New Book Release! Four Families of St. Mary's County
David Kruger's new release, with a foreword by scholar and historian Henry Louis Gates, Jr., traces 1,500 descendants from St. Mary's County, Maryland, 800 of whom descend from three enslaved people sold by Georgetown University in 1838. Follow these families through the progression of American history and learn about the roots of Americans who have been taught to expect "that they would never be able to know their origin stories. In defying these expectations, David has given us a great gift: hope.” —Henry Louis Gates, Jr.
Save 10% off online courses with your American Ancestors membership!
Starting in February, members of American Ancestors at the individual level and higher can register for online courses with a 10% discount. Discount is automatically applied when you log in with your membership. Register now for online courses starting February 1 or later and save today!
NEHGS in the Media
Seen on TV: A Visit with Samantha Brown
Our own VP of Research Services Lindsay Fulton is featured on the newest episode of the PBS travel show Samantha Brown's Places to Love. Lindsay talks with the show's host about her family history and demonstrates why New England Historic Genealogical Society is a great place to visit. The show is airing around the country on local PBS stations now, but won't be shown on Boston's local PBS station GBH until Sunday April 3rd at noon. If you live outside Boston and want to watch it now, find your stations here samb.tv/watch, or you can view the episode online at the show's website.
In the News: Reexamining Nepotism in Hollywood
Don't miss this recent article from USA Today about "nepo babies," the new trending term for young Hollywood stars who break into the industry with help from their already famous parents. VP of Research Services Lindsay Fulton weighs in on whether a talent for performance might "run in the family" and what genealogy can tell us about this trend.
Zoom Demo: The New AmericanAncestors.org
Join Claire Vail, Vice President for Digital Strategy and Communications, for a demonstration on the newly launched AmericanAncestors.org! Learn about key new features, how to navigate the site, and how to get the most out of the website from home. You can also visit our New Website FAQ for more information.
Search 1.4 billion names to find your ancestors' records
Search records from all over the world now
Vita Brevis is 3 Million Views Old!
Vita Brevis, our family history blog, recently marked an important milestone: 3,000,000 page views since it launched in January 2014. Join editor Scott C. Steward for a look back on some of the most popular posts, from research advice to celebrity genealogies to personal stories of family connections made through genealogical research.
What's the best source for Irish records?
Ask a genealogist!
Chat live with a family history expert and get quick research questions answered for free.
Tuesday: 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. ET
Wednesday: 9:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. ET
Thursday-Saturday: 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. ET
What did "homesteader" mean in the 19th century?
Ask a genealogist!
Chat live with a family history expert and get quick research questions answered for free.
Tuesday: 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. ET
Wednesday: 9:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. ET
Thursday-Saturday: 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. ET
How can I find my globe-trotting ancestor?
Ask a genealogist!
Chat live with a family history expert and get quick research questions answered for free.
Tuesday: 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. ET
Wednesday: 9:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. ET
Thursday-Saturday: 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. ET
Upcoming Events
Imagining the Jewish Past: Three Authors Discuss Jewish History and Literary Inspiration
You are cordially invited to join the Wyner Family Jewish Heritage Center on May 26 for a special evening of community, conversation, and celebration, featuring a panel discussion with authors Anita Diamant, Allegra Goodman, and Rachel Kadish. Moderated by Michael Hoberman, PhD.
The Wyner Family Jewish Heritage Center
Making the Most of the US Federal Census
This five-week course will delve into the ins and outs of the US Federal Census, providing you with the full context of population and non-population schedules and helping you use census records more fully and more accurately.
The Brue Family Learning Center
New England Town Records
Genealogist Ann Lawthers will delve into New England town records and demonstrate how you may get the most out of these records for your own family history.
The Brue Family Learning Center
The Gardens and Landscapes of Castle Howard: Past, Present, and Future
In this two-week course, Dr. Christopher Ridgway, Curator at Castle Howard, will briefly survey gardens across Yorkshire before chronicling the story of the landscape at Castle Howard.
Fine Art & Architecture with Curt DiCamillo
Day Trip to the Massachusetts State Archives
Join American Ancestors/NEHGS experts at the Massachusetts State Archives for a day of genealogical research.
The Brue Family Learning Center
Julia Morgan: Trailblazing Architect
Join biographer Victoria Kastner as she reveals the inspiring story of Julia Morgan, the first renowned female architect in history.
Fine Art & Architecture with Curt DiCamillo
Browse all upcoming events in our new Event Calendar
Recent Publications
Genealogist’s Handbook for New England Research, 6th Edition
This new full-color edition is an extensive update of an indispensable resource for those researching in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusett
The Stories They Tell . . . from the Herdeg Collection
A visit to a historic home . . . and a walk through history as told by the art and objects inside.
Family Treasures: 175 Years of Collecting Art and Furniture at the New England Historic Genealogical Society
Winner of the 2021 New England Society in the City of New York Book Award in the Art and Photography category.
A New England Native American Reader
A collection of articles on New England Native American genealogy, history, and culture that have appeared in the Register or American An
Early New England Families 1641–1700, Volume 2 (paperback)
Addressing the lack of compiled information on individuals who immigrated to New England after the Great Migration, the Early New England
Download Free Research Guides
The Antiquarto
Join D. Brenton Simons, President and CEO of American Ancestors/NEHGS, for exclusive interviews about family history, fine art and architecture, favorite books, and more.
The latest episode features Kyle Hurst, Senior Genealogist for the Newbury Street Press at American Ancestors/New England Historic Genealogical Society. Hear about her work at the Newbury Street Press, researching and writing family histories; how she got started in genealogy; and her award-winning genealogy "Ancestors and Descendants of Charles Le Caron and Victoire Sprague."
