appeal was closed because I did not provide the necessary information. What do I do now?
  13. What are the requirements for an RAO response to a public records request?
  14. Does my request need to be in writing, and do I need to use a specific form?
  15. May I appeal a failure to answer a question?
  16. What is the cost for copies of public records; what about electronic records?
  17. Is an RAO required to provide a fee estimate?
  18. May the RAO charge a fee for search and segregation of records?
  19. When must minutes of an open meeting be made available to the public?
  20. Does a requester have greater right of access to records if he is the subject of a record?
  21. Is a requester required to disclose the intended use of the public record requested?
  22. How should an RAO respond to an unclear request?
  23. What if a records custodian claims that it is not subject to the Public Records Law?
  24. Are RAOs required to forward a request for records not in their possession?
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