Support The Cornerstone Project

The Cornerstone Project

The Cornerstone Project is a transformative initiative designed to inspire individuals and families to explore their personal histories, expand educational opportunities, and enhance our headquarters through essential capital improvements.

This marks a historic milestone for our institution as we open our national center for family history, heritage & culture. At this new center, we will offer unparalleled learning experiences, featuring the expertise of genealogists, historians, educators, curators, and museum professionals. By blending in-person engagement with cutting-edge virtual access, we will reach audiences around the globe through innovative digital platforms.

At the heart of the Cornerstone Project is inspiration—a fundamental aspect of our connection with members and the public. The new center features a state-of-the-art museum equipped with immersive, interactive exhibits that engage visitors of all ages. These experiences foster a deeper sense of identity, a feeling of belonging, and an appreciation for the transformative power of family history.

As the nation’s founding organization for genealogy, we believe that every individual and every family has a story worth telling. We are uniquely positioned to help people of all backgrounds uncover and celebrate their personal histories.

Through the collection, preservation, and interpretation of historical and genealogical materials, we strive to reflect the diverse stories of America. Our efforts not only enrich lives and preserve legacies but also demonstrate the profound connections between the past and the future—showing how understanding family history ties us all to a shared human experience.

Visitors to the Family Heritage Experience will be immersed in exhibits that highlight the universal significance of family history. They will be encouraged to reflect on their own family narratives, ask meaningful questions, recall cherished stories, and discover the excitement of uncovering their heritage. Guests will also have opportunities to interact with American Ancestors staff, explore membership options, and conduct research both onsite and online using our vast resources and expertise.
 

For more information, or to learn about multi-pledge options and/or naming opportunities please contact us at advancement@americanancestors.org or call 617.226.1217.

The Cornerstone Society

As of March 1, 2025.

$5 million or more

Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Brenda L. Johnson

Anonymous

$1,000,000-$4,999,999

Brady Brim-DeForest

Nordahl and Suzanne Brue

Thomas Bailey Hagen

Tabitha King

Anonymous

$500,000-$999,999

American Broadcasting Company

Helen C. Powell

Kristin and Roger Servison

The Hearin-Chandler Foundation

Jonathan “Dutch” Treat

Gypsie and Thomas Van Antwerp

Wallace S. and Isabel B.* Wilson

Gwill York

$100,000-$499,999

Robb Aley Allan

Amelia Peabody Charitable Fund

Judith Avery (BayTree Fund)

Gwendolyn Babcock

Helen H. Berkeley

John and Carroll Cabot

Stephen H. Case

Kenneth Chenault

Mark Thomas Cox

Cheryl L. Edwards

John M. Fleming

Judith W. and Louis M. Freeman

Leigh Maxwell Gelser*

General Society of Colonial Wars

Gerry and MaryLee Halpin 

Beverly L. Hamilton

James and Susan Hunnewell

John F. Keane*

David W. Kruger

Jane D. Kivlin

Andrew P. Langlois

Dr. J. Philip London, Sr.* and Dr. Jennifer London

Jo Anne Makely

William R. Marsh M. D.*

Massachusetts Cultural Council

Mattie McFadden-Lawson

Carol R. McGee 

National Society Daughters Of The American Revolution

Jonathan Nelson

Peck Stacpoole Foundation

John S. Rando

Bonnie Reilly

Helen E. R. Sayles CBE

L. Ted Sloane*

Diana and David Smith

John Thorndike*

Jonathan Buck Treat

The Arnold Garrison Foundation

Katherine* and Peter Van Demark

Nancy Clay Webster

Justin and Genevieve* Wyner

Anonymous (4)

*Deceased