Group Visits
Your family’s story is waiting to be discovered. Explore it together at American Ancestors.
Groups are invited to engage with family history, heritage, and culture at our newly renovated headquarters in Boston, Massachusetts. As a center for lifelong learning, American Ancestors offers a unique look into the stories that shape us both as individuals as well as a nation. From the interactive exhibits of the Family Heritage Experience to the rare treasures and millions of records in the Brim-DeForest Library, your group will uncover family stories, spark conversations, and explore meaningful connections to the past.
Reserve your visit today and begin your group’s journey into family history.
Group Experiences
Choose your pace, your focus, and your path into the past. From guided tours, immersive exhibitions, and introductory library visits, these experiences will introduce your group to the rich resources and stories found at American Ancestors.
Family Heritage Experience Self-Guided Visit
Discover the Family Heritage Experience through a self-guided visit designed to engage and inspire. Your group will explore interactive displays and original artifacts at their own pace while engaging with key concepts in genealogy. No genealogy experience is required to enjoy this immersive exhibition.
30 minutes | 8 – 25 people | $8 per person
Family Heritage Experience Guided Tour
Ready to begin your journey into family history? This guided tour of the Family Heritage Experience will show your group the essential first steps of conducting family history research. From mapping out what they know to examining historical records and weighing the evidence, your group will learn the same early steps our genealogists take to piece together a family’s past.
45 minutes | 8 – 15 people | $12 per person
Brim-Deforest Library Guided Tour
Discover the Brim-DeForest Library, a leading center for genealogical research and scholarship. During this tour, your group will learn about the library’s archives, services, and research tools, gaining insight into how family history and historical documents are preserved and explored. This tour is an ideal starting point for groups planning to spend additional time conducting research.
30 minutes | 8 – 15 people | Free with advance reservation
Brim-Deforest Library Research
Spend time exploring your own family history in the Brim-DeForest Library. With access to millions of genealogical records and resources, your group can begin to uncover personal connections to the past. Library staff are available to assist with general questions as you navigate the collections. We recommend allowing at least 3–6 hours to make the most of your research experience.
3 – 6 hours | 8 – 25 people | Free with advance reservation
Plan Your Group Visit
Making a Reservation
Group visits are available Tuesday–Saturday, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM. Groups of 8 or more can secure a discounted rate and access to specialized programming by making an advance reservation. Complete our online reservation form at least four weeks in advance and a staff member will follow up to confirm your visit and answer any questions. We recommend reserving early to ensure availability for your preferred date and experience.
Questions?
Need guidance on planning your visit or arranging a specialized program? Contact our Learning & Interpretation team at fhe@americanancestors.org.
Virtual Field Trips
Get students excited about genealogy—without leaving your classroom
Our virtual field trips are the perfect way to spark students' interest in genealogy. Students will discover different types of genealogical sources, research methods, and how to use evidence to piece together their family stories.
Each program can be tailored based on your students' research themes, prior knowledge, and unique backgrounds. Please choose two preferred dates and times for your field trip.
My Family History Starts Here!
Ideal introduction to genealogy
Learn how to think like a genealogist and discover how to trace families back in time.
Join our Youth Genealogy Curriculum Coordinator for this introductory program. Students will be introduced to basic genealogical sources, the process for conducting research, how to analyze primary sources, and the reasons and benefits for doing genealogy. This is the Getting Started Lesson from our classroom curriculum.
Grades: 4-8
Capacity: Unlimited
Length: 45 minutes
Cost: Free
Platform: Zoom or Google Meet
Offered Monday through Friday, at a time that works for you.
Students will:
- Define genealogy and family
- Discover the step-by-step process for conducting research
- Identify genealogical sources
- Create a unique research plan
- Learn how to analyze primary sources
Meet a Genealogist
Perfect at any point during a unit on genealogy
Come face to face with a professional genealogist and learn about their fascinating work.
A professional genealogist will share their insight and expertise on conducting authentic research and uncovering family stories. Students will learn about different genealogical sources and research methods, and receive expert advice for constructing a family history. Students can ask questions, and our genealogist can tailor their discussion to your class’s research theme.
Grades: 4-12
Capacity: Unlimited
Length: 45 minutes
Cost: Free
Platform: Zoom or Google Meet
Offered Monday through Friday, at a time that works for you.
Students will:
- Meet a professional genealogist to gain insight and hear interesting stories about genealogy
- Increase their awareness of genealogical sources and the research process
- Increase their comfort level with genealogy and be inspired to conduct research
- Ask questions and share stories with a professional genealogist
Questions?
Contact: Dustin Axe
School Programs & Curriculum Manager
Dustin.Axe@americanancestors.org