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.
Last Chance! Submit a Proposal for the International Congress of Genealogical and Heraldic Sciences 2024
The 36th ICGHS 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." Deadline for proposals is November 15.
Announcing the 2024 Young Family Historians Essay Contest
This year's essay contest is now open for students enrolled in grades 4–12 in public, private, parochial, and home schools across the nation and US territories. Participants are asked to share a story from their personal family history and to explain how lessons from that story can apply to their life today.
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.
Download Free Research Guides
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.
...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!
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
New Jersey Research: Four Centuries of History and Genealogy
Throughout its history—from Dutch colony to English Province to statehood—New Jersey has been characterized by its ethnic and religious diversity. Immigrants settled within its borders attracted by fertile land, industry, and religious tolerance. Despite its long history, however, New Jersey is known for several gaps in its records.
November 29, 2023 and December 6, 13, 20, 2023
Lecture
Online
Free
Applying to Revolutionary War Lineage Societies
With the 250th anniversary of the Revolutionary War fast approaching, you may be interested in documenting your family connection to an American patriot and applying to a lineage society. Join Vice President of Research and Library Services Lindsay Fulton for a step-by-step look at applying to Revolutionary War lineage societies.
December 7, 2023
Research Tour
Online
Paid
Fall Stay-At-Home
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.
December 7 - 9, 2023
The Brue Family Learning Center
Author Event
In Person
Free
We Sort of People—Journalist and Writer Leslie Tucker and Photographer Henry Horenstein
Join us in person at the Boston Public Library for an artist-book talk in their Through the Lens: Exploring Community & Identity series and learn more about the last descendants of a little-known American clan, a mysterious multiethnic family—the Wesorts.
Presented by Henry Horenstein and Leslie Tucker
December 7, 2023
American Inspiration
Lecture
Online
Free
The Chelsea Carol Incident of 1949
In this webinar, Dr. Miriam Mora discusses a story she uncovered in her research in the archives of the Wyner Family Jewish Heritage Center: How a Jewish family’s 1949 request for inclusivity around Christmas carols and pageants in their public school led to a widespread misunderstanding, and eventually caused panic and uproar within the Jewish community of Chelsea, Massachusetts.
Presented by Dr. Miriam Eve Mora
December 11, 2023
Wyner Family Jewish Heritage Center
Lecture
Online
Free
Family History Roundtable: Getting Family Involved in Your Research
Join us for this engaging panel discussion with our genealogists as they discuss their tips for getting family involved in your research—including strategies for sharing research findings, interviewing family members, asking relatives to take DNA tests, and more. This is the first episode in our new panel discussion series, Family History Roundtable.
December 12, 2023
Kathleen Mackenzie
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.
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
