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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

The Dos and Don'ts of Online Family Trees

In this online lecture, Senior Genealogist Rhonda R. McClure will discuss how to leverage family trees to further your research while avoiding common pitfalls.

January 15, 2026

The Brue Family Learning Center

Lecture
Online
Free

Lost Great Houses of Ireland

Join Robert O’Byrne as he tells the stories—sometimes poignant, sometimes humorous—behind great Irish country houses, their rise to glory, and eventual fall into dereliction.

January 16, 2026
Curt DiCamillo

Art & Architecture

Lecture
In Person
Paid

Discover Your Revolutionary Roots: Researching Patriot Ancestors

Did your ancestors fight to win America’s independence? Join us for an engaging lecture that unlocks the tools, records, and strategies needed to trace soldiers of the colonists' cause.

 

This is a hybrid event.

January 17, 2026
Lecture
Online
Paid

Origins and Migrations: Where Did They Come From, Where Did They Go?

Our ancestors moved near and far seeking economic opportunities, religious freedoms, and closeness to family. These mobile ancestors, however, are notoriously difficult to research. We might have an ancestor in our sights and then—poof!—they’re gone; or we may have an ancestor for whom we have no idea of where they came from. In this online lecture, Senior Genealogist Melanie McComb will offer several strategies for discovering ancestral origins and future movements.

January 22, 2026

The Brue Family Learning Center

Lecture
In Person
Paid

Getting Started in Family History Research

Anyone can do family history research! In this one hour lecture, you will learn about key resources, strategies, and first steps to discovering and recording your family history. We will also demonstrate how to use important organizational tools, such as the multi-generational chart, family group sheet, and research log. And you will learn how to create a solid research plan.

January 24, 2026

The Brue Family Learning Center

Lecture
In Person
Free

Tour of the Brim-DeForest Library at American Ancestors

The Brim-DeForest Library at American Ancestors serves as a center for research, learning, and discovery, where history comes to life through archival collections and expert guidance. Learn more about the collections, services, and other library offerings during a brief tour.

February 7, 2026
Lecture
In Person
Free

Researching Black Patriots and Loyalists During the Revolutionary Era

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.

February 7, 2026

The Brue Family Learning Center

Lecture
Online
Free

Faith and Family: Tracing the Religious Roots of Ireland’s Past

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. 

February 10, 2026

The Brue Family Learning Center

Lecture
Online
Paid

All My Worldly Goods: English Royal Weddings

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!

February 13, 2026

Art & Architecture