Thanks to a correspondent who did some digging, and prefers to remain nameless, here's the nitty-gritty of how Massachusetts residents can access HeritageQuest for "free." As Jim Nolan commented, more and more libraries are purchasing institutional subscriptions to HQ and Ancestry and then making these services available to patrons on their premises . The Boston Public Library (BPL) is one of these. Any Massachusetts resident can obtain a BPL library card. The "catch" is that you'll have to drive into Copley Square and show proof of residence to get that card, and then return to the BPL each time you want to access HQ. Given the horrendous Boston traffic and the cost of gas and parking, $35 to access HQ any time night or day for a year via the Godfrey Library is probably the better bargain. Still, this is an alternative if you live in the greater Boston area. From the BPL site: Who can get a card http://www.bpl.org/general/circulation/whocard.htm Where to get a card http://www.bpl.org/general/circulation/wherecard.htm Electronic Resources http://www.bpl.org/electronic/index.htm Chris