Welcome
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
Pre-Tour Preparation Meeting
Link to Join Pre-Tour Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/94043398593
Live broadcast: July 10, 2026, 3:00–4:00 p.m. Eastern Time
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 Forms
Participant Form 1 - For Pre-Tour Zoom Consultation - Due to July 24
Please fill out this Participant Form by July 24. 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 to August 7
Please fill out this Participant Form by August 7. your answers on this form will assist our genealogists in preparing for your on-site consultation during the tour 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.
Schedule
| Tuesday, August 11 | |
| 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. | Refreshments, welcome and introductions |
| 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. | Lecture: Collections at the American Ancestors Research Center, presented by Senior Archivist Judy Lucey |
| 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | Library tour |
| 1:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. | Personal research and consultations |
| 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. | Wine and cheese reception, 2nd floor |
| Wednesday, August 12 | |
| 9:00 a.m. | Refreshments |
| 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. | Lecture: No Battlefield Service Required: Researching Patriotic Ancestors, presented by Melanie McComb |
| 10:30 – 6:00 p.m. | Personal research and consultations |
| Thursday, August 13 | |
| 9:00 a.m. | Refreshments |
| 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. | Lecture: Raising the Dead: Finding Clues to Ancestors from Headstones, Family Plots, and Burial Records, presented by David Allen Lambert |
| 3:00 – 3:30 p.m. | Tour of the Family Heritage Experience |
| 10:30 – 5:00 p.m. | Personal research and consultations |
| Friday, August 14 | |
| 9:00 a.m. | Refreshments |
| 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. | Lecture: Using AI in Family History Research, presented by Melanie McComb |
| 10:30 – 5:00 p.m. | Personal research and consultations |
| 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. | Light dinner, 2nd floor |
| Saturday, August 15 | |
| 9:00 a.m. | Refreshments |
| 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. | Lecture: Organizing and Preserving Your Family Papers, presented by Special Collections Manager, Judy Lucey |
| 10:30 – 6:00 p.m. | Personal research and consultations |
Schedule is Subject to Change
Packet Materials
To come.