Visit American Ancestors
Located at 97 Newbury Street, American Ancestors is a unique destination dedicated to the study of family history, heritage, and culture. The public and our members are welcome to conduct research in the Brim-DeForest Library, which houses the R. Stanton Avery Special Collections, one of the most extensive collections of family history resources in the world. Visitors can also request to view materials in the collections of the Wyner Family Jewish Heritage Center, which focuses on New England Jewish history and heritage.
Visitors can attend in-person events and educational programming at the Brue Family Learning Center, located on the second floor of American Ancestors. Check our events calendar for upcoming programs.
Admission to the Brim-DeForest Library is free through May 31, 2026
Visit the Family Heritage Experience
In 2025, American Ancestors launched the Family Heritage Experience, an interactive, state-of-the-art exhibition that introduces visitors to the joy of family history research as well as learning how to trace your ancestry. Boston's newest historical attraction is located at 97 Newbury Street in the historic Back Bay neighborhood.
The Family Heritage Experience is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. To find out more or to book tickets visit the FHE website.
Contact Us
American Ancestors
97 Newbury Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02116-3007
Please check our Help Center for answers to some of our most frequently asked questions. You can also email Membership@americanancestors.org or call us between 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m, Monday through Friday.
Toll free: 1-888-296-3447
617-536-5740
Fax: 617-536-7307
For the Wyner Family Jewish Heritage Center (JHC), please email jhcreference@jewishheritagecenter.org or visit the JHC website to learn more about the collections.
Visitor Information
American Ancestors
97 Newbury Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02116-3007
Toll free: 1-888-296-3447
617-536-5740
Fax: 617-536-7307
American Ancestors offers two visitor experiences in our Back Bay location at 97 Newbury Street:
Brim-DeForest Library
All Ages: Admission by Donation through May 31, 2026
Members: Free
Family Heritage Experience
Adults: $10
Children under 12: Free
Members: Free
From Armed Forces Day through Labor Day, active-duty military personnel and their families receive free admission to the Family Heritage Experience through the Blue Star Museums program.
American Ancestors is open to visitors Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, with last entry at 5:30 pm. This includes access to both the Brim-DeForest Library and the Family Heritage Experience.
New Year’s Day | Thu, Jan 1
Brim-DeForest Library: Closed
Family Heritage Experience: Closed
Memorial Day Weekend | Sat, May 23
Brim-DeForest Library: Closed
Family Heritage Experience: Open
Juneteenth | Fri, June 19
Brim-DeForest Library: Closed
Family Heritage Experience: Closed
Independence Day | Sat, July 4
Brim-DeForest Library: Closed
Family Heritage Experience: Closed
Labor Day Weekend | Sat, Sept 5
Brim-DeForest Library: Closed
Family Heritage Experience: Closed
Day Before Thanksgiving | Wed, Nov 25
Brim-DeForest Library: Closing early at 1:00 PM
Family Heritage Experience: Closing early at 1:00 PM
Thanksgiving Day Break | Thu, Nov 26 – Fri, Nov 27
Brim-DeForest Library: Closed
Family Heritage Experience: Closed
Christmas Eve | Thu, Dec 24
Brim-DeForest Library: Closing early at 1:00 PM
Family Heritage Experience: Closing early at 1:00 PM
Christmas Day | Fri, Dec 25
Brim-DeForest Library: Closed
Family Heritage Experience: Closed
New Year’s Eve | Thu, Dec 31
Brim-DeForest Library: Closing early at 1:00 PM
Family Heritage Experience: Closing early at 1:00 PM
The 97 Newbury Street location is fully wheelchair accessible. Also, a wheelchair is available for use by request.
Photocopies and printouts (from computer and microfilm printers) cost 25 cents per page, except library catalog printouts, which are free. Copies from the photocopiers and microfilm scanners may also be saved to flash drives at no charge. Flash drives are available for purchase at American Ancestors.
Visitors have access to the Brim-DeForest Library on the 5th and 7th floors, which houses the R. Stanton Avery Special Collections.
Access to Manuscript and Rare Book Collections is available to American Ancestors members, as well as visiting scholars who have made arrangements with American Ancestors and received authorization in advance. These collections may be searched through our library catalog. If you would like to request items ahead of time and have them prepared for your visit, please contact library@americanancestors.org.
American Ancestors Group Visits
Discover family history with your historical society, genealogical society, or other organization. Our expert staff can provide orientations and tours of American Ancestors, customized presentations, and more.
Plan Your Visit
Frequently Asked Questions
97 Newbury Street
American Ancestors is open Tuesday-Saturday 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM, with last entry at 5:30 PM.
No.
Please check in at the front desk immediately inside the entrance at 97 Newbury Street. You will receive a color-coded lanyard that will allow you to access the floors you need to visit.
American Ancestors is a place to explore family history through interactive experiences, public programs, and in-depth research.
Begin with the Family Heritage Experience, an interactive introduction to discovering family stories and connections across time.
Join us for talks, workshops, and programs in the Brue Family Learning Center, where history and genealogy come to life through learning and conversation.
For deeper discovery, the Brim-DeForest Library offers a world-class research experience with expert support, reading rooms, and extensive genealogical collections.
Also on site, the Wyner Family Jewish Heritage Center preserves and shares Jewish family history through research, programming, and community engagement.