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.
Online Course: Beyond the Grave: Uncovering Life Stories from Death Records
Wednesdays in October 2023
Fall Family History Benefit with Drew Gilpin Faust in conversation with Deval Patrick
October 26, 2023
10 Million Names
American Ancestors is excited to announce 10 Million Names, a new project that will recover the names and restore information to families of the estimated 10 million men, women, and children of African descent who were enslaved in America between the 1500s and 1865.
10 Million Names is engaging a collaborative network of expert genealogists, cultural organizations, and community-based family historians. Together we will amplify the voices of people who have been telling their family stories for centuries, connect researchers and data partners with people seeking answers to family history questions, and expand access to data, resources, and information about enslaved African Americans.
10 Million Names in the News
National Geographic
In this interview, Kendra Field and Richard Cellini discuss how the research of 10 Million Names and use of new innovations in AI technology can help Black Americans uncover lost information about their family legacies.
Good Morning America
Inspired by the work of 10 Million Names, co-anchor of Good Morning America Michael Strahan pays a visit to Shankleville, a freedom colony in East Texas founded by his ancestors.
All Things Considered on GBH
Dr. Kendra Taira Field speaks with guest host Craig LeMoult about the mission of 10 Million Names, and how the project will help millions of African Americans connect to their family histories.
Politics Nation on MSNBC
10 Million Names historian Dr. Kendra Taira Field was a guest on Reverend Al Sharpton's MSNBC show "Politics Nation" last Saturday, where she shared important observations African American family history and the 10 Million Names Project.
BlackEnterprise.com
10 Million Names Project Digs Into History of Black Families. A leading online platform for Black cultural and business news covers 10 Million Names and its mission.
Good Morning America
10 Million Names debuted to 3 million viewers around the US on August 2 when this piece ran on Good Morning America, the nation’s most-watched morning news show.
Alabama.com
Alabama’s most visited online news site, Alabama.com, highlights 10 Million Names and the more than 250 family history sessions that took place at the National Association of Black Journalists in early August 2023.
Tufts Now
Read a profile of 10 Million Names Chief Historian Dr. Kendra Taira Field on Tufts Now, the Tufts University’s daily news platform.
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
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.
September 28, 2023
The Brue Family Learning Center
Seminar
Online
Paid
Beyond the Grave: Uncovering Life Stories from Death Records
Learn how to use death records to uncover ancestor stories that paint a more complete picture of our ancestors' lives.
October 4, 11, 18, 25, 2023
The Brue Family Learning Center
Seminar
Online
Paid
Law & Order: Using Court Records in Your Family History Research
Learn how to locate, interpret, and navigate civil and criminal cases, probate, pre-1906 naturalizations, divorce cases, and more.
September 6, 13, 20, 27, 2023
The Brue Family Learning Center
Lecture
Online
Free
Bagatelle: A Princely Residence in Paris
Using spectacular new photography that was commissioned for his 2023 book Bagatelle: A Princely Residence in Paris, author Nicolas Cattelain will take us on a luscious tour of the chateau and its fabulous history.
September 29, 2023
Fine Art & Architecture with Curt DiCamillo
Courses On Demand
Online
Paid
On Demand: Basics of Early New England Research
This five-session online seminar discusses the settlement of New England, how to locate and use records, and strategies for breaking down brick walls.
Available for purchase until:
September 30, 2023
The Brue Family Learning Center
Courses On Demand
Online
Paid
On Demand: The Secret History of Institutions and Institutionalization in America, 1880–1960
Don't miss this panel conversation featuring genealogist Lindsay Fulton, journalist-author Pam Fessler, and Alex Green, advocate and professor, Harvard Kennedy School. Moderated by Bill Griffeth, author and retired newscaster.
Available for purchase until:
September 30, 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."
