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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 national and international audiences. Founded by Nord and Suzanne Brue, the Center supports the creation of programming aimed at helping anyone start or advance their family history journey. 

Located on Newbury Street in Boston’s Back Bay, American Ancestors, founded as the New England Historic Genealogical Society, is the nation’s oldest and largest genealogical society. The Brue Family Learning Center is part of a capital expansion project to introduce family and local history to wider audiences.

Philanthropic leadership from the Brue Family also supports the creation of unique program content for American Ancestors' online education 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 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

Best Published Resources for Colonial New England Research

When it comes to Colonial New England research, there is a gold mine of published resources to explore. As a group, early New Englanders are perhaps some of the most studied people on the planet! In this online lecture, Robert Battle, editor of the New England Historical and Genealogical Register, will discuss essential published resources for colonial research in the region.

April 17, 2025
Lecture
In Person
Paid

Curt’s Cabinet of Curiosities: A Journey Through His Favorite Art, Architecture & Memorabilia

Join architectural historian and raconteur Curt DiCamillo for a glimpse at just some of his favorite things. From stately homes to rare gems, illustration to film, master works to dog breeds, Curt will provide his unique blend of insightful commentary and lavish imagery.

May 1, 2025

Arts & Architecture

Lecture
Online
Free

The American Journal of the 14th Earl of Derby: The Making of a Prime Minister

Delve into a fresh perspective on North American history during the Antebellum period, as seen through the eyes of the renowned British statesman, the 14th Earl of Derby. The profound insights in his journals uncover new layers of complexity and nuance, inspiring a deeper appreciation for the past and its lasting impact on the present.

 

Presented by Caroline, Countess of Derby
May 9, 2025

Arts & Architecture

Lecture
Online
Free

English Immigration to the American Colonies

Whether your ancestors arrived at Jamestown, on the Mayflower, or came over in the years following, the majority of us with colonial ancestry hope to trace our family trees back to England. In this online lecture, Senior Genealogist Rhonda R. McClure will highlight key records and resources available to help you in your search—including published genealogies, compilations, indexes, websites, and more.

May 13, 2025
Lecture
Online
Free

Best Published Resources for German Research in America

German immigrants first arrived to American shores in large numbers in the late 17th century, and today nearly 45 million Americans have German heritage. Join Senior Genealogist Rhonda R. McClure as she shares her go-to published resources for German family history research in America.

June 12, 2025
Lecture
Online
Free

On the Ground: Top Repositories for Researching Upstate New York

Finding information about New York ancestors can be tricky. In this online lecture, Chief Genealogist David Allen Lambert will discuss go-to repositories for research in the Empire State—including the New York State Library and Archives, the New York Public Library, and more. 

July 10, 2025