American Ancestors

American Ancestors American Ancestors is a National Center for Family History, Heritage & Culture.

American Ancestors provides expert family history services through our staff, original scholarship, data-rich website, educational opportunities, and research center to help family historians of all levels explore their past and understand their families’ unique place in history. We are a member-based nonprofit corporation dedicated to advancing the study of family history in America and beyond, by educating, inspiring, and connecting people through our scholarship, collections, and expertise. We offer the most comprehensive resources in the country for researching family history:

An Expert Staff: Our professional genealogists are among the most respected and advanced in the profession. With research specialties including early American, New England, New York, Irish, English, Italian, Scottish, Atlantic and French Canadian, African American, Native American, Chinese, and Jewish genealogy, our expert staff can assist family historians by providing research advice in-person, over the phone, or in writing. Our expert staff can also conduct research on behalf of family historians, providing authoritative, documented research reports and family tree charts. Original Scholarship: To support the research of family historians around the world, we produce the most significant original research and important publications in genealogy, including, since 1847, the longest continually published academic journal in the field, The Register. In addition to the quarterly journal, we publish a quarterly magazine, ten to twenty books per year, and a weekly electronic newsletter. As the leader in genealogical scholarship, we also produce important study projects such as The Great Migration Study Project, covering those who arrived in New England between 1620 and 1640; The Early New England Study Project, 1641–1700; Families of Western Massachusetts in 1790, capturing families heading west at the time of the 1790 census, and the newEarly Vermont Settlers to 1784 which covers families that settled Vermont, the last frontier of New England. Website: AmericanAncestors.org is the most-used genealogical society website in the world. It provides family historians access to more than 1 billion records spanning the U.S. and beyond, including one of the most extensive online collections of early American records, and the largest searchable collection of published genealogical research journals and magazines. Special strengths in our content include English, New England (Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont), New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia materials. Education: Designed to benefit family history researchers of all levels, we provide exclusive, in-depth learning opportunities through lectures, seminars, intensive research programs, tours to libraries and archives, online courses and webinars, and special events . Research Center: Named by USA Today as a top 10 world destination for family history, the public, members and visitors are invited to visit our eight-story library and archive where we offer the largest collection of original family history research materials in the country. Our collection, which continues to grow through acquisition and preservation activities, dates from the fourteenth century to the present and spans North America, Europe, and beyond. It includes more than 28 million diaries, letters, photographs, and other manuscripts, and more than 200,000 books and microforms.

Genealogy research can take all kinds of tools, tips, and tricks. What's one genealogy resource you think more people sh...
01/23/2026

Genealogy research can take all kinds of tools, tips, and tricks. What's one genealogy resource you think more people should be using? Let us know your hidden gem in the comments below 👇

Start your journey at americanancestors.org

The American War of Independence was not only a fight for freedom from a tyrannical world superpower. For the thousands ...
01/23/2026

The American War of Independence was not only a fight for freedom from a tyrannical world superpower. For the thousands of Black soldiers who fought for the patriot cause, and even more for the Loyalists, emancipation was on the line. In this hybrid lecture, Researcher Danielle Rose will provide a brief history of Black soldiers during the Revolutionary War and their motivations for joining either side; and discuss several resources, records, and strategies for piecing together the service and stories of individuals. https://hubs.ly/Q03-Ty-W0

Whether your ancestors were Catholic or Protestant, church records are an essential resource for Irish family history re...
01/22/2026

Whether your ancestors were Catholic or Protestant, church records are an essential resource for Irish family history research. Many records useful to family historians were destroyed during the Four Courts fire during the Irish Civil War, and available church records may help to fill in the gaps—providing details of your ancestors' births, marriages, deaths, and more. In this online lecture, Senior Genealogist Rhonda R. McClure will provide an overview of the church records available for Irish family history research, covering both Catholic and Protestant records. She will also discuss the historical context of these records and the role that the church played in your ancestors’ lives. https://hubs.ly/Q03_xtTy0

English royal weddings seem to fascinate even the most jaded Americans. These spectacles provide a chance to see a bit o...
01/22/2026

English royal weddings seem to fascinate even the most jaded Americans. These spectacles provide a chance to see a bit of a fairy tale come to life, with pomp and ceremony, historic jewels, magnificent wedding gifts, and cathedrals and great palaces. Curt will look at English royal weddings, the events and places associated with them, and the couples themselves during the last 800 years. Going back as early as the wedding of King Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine in 1152 and up to the rebirth of pageantry with the 2011 ceremony of Prince William and Kate Middleton, this lecture will feature a slice of English history with lots of glamour and great stories! https://hubs.ly/Q03_xq3v0

Desi Arnaz is a name that resonates with fans of classic television, but few understand the depth of his contributions t...
01/21/2026

Desi Arnaz is a name that resonates with fans of classic television, but few understand the depth of his contributions to entertainment—how he revolutionized the industry. Don’t miss these experts’ insights on the history of television and this must-read biography about innovation, resilience, and the relentless drive of a man who changed TV forever. https://hubs.ly/Q03_xmhN0

Technology has revolutionized family history research—allowing us to access billions of records from the comfort of our ...
01/21/2026

Technology has revolutionized family history research—allowing us to access billions of records from the comfort of our homes and to store and organize countless files digitally. But with cutting-edge tools and resources emerging all the time, it can be difficult to know where to start or how to keep up! Each week during this online seminar, you will receive access to recorded lectures and step-by-step video demonstrations to help you understand how to take advantage of our recommended websites and tools. https://hubs.ly/Q03_xmTY0

Join us this Valentine's Day for a special workshop on the timeless art of calligraphy. Esther N, founder of Maker’s Fav...
01/20/2026

Join us this Valentine's Day for a special workshop on the timeless art of calligraphy. Esther N, founder of Maker’s Favourite Designs, will teach you the history of calligraphy, basic strokes and techniques, letter formation, and how to bring letters together into beautiful words using a brush pen. Examples of calligraphy from our collections, including love letters, marriage certificates, and more, will also be on display. https://hubs.ly/Q03_s6jS0

Last night on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Henry Louis Gates, Jr. shared his experience meeting Pope Leo XIV ...
01/20/2026

Last night on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Henry Louis Gates, Jr. shared his experience meeting Pope Leo XIV and presenting him with his family tree. We are honored to have contributed to this project and continue advancing work that deepens our understanding of family, heritage, and identity. Watch the clip below!

Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Jr. talks about discovering Pope Leo's genetic ties to Madonna, Angelina Jolie, Justin Bieber and more before challenging Jimmy to a g...

Join experts from American Ancestors for a series of lectures, one-on-one consultations, and assisted research at the Mi...
01/20/2026

Join experts from American Ancestors for a series of lectures, one-on-one consultations, and assisted research at the Midwest Genealogy Center—one of America’s preeminent family history research centers. Access published resources that span all fifty states, including published genealogies, local histories, compiled county records, and more. https://hubs.ly/Q03_s8_K0

Drawing from an archive of nearly five thousand letters and advertisements, "Last Seen" is the riveting story of formerl...
01/19/2026

Drawing from an archive of nearly five thousand letters and advertisements, "Last Seen" is the riveting story of formerly enslaved people who spent years searching for family members stolen away during slavery. Join us for a presentation with author Judith Giesberg and a discussion with Princeton historian Tera W. Hunter about this essential book. Presented in partnership with 10 Million Names
https://hubs.ly/Q03_lBgV0

As we honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. today, it's important to reflect on the generations that shaped him. The newest a...
01/19/2026

As we honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. today, it's important to reflect on the generations that shaped him. The newest article on Vita Brevis traces Dr. King's ancestry and the lives that shaped his legacy.

Through census data, vital records, and family history research, this post traces the ancestry of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and illuminates the stories of the relatives who shaped his legacy.

Interested in genealogy but don't know where to start? Come join our introduction class that will teach you all the basi...
01/19/2026

Interested in genealogy but don't know where to start? Come join our introduction class that will teach you all the basics in beginning your genealogical journey. In this one-hour lecture, you will learn about key resources, strategies, and first steps to discovering and recording your family history! https://hubs.ly/Q03-rHZH0

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Our Story

American Ancestors and New England Historic Genealogical Society is America’s founding genealogical organization and the most respected name in family history. Established in 1845, NEHGS is the nation’s leading comprehensive resource for family history research and the largest Society of its kind in the world. We provide expert family history services through our staff, original scholarship, data-rich website, educational opportunities, and research center to help family historians of all levels explore their past and understand their families’ unique place in history. We are a member-based nonprofit corporation dedicated to advancing the study of family history in America and beyond, by educating, inspiring, and connecting people through our scholarship, collections, and expertise. We offer the most comprehensive resources in the country for researching family history: An Expert Staff: Our professional genealogists are among the most respected and advanced in the profession. With research specialties including early American, New England, New York, Irish, English, Italian, Scottish, Atlantic and French Canadian, African American, Native American, Chinese, and Jewish genealogy, our expert staff can assist family historians by providing research advice in-person, over the phone, or in writing. Our expert staff can also conduct research on behalf of family historians, providing authoritative, documented research reports and family tree charts. Original Scholarship: To support the research of family historians around the world, we produce the most significant original research and important publications in genealogy, including, since 1847, the longest continually published academic journal in the field, The Register. In addition to the quarterly journal, we publish a quarterly magazine, ten to twenty books per year, and a weekly electronic newsletter. As the leader in genealogical scholarship, we also produce important study projects such as The Great Migration Study Project, covering those who arrived in New England between 1620 and 1640; The Early New England Study Project, 1641–1700; Families of Western Massachusetts in 1790, capturing families heading west at the time of the 1790 census, and the new Early Vermont Settlers to 1784 which covers families that settled Vermont, the last frontier of New England. Website: AmericanAncestors.org is the most-used genealogical society website in the world. It provides family historians access to more than 1 billion records spanning the U.S. and beyond, including one of the most extensive online collections of early American records, and the largest searchable collection of published genealogical research journals and magazines. Special strengths in our content include English, New England (Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont), New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia materials. Education: Designed to benefit family history researchers of all levels, we provide exclusive, in-depth learning opportunities through lectures, seminars, intensive research programs, tours to libraries and archives, online courses and webinars, and special events . Research Center: Named by USA Today as a top 10 world destination for family history, the public, members and visitors are invited to visit our eight-story library and archive where we offer the largest collection of original family history research materials in the country. Our collection, which continues to grow through acquisition and preservation activities, dates from the fourteenth century to the present and spans North America, Europe, and beyond. It includes more than 28 million diaries, letters, photographs, and other manuscripts, and more than 200,000 books and microforms.