Come Home to New England 2026

American Ancestors has been gathering information about families in America for more than 175 years. Our collections span the globe and cover the United States, especially New England and New York. Devote almost a full week to leveraging the resources and expertise at the newly expanded national center for family history, heritage and culture. This special program includes daily lectures, one-on-one consultations, orientations, group meals, and more.

Program includes:

• Tour and orientation to collections of American Ancestors Research Center
• Daily lectures
• Three, thirty-minute consultations with expert genealogists (one virtual pre-tour consultation, two on-tour consultations)
• Group meals (daily breakfast, opening reception, and closing dinner)
• Pre-program preparatory webinar and resources

Live broadcast: , 3:00–4:00 p.m. Eastern Time
Link to Join Pre-Tour Zoom Meeting: 
Presented by Katheen Mackenzie, Education & Programming Manager, & Melanie McComb, Senior Genealogist

Learn how to prepare for your time in the Brim DeForest Library at American Ancestors, make the most of your one-on-one consultations, and more! This presentation will be held in a zoom meeting format. This means that during our Q&A sessions you will have the option to come on camera, unmute, and ask questions. You also have the option to remain muted with your camera off, and instead ask questions in the meeting chat. Can't make the live session? Don't worry! This session will be recorded and posted on this page once it's finished. All tour participants will be notified via email when the recording is available

Participant Form 1 - For Pre-Tour Zoom Consultation - Due 

Please fill out this Participant Form by . Your answers on this form will assist our genealogists in preparing for your pre-getaway consultation! It also allows you to submit emergency contact information, dietary restrictions, and more.

Participant Form 2 - For On-Site Consultation at American Ancestors - Due 

Please fill out this Participant Form by your answers on this form will assist our genealogists in preparing for your on-site consultation during the getaway at American Ancestors!

If you have any questions about filling out these forms, please contact Education and Programming Manager, Kathleen Mackenzie at kathleen.mackenzie@americanancestors.org. Please note that you have the option to save your form and return to it by clicking the "Save" button at the bottom of the page. 

  To come.

To come.  

American Ancestors is located at 97 Newbury Street in Boston, MA 02116. We are in the heart of Boston's Back Bay neighborhood, close to many restaurants, the Boston Public Library, the Boston Public Gardens, the Boston Common, and more. It's a very fun and safe area to explore! If you have any questions about the local area please feel free to reach out to Education & Programming Manager Kathleen Mackenzie at kathleen.mackenzie@americanancestors.org. 

Directions & Parking

American Ancestors is located very close to the Copley T stop on the green line, as well as the Back Bay stop on the orange line. You can find detailed directions here. If you are driving, you may wish to park at the end of an MBTA line and take the T in. Otherwise, there are parking garages nearby.

Accommodations

If you are travelling from afar, you may wish to book a hotel in the area. You can find a detailed list of local accommodations on our website here, categorized by price type. American Ancestors members also receive special offers at a few local hotels, which are specified at the top of the list. 

Dining

There are many dining options close to American Ancestors to keep you fueled while you're busy researching! Here are just a few notable options that are especially close:

• Caffè Nero, next door to American Ancestors
• Thinking Cup, just a couple doors down from American Ancestors
• Trader Joe's at 500 Boylston Street, a 4-minute walk from American Ancestors