American Ancestors Will Open January 21
American Ancestors will reopen to the public on Tuesday, January 21, 2025.
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.
In 2025, visitors will be able to attend in-person events and educational programming at the Brue Family Learning Center, located on the second floor of the Research Center. Check our events calendar for upcoming programs.
We are excited to welcome our members and the public back to explore their ancestry and strengthen their connections to the past.
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@nehgs.org or chat online with us 9 to 5, Monday through Saturday, ET by accessing the chat function on the lower right of the screen.
Toll free: 1-888-296-3447
617-536-5740
Fax: 617-536-7307
For the Wyner Family Jewish Heritage Center (JHC), please email jhcreference@nehgs.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
The American Ancestors Research Center will reopen January 21, 2025. We are located at 97 Newbury Street in Boston's Back Bay neighborhood.
Access to the Research Center is free for American Ancestors members, and $25 per day for non-members.
The American Ancestors Research Center will open January 21, 2025. We will be open Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
We are excited to welcome our members and the public back!
Wednesday, January 1, 2025: Closed for New Year's Day
Monday, January 20, 2025: Closed for Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Monday, February 17, 2025: Closed for President's Day
Monday, April 21, 2025: Closed for Patriots' Day
Monday, May 26, 2025: Closed for Memorial Day
Thursday, June 19, 2025: Closed for Juneteenth
Friday, July 4, 2025: Closed for Independence Day
Monday, September 1, 2025: Closed for Labor Day
Monday, October 13, 2025: Closed for Indigenous Peoples' Day
Wednesday, November 26, 2025: Closed at 1 p.m. for Thanksgiving
Thursday, November 27–Friday, November 28, 2025: Closed for Thanksgiving
Wednesday, December 24, 2025: Closed at 1 p.m. for Christmas Eve
Thursday, December 25, 2025: Closed for Christmas
Thursday, January 1, 2026: Closed for New Year's Day
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 the Research Center.
The American Ancestors Research Center will reopen January 21, 2025. Visitors will 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 the Research Center 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@nehgs.org.
Research Center Group Visits
Discover family history with your historical society, genealogical society, or other organization. Our expert staff can provide orientations and tours of the research center, customized presentations, and more.
