Developed by experts at American Ancestors/NEHGS, this free-to-access national curriculum is designed to expose students in grades 4 through 6 to the concepts, benefits, and joys of family history.
Listen to Rare Audio From Formerly Enslaved People
ABC News Correspondent Alex Presha sat down with 10 Million Names historians Dr. Kendra Field and Dr. Vincent Brown to discuss the impact of first-hand accounts, exploring the legacy of slavery through rare and historic audio interviews with formerly enslaved individuals that were recorded in the 1940s and ’70s.
10 Million Names is a new initiative to recover the names and stories of the estimated 10 million men, women, and children of African descent who were enslaved in America between the 1500s and 1865.
Together with a collaborative network of genealogists, cultural organizations, and community-based family historians, we will amplify centuries of family stories, connect researchers and data partners with people seeking answers to family history questions, and expand access to information about enslaved African Americans.
Where Were Your Ancestors during the Boston Tea Party?
In partnership with the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum, we are pleased to introduce the Boston Tea Party Descendants Program: a lineage society for descendants of Boston Tea Party participants and those involved in colonial rebellion in Boston. The program has already aided in the discovery of unprecedented documentation from this historic event.
Courses On Demand: Educational experiences by our experts, at your convenience
Enjoy some of our most recent and popular courses on your schedule. Each course includes recorded lectures, handouts, activities, and more. Brush up on your research skills and explore topics across the field of genealogy with Courses On Demand!
Vita Brevis: A Resource for Family History
There's something new to discover every week on our blog Vita Brevis. From expert research advice to jaw-dropping family connections, celebrity genealogies, and more, you'll discover stories about families of every kind—and learn why family history matters to everybody.
Upcoming Events
The Scots-Irish in America: Origins and Migrations
The Scots-Irish have been immigrating to America since the early 18th century. Senior Genealogist Rhonda R. McClure will discuss the rich history and enduring legacy of the Scots-Irish in America, providing research tips and resources along the way.
Using Irish Land Records in Your Family History Research
Land records are a critical part of Irish family history research. Discussing—but also moving beyond—Griffith’s Valuation, this online seminar will delve more deeply into leveraging land records in your family history research for both Northern Ireland and the Republic.
Verifying Your Jamestowne Lineage
Jamestowne was the first permanent English settlement in the New World and had already been growing and developing for 13 years by the time the Mayflower landed in Massachusetts. In this three-week online course, Executive Director of the Jamestowne Society Bonnie Hofmeyer and genealogist Ann Lawthers will discuss essential resources, record collections, research strategies, and historical context for verifying your connection to Jamestowne.
Presented by Bonnie Hofmeyer and Ann Lawthers
What's New at American Ancestors
American Ancestors is a national center for family history, heritage, and culture actively engaged in the creation of new searchable databases, digitized collections, scholarship, educational programming, and more. We are always working on new projects that share the stories of families and individuals from across the country and around the world. Stay up to date with what’s new at American Ancestors with this webinar series!
Greg Steinmetz with American Rascal: How Jay Gould Built Wall Street's Biggest Fortune
One of the Gilded Age’s most complex and quirky characters, Jay Gould was praised for his brilliance by John D. Rockefeller and Cornelius Vanderbilt, yet he was condemned by Mark Twain for forever destroying American business values. Join author Greg Steinmetz and moderator Esther Crain in exploring his remarkable life, Steinmetz’s “gripping biography” (Fortune), and the glittering Gilded Age era."
Moderated by Esther Crain
American Inspiration
Harridans and Heroines: The Women of Castle Howard
The women of Castle Howard were not merely decorative figures, languishing from boredom or ill-health; nor were they simply wives whose sole duty was to provide an heir. They were dynamic, combative individuals, who wrote, painted, travelled, pursued political careers, as well as superintending several family homes. This talk challenges how we look at great houses and estates: they were not the exclusive preserve, or responsibility, of the male members of the family.
Arts & Architecture