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A Center for Excellence in Family History Programming

The Brue Family Learning Center is dedicated to introducing family and local history to a national and international audience. Founded by Nord and Suzanne Brue, the Center supports the creation of programming aimed at helping both the novice and experienced genealogist -- and engaging anyone with an interest in researching family history.  

Located on Newbury Street in Boston’s Back Bay, New England Historic Genealogical Society (NEHGS)—known online as American Ancestors to millions of users—is the nation’s oldest and largest genealogical society. The gift will endow the creation of a new Brue Family Learning Center as part of a campus expansion program to introduce family and local history to wider audiences. It will also fund the creation of unique program content in family history for the organization’s online and special events offerings. 

Image of the Brue Family Learning Center
I felt like I had hit a wall in my research and your class showed me the door to continue. Thank you so much! I appreciate it more than words can express.
Jean L.

Founders Suzanne and Nordahl Brue

In 2019, Bruegger’s Bagels co-founder Nordahl Brue and his wife Suzanne Brue gave $1.5 million to American Ancestors/NEHGS to endow a family history learning center to help anyone learn more about their ancestry. 

The Brue Family Learning Center produces hundreds of family history programs each year, which reach many thousands of people around the world.

 

Suzanne and Nord Brue

Upcoming Lectures

Lecture
Online
Free

GEDmatch.com: Taking Your DNA Results to the Next Level!

There is much to learn from your DNA data, but you must take additional steps to make it happen. One way is to upload your raw DNA data to GEDmatch.com. GEDmatch is a website that allows users to share their DNA information with other DNA testers, to explore genetic genealogy, perform DNA match comparisons and much more!

 

Presented by Patti Huff Williams
March 28, 2024
Lecture
Online
Free

Jewish Languages: Commonality and Diversity

From Yiddish and Ladino to Bukharian and Judeo-Greek, Jews around the world have spoken distinctly from their non-Jewish neighbors. This engaging talk will explore the linguistic diversity of the Jewish people with an emphasis on shared traits.


 

Presented by Sarah Bunin Benor
April 1, 2024

Jewish Heritage Center

Lecture
Online
Free

The Truth of Tracing Tartans: Scottish Clan Research

In this lecture, expert Kim Mannisto will discuss the historical context of clan and tartan research, key terms, strategies, and resources for researching your clan connection.

April 4, 2024
Lecture
Online
Free

Knowsley Hall and the Derby Collection

Join Curator of the Derby Collection at Knowsley Hall Stephen Lloyd to learn more about the history, architecture, and treasures of Knowsley Hall.

 

Presented by Stephen Lloyd
April 5, 2024

Arts & Architecture

Lecture
Online
Free

Planning a Trip to Ancestral Homelands

If you have discovered where your ancestors came from in the old country, you may be planning a visit. This presentation will provide an overview of many important considerations for making such a journey.

April 11, 2024
Lecture
Online
Free

Once A King: The Lost Memoir of Edward VIII

Fifteen years after having abdicated the throne to marry the woman he loved—Wallis Simpson—King Edward VIII, now the Duke of Windsor, published his memoirs. Once a King: The Lost Memoir of Edward VIII reproduces this uncrowned King's previously unseen writing, including much that he could or would not write for publication in 1951. Jane Marguerite Tippett weaves together Edward's writing alongside newly uncovered interviews with the Duke and Duchess, diary entries from ghostwriter Charles Murphy and other sources. 

 

April 12, 2024
Lecture
Online
Free

Using Tax Records in Your Family History Research

In this lecture, Senior Genealogist Melanie McComb will provide an overview U.S. tax records—including the types of tax records available, where to locate records, and how the information in these records can advance your research.

April 18, 2024
Kathleen Mackenzie
Lecture
Online
Free

Harridans and Heroines: The Women of Castle Howard

The women of Castle Howard were not merely decorative figures, languishing from boredom or ill-health; nor were they simply wives whose sole duty was to provide an heir. They were dynamic, combative individuals, who wrote, painted, travelled, pursued political careers, as well as superintending several family homes. This talk challenges how we look at great houses and estates: they were not the exclusive preserve, or responsibility, of the male members of the family.

Rescheduled Date!
April 19, 2024
Curt DiCamillo

Arts & Architecture

Lecture
In Person
Paid

Boston DiCamillo Rendezvous

Join American Ancestors Curator of Special Collections and beloved raconteur Curt DiCamillo for a richly illustrated lecture and tea revealing the fanciful world of the English country house as written about by Jane Austen. This fun-filled and entertaining event will take place at the Chilton Club, where there will be a delicious tea and camaraderie with fellow enthusiasts.

May 3, 2024

Arts & Architecture