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.


AmericanAncestors.org Named One of 101 Best Websites for Genealogy in 2023
We are pleased to be included on this year's list of 101 Best Genealogy Websites from Family Tree Magazine. Released annually, this list compiles the best online tools available to assist the research of hobbyist genealogists. Visit FamilyTreeMagazine.com to see the full list for 2023.

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. Our mission is to foster interest in genealogical connections to participants in the Boston Tea Party, their families, and those involved in the making of colonial rebellion in Boston.

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!

Zoom Demo: The New AmericanAncestors.org
Join Claire Vail, Vice President for Digital Strategy and Communications, for a demonstration on the newly launched AmericanAncestors.org! Learn about key new features, how to navigate the site, and how to get the most out of the website from home. You can also visit our New Website FAQ for more information.

Vita Brevis is 3 Million Views Old!
Vita Brevis, our family history blog, recently marked an important milestone: 3,000,000 page views since it launched in January 2014. Join editor Scott C. Steward for a look back on some of the most popular posts, from research advice to celebrity genealogies to personal stories of family connections made through genealogical research.

Upcoming Events

Researching Impoverished Ancestors in North America
Experts Lindsay Fulton and Ann Lawthers will discuss the welfare systems in North America from colonial times through the early 20th century, and demonstrate practical research strategies for finding your impoverished ancestors.
The Brue Family Learning Center

Downton Shabby: One American’s Adventure Restoring His Family’s English Castle
Hear from author Hopwood DePree about his adventures renovating Hopwood Hall, the 600-year-old English manor house which once belonged to his family.
The Brue Family Learning Center

Spring Stay-At-Home
SOLD OUT | Make real headway in your research! This three-day online experience will give you the necessary skills and knowledge to advance your family history research from home.
The Brue Family Learning Center

What's New at American Ancestors
Stay up to date with what's new at American Ancestors, including new searchable databases, digitized collections, scholarship, educational programming, and more.
The Brue Family Learning Center

Understanding Calendar Systems in Family History Research
Learn how to interpret, record, and convert unfamiliar calendar and dating systems into familiar terms.
The Brue Family Learning Center

Scottish Research Tour
SOLD OUT | Have you dreamed of visiting Edinburgh to research your Scottish ancestors? Let American Ancestors be your guide!
The Brue Family Learning Center
Browse all upcoming events in our new Event Calendar
Recent Publications
Download Free Research Guides
The Antiquarto
Join D. Brenton Simons, President and CEO of American Ancestors/NEHGS, for exclusive interviews about family history, fine art and architecture, favorite books, and more.
The latest episode features Kyle Hurst, Senior Genealogist for the Newbury Street Press at American Ancestors/New England Historic Genealogical Society. Hear about her work at the Newbury Street Press, researching and writing family histories; how she got started in genealogy; and her award-winning genealogy "Ancestors and Descendants of Charles Le Caron and Victoire Sprague."
