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.
Free Webinar: Downton Shabby: One American’s Adventure Restoring His Family’s English Castle
June 23, 2023
Online Course: Researching Impoverished Ancestors in North America
Wednesdays in June 2023
On Demand: Building Your Genealogical Skills
Take your research skills to the next level! Whether you are new to genealogy, want to refresh your skills, or learn best practices, this course will help you get the most out of your family history research.
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.
Call for Speakers: ICGHS 2024
Deadline November 15, 2023
The 36th International Congress of Genealogical and Heraldic Sciences is now accepting proposals for presentations by interested scholars, historians, and researchers. Presentations should relate to the theme of this year's congress: "Origins, Journeys, and Destinations."
...Over its long life, [American Ancestors/NEHGS] has gathered together the largest collection of original materials about the British people of North America. Its Great Migration study, a continuing study, has also published the most authoritative record of, quite literally, the tens of thousands of British subjects who helped found New England. So, your contributions are unique. And something of which everyone who is a part of it can, legitimately, be very proud of. Human stories of our collective past are at the heart of your work, and I’d like to thank you for helping to keep those stories alive. It is our emotional DNA. And immensely valuable for this generation and our successors.
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.
Search 1.4 billion names to find your ancestors' records
Search records from all over the world now
I can't tell you how great it feels to be so supported by NEHGS and those of you who bring together such quality programming and make sure it goes as planned. The online courses, the website, the databases, the "chat with a genealogist" opportunities, the list goes on . . . it all is simply a treasure. For years my mom was a member of NEHGS and found it so helpful; I just wish she were still alive to attend and enjoy with me the courses now offered. She would be delighted to know that I'm following in her footsteps.
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.
What's the best source for Irish records?
Ask a genealogist!
Chat live with a family history expert and get quick research questions answered for free.
Tuesday: 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. ET
Wednesday: 9:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. ET
Thursday-Saturday: 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. ET
What did "homesteader" mean in the 19th century?
Ask a genealogist!
Chat live with a family history expert and get quick research questions answered for free.
Tuesday: 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. ET
Wednesday: 9:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. ET
Thursday-Saturday: 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. ET
How can I find my globe-trotting ancestor?
Ask a genealogist!
Chat live with a family history expert and get quick research questions answered for free.
Tuesday: 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. ET
Wednesday: 9:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. ET
Thursday-Saturday: 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. ET
Upcoming Events
Seminar
Online
Paid
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.
June 14, 21, 28, 2023
The Brue Family Learning Center
Lecture
Online
Free
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.
June 23, 2023
Curt DiCamillo
The Brue Family Learning Center
Research Tour
Online
Paid
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.
June 8 - 10, 2023
The Brue Family Learning Center
Lecture
Online
Free
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.
June 8, 2023
The Brue Family Learning Center
Lecture
Online
Free
Understanding Calendar Systems in Family History Research
Learn how to interpret, record, and convert unfamiliar calendar and dating systems into familiar terms.
June 13, 2023
The Brue Family Learning Center
Research Tour
In Person
Paid
Scottish Research Tour
SOLD OUT | Have you dreamed of visiting Edinburgh to research your Scottish ancestors? Let American Ancestors be your guide!
June 18 - 25, 2023
The Brue Family Learning Center
Browse all upcoming events in our new Event Calendar
Recent Publications
Book
Genealogist’s Handbook for New England Research, 6th Edition
$38.95
This new full-color edition is an extensive update of an indispensable resource for those researching in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusett
Product
The Stories They Tell . . . from the Herdeg Collection
$69.95
A visit to a historic home . . . and a walk through history as told by the art and objects inside.
Product
Family Treasures: 175 Years of Collecting Art and Furniture at the New England Historic Genealogical Society
$59.95
Winner of the 2021 New England Society in the City of New York Book Award in the Art and Photography category.
Product
A New England Native American Reader
$24.95
A collection of articles on New England Native American genealogy, history, and culture that have appeared in the Register or American An
Book
Early New England Families 1641–1700, Volume 2 (paperback)
$32.95
Addressing the lack of compiled information on individuals who immigrated to New England after the Great Migration, the Early New England
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."
