Research Getaway in Boston: Filling in the Dash: Uncovering Ancestral Stories 2025

Thank you for registering for our Research Getaway in Boston: Filling in the Dash: Uncovering Ancestral Stories, taking place April 10-12, 2025! 

Escape to Boston for three days of research, one-on-one consultations, orientations, and social events while exploring the rich offerings at the American Ancestors Research Center and benefitting from the knowledge and assistance of expert genealogists.

The lectures and demonstration offered as part of this program are focused on resources and strategies that will help you uncover ancestral stories.

PROGRAM INCLUDES:

• Tour and orientation to collections of the American Ancestors Research Center
• Daily lectures and demonstrations
• Two 30-minute consultations with expert genealogists (one virtual pre-tour consultation, one on-tour consultations)
• Group meals (daily breakfast, opening reception, and closing dinner)
• Pre-program preparatory webinar and resources

Live broadcast: Tuesday, March 11, 2025, 2:00-3:00 p.m. Eastern Time
Presented by: Melanie McComb, Senior Genealogist, and Kathleen Mackenzie, Education and Programming Manager.

Learn how to prepare for your time at American Ancestors, make the most of your one-on-one consultations, and more! 

Participant Form 1 - For Pre-Tour Zoom Consultation - Due March 21

Please fill out this Participant Form by Friday, March 21, 2025. Your answers on this form will assist our genealogists in preparing for your pre-tour consultation! It also allows you to submit emergency contact information, dietary restrictions, and more.

Participant Form 2 - For On-Site Consultation at American Ancestors - Due April 4

Please fill out this Participant Form by Friday, April 4, 2025 your answers on this form will assist our genealogists in preparing for your on-site consultation during the tour at American Ancestors! 

If you have any questions about filling out these forms, please contact Education and Programming Manager, Kathleen Mackenzie at kathleen.mackenzie@americanancestors.org. Please note that you have the option to save your form and return to it by clicking the "Save" button at the bottom of the page. 

Schedule*

Thursday, April 10

Friday, April 11

Saturday, April 12

Schedule

Participant List

Lecture Handout: Overview of Collections at American Ancestors

Slides: Overview of Collections at American Ancestors

Lecture Handout: The Basics of Court Records

Slides: The Basics of Court Records

Lecture Handout: Read All About It! Newspapers

Slides Read All About It! Newspapers

Library Guide

Expert Bios

Navigating Boston

Participant Forms (Digital Only)

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