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American Ancestors American Ancestors
  • Search Databases & special collections
    • Search All Databases 1.4 billion names from all around the world
      • Advanced Search
      • Vital records (incl. Bible, cemetery, church and SSDI)
      • Journals and periodicals
      • Census, tax and voter lists
      • Immigration records
      • Court, land and probate records
      • Military records
      • Genealogies, bios, heraldry, local histories
      • Great Migration study project
      • Atlases, maps and reference materials
    • Browse Databases A to Z
    • Special Interest Databases Search external databases
      • 19th century newspaper database
      • Oxford Dictionary of Family Names in Britain and Ireland
      • Marquis biographies online
      • Irish Newspaper Archive
      • Genealogy Quebec (limited simultaneous users)
    • Articles, Guides & Study Projects
      • New England & New York town guides
      • Online articles archive
      • The Great Migration study project
      • Early New England Families study project
      • Western Massachusetts Families in 1790 study project
      • Early Vermont Settlers to 1784 study project
    • Library Catalog Learn what the library has in its collections of books, manuscripts, and more
    • Digital Book & Manuscript Collections View genealogies, local histories, letters, diaries, and more from the NEHGS Library and Jewish Heritage Center holdings.
  • Services Consult or hire research experts
    • Which Services Are Right For You? Learn more about offerings from American Ancestors and choose the best option for your project.
      Ask a Genealogist Have a question about family history research? Wondering where a certain type of record can be found? Our free, live Ask a Genealogist service provides quick answers to genealogy or local history reference questions. Chat Live Mon-Sat, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. ET
      Personal Genealogist for the Day Receive hands-on help for an extended research session with our Personal Genealogist for the Day service. An American Ancestors genealogist will work side by side with you at the Library and Archives to help advance your research.
      Hire a Researcher An expert will assess your research and create a research assessment plan that will be delivered to you in print and in digital form.
      Photocopies Request copies of specific pages from material in the NEHGS Library and Archives. Place your request online and have copies delivered to you electronically.
      Speaker Requests Hire our family history experts to give a lecture or seminar for your school, group, conference, or event. This service is a great way to provide quality educational experiences for your members, students, patrons, and communities.
      Meet Our Experts
  • Learn Improve your research skills
    • Expert Subject Guides for Family History Research
      • Getting started
      • Using AmericanAncestors.org
      • English genealogy
      • Getting organized
      • Using the NEHGS library
      • 17th century New England genealogy
      • Genealogical software
      • Writing & publishing your family history
      • New York genealogy
      • See all topics
    • Webinars, Lectures, and How-to Videos
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      • Research Tools & Tips
      • Resources at American Ancestors
      • See all videos
    • Resources for Educators
      • Fun Family History Activities for Kids
      • More learning resources
    • Templates and Charts Free organizational tools available for download
    • Online Events Register for upcoming online presentations
    • In-Person Programs and Events Educational presentations at the NEHGS research library
    • Research Tours Visit research centers and receive one-on-one assistance from NEHGS
  • Library Access our leading research center

    • Digital Library and Archives

      Explore our online collections from the comfort of your home, including books, family papers, photographs, organizational records, and other digitized materials.
    • Library Catalog Learn what the library has in its collections of books, manuscripts, and more.
    • Databases at the Library See a list of databases available to visitors at the library.
    • Floor Plan Planning your visit? View a floor plan and guide to resources in the library
    • Special Collections Learn about our collections of manuscript records and photographs.
    • Jewish Heritage Center A resource for the histories of Jewish families & institutions in New England
    • Group and School Visits Reserve your group visit to the American Ancestors Research Center with tours, educational programs, and more
  • Events Lectures, tours, exhibits & more
    • ONLINE CONFERENCE

      Researching Northern Irish Ancestors

      Make real headway in researching your Scots-Irish ancestors. Register today
    • Online Events Attend a free webinar or take a class from home
    • American Inspiration Author Series Best-selling author talks in Boston's Back Bay
    • Heritage Tours Exclusive travel experiences led by expert guides
    • In-Person Programs and Events Lectures, seminars, and more
    • Research Tours Visit research centers and receive one-on-one assistance from NEHGS
    • Exhibits Upcoming special exhibits at our research library
  • News Updates & latest publications

    • American Ancestors in the News

      Our expert staff and their research have been featured in a number of local and national media outlets including the Boston Globe, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, the Associated Press, and more. Learn More
    • The Weekly Genealogist Get special features, articles, and news about family history
    • The NEHG Register Flagship journal of American genealogy since 1847
    • American Ancestors Award winning magazine that contains articles about genealogical topics, plus advice and resources
    • Mayflower Descendant Pilgrim genealogy and history
    • Database News Get real-time alerts when we add new information to our databases
    • Vita Brevis NEHGS blog highlighting topics in genealogy and stories of family history
    • Mayflower 2020 Interactive website commemorating Mayflower heritage and history
    • The GU272 Memory Project Family histories of the enslaved people sold by Georgetown College in 1838
    • Artifacts of Faith Explore invaluable genealogical records from the archives of the Boston Catholic Archdiocese
    • Online Photo Gallery Featuring our Lifetime Achievement award-winners, research tours, special events, and more
  • Bookstore Books and products from NEHGS
    • New Release

      Of Plimoth Plantation by William Bradford: The 400th Anniversary Edition

      Commemorate the 400th anniversary of the founding of Plimoth Colony with a new annotated transcription of Bradford's eyewitness account. Shop Now
    • BROWSE ALL BOOKS
    • Top Sellers Browse our most popular books
    • Mayflower Collection Resources for Mayflower genealogy & history
    • Experts' Choice Must-have resources for all genealogists and researchers
    • Charts & Gifts Family registers, gifts and more
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