Welcome!
Thank you for registering for our Genealogical Skills Boot Camp, taking place February 18-20, 2027!
Take your research skills to the next level! With the sheer number of online resources at your fingertips, it's easy to dive in to your family history research without any formal training as a genealogist. This intensive three-day program will set you on the right path to getting the most out of your family history research and teach you how to tackle genealogical problems like a pro. Topics include: strategies for analyzing records, online research, breaking down genealogical brick walls, and more.
PROGRAM INCLUDES:
- In-depth lectures and hands-on activities
- Two 30-minute consultations with expert genealogists (one virtual pre-tour consultation, one on-tour consultation)
- Resource packet with detailed handouts, exercises, and articles
- Group meals (daily breakfast, opening reception, and closing luncheon)
- Certificate of completion
- Pre-program preparatory webinar and resources
Pre-Boot Camp Preparatory Presentation
Live broadcast: Friday, January 8, 2027, 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time
Link to join: https://zoom.us/j/91779923731
Presented by: Melanie McComb, Senior Genealogist and Kathleen Mackenzie, Education & Programming Manager
Learn how to prepare for your time in the Brim-DeForest Library at American Ancestors, make the most of your one-on-one consultations, and more!
Participant Forms
The participant forms will be added to this page closer to the tour. The forms will allow you to submit topics for your pre-tour consultation and your on-tour consultation.
Schedule
Schedule*
Thursday, February 18: The Basics
| 9:00 a.m. | Check in, refreshments |
| 9:30 a.m. | Introductions |
| 10:00 a.m. | Genealogy 101, presented by David Allen Lambert |
| 11:30 a.m. | Sources, presented by David Allen Lambert |
| 12:30 p.m. | Lunch (on your own) |
| 1:30 p.m. | Tour of the Brim-DeForest Library at American Ancestors |
| 2:00-6:00 p.m. | Personal research |
| 6:00 p.m. | Reception |
Friday, February 19: Breaking Down Genealogical Brick Walls
| 9:00 a.m. | Refreshments |
| 9:30 a.m. | Analysis, presented by Melanie McComb |
| 11:00 a.m. | F.A.N. Approach, presented by Melanie McComb |
| 12:30 p.m. | Lunch (on your own) |
| 1:30-6:00 p.m. | Personal research |
Saturday, February 20: Getting the Most Out of Online Research
| 9:00 a.m. | Refreshments |
| 9:30 a.m. | General Best Practices and Tips for FamilySearch, Ancestry, and American Ancestors, presented by Rhonda R. McClure |
| 11:00 a.m. | Using Google for Genealogical Research, presented by Rhonda R. McClure |
| 12:00 p.m. | Lunch (provided) and Graduation Ceremony |
| 1:30-6:00 p.m. | Personal Research |
*Schedule is subject to change
Packet Materials
When the tour begins on Monday, you will receive a packet with a list of participants, a lecture handout, the consultation topics of your fellow participants, and more. Those materials in your packet will also be provided digitally here.
Navigating Boston
American Ancestors is located at 97 Newbury Street in Boston, MA 02116. We are in the heart of Boston's Back Bay neighborhood, close to many restaurants, the Boston Public Library, the Boston Public Gardens, the Boston Common, and more. It's a very fun and safe area to explore! If you have any questions about the local area please feel free to reach out to Education & Programming Manager Kathleen Mackenzie at kathleen.mackenzie@americanancestors.org.
Directions & Parking
American Ancestors is located very close to the Copley T stop on the green line, as well as the Back Bay stop on the orange line. You can find detailed directions here. If you are driving, you may wish to park at the end of an MBTA line and take the T in. Otherwise, there are parking garages nearby.
Accommodations
If you are travelling from afar, you may wish to book a hotel in the area. You can find a detailed list of local accommodations on our website here, categorized by price type. American Ancestors members also receive special offers at a few local hotels, which are specified at the top of the list.
Dining
There are many dining options close to American Ancestors to keep you fueled while you're busy researching! Here are just a few notable options that are especially close:
- Caffè Nero, next door to American Ancestors
- Thinking Cup, just a couple doors down from American Ancestors
- Trader Joe's at 500 Boylston Street, a 4-minute walk from American Ancestors
