The NEHGS library, located at 99 Newbury Street in Boston’s Back Bay neighborhood, is one of the nation’s leading research centers for genealogists of every skill level. In it are housed millions of documents, manuscripts, records, books, microfilms, photographs, artifacts, electronic resources, and other items that preserve and reveal our history. View a virtual tour!
Our Collections
The New England Historic Genealogical Society has been collecting information about families in America for over 165 years. Our collections are international in scope and contain significant materials for Canada and Europe. Our 25,000 members access information through our library and website.
See a brief overview of our collections or a more detailed guide to the library.
Databases at the Library
Learn more about the wide range of databases available at the NEHGS library to assist members and visitors with their genealogical research.
NEHGS members: Please also see our External Databases page for access to newspaper and biography databases.
Ask a Genealogist
If you have a genealogy or local history reference question, we invite you to submit it to our staff of genealogists through our free Ask a Genealogist service. We can provide you with guidance and suggestions about such topics as where to locate records or what to try next in your research.
Expert Consultations
Whatever your genealogical needs, the experts at our library are here to help and will provide one-on-one consultations in person or by telephone. Our genealogists have in-depth research knowledge of many topics, including New England, Canada, New York, the Midwest, Ireland, England, Scotland, Germany, Italy, other European countries, online resources and genealogy software, royal descents, matrilineal descents, military records, and urban genealogy. You can choose to consult with our genealogists in-person at NEHGS on Newbury Street in Boston or by telephone from the comfort of your own home. We select the genealogist you will work with by matching staff expertise with the area you are researching. Consultations may be scheduled for a minimum of thirty minutes and a maximum of two hours. The rates are $30 per half hour for NEHGS members and $40 per half hour for others. Please contact us at least two weeks in advance to schedule your appointment. Complete and submit a consultation order form here.