This is in response to your inquiry regarding the "Inhabitants and Estates of the Town of Boston, 1630-1800," part of what we call the Thwing database. Thank you for your question. I see that you were in the library on Monday and so perhaps you already had your question answered, but I thought I'd follow up in case not.
The Thwing database was created through a collaboration of the MHS and the New England Historic Genealogical Society, and includes information on vital records, property holdings, occupation, town offices held, church affiliation, burial information, and more for Boston residents, 1630-1800. The database also includes an electronic version of Thwing's "Crooked Narrow Streets..." While I think that there is a lot of overlap in the information contained in the two sets, the "Inhabitants..." is arranged by individual in alphabetical order and so is more effective when looking for all records associated with a particular person. Much of the information comes from sources like Boston Town Records and Suffolk County Deeds.
The combined sets were originally available as a CD-ROM. The MHS now has the database available in the library on all of our public access computers. The NEHGS has created an online version of the database that is searchable via their website but I believe a subscription is required to view complete results.
