Fall Research Getaway at American Ancestors, Boston, MA

Escape to Boston for three days of research, one-on-one consultations, orientations, lectures, and social events while exploring the rich offerings at the American Ancestors headquarters, and benefiting from the knowledge and assistance of our expert genealogists.

Program includes:

• Tour and orientation to collections of the American Ancestors Research Center
• Daily lectures and demonstrations
• Two 30-minute consultations with expert genealogists (one virtual pre-tour consultation, one on-tour consultations)
• Group meals (daily breakfast, opening reception, and closing dinner)
• Pre-program preparatory webinar and resources

Live broadcast: Wednesday, September 30, 3:00–4:00 p.m. Eastern Time
Link to Join Pre-Tour Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/94149193388
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 for Pre-Tour Consultation - Due October 12

The first part of this online form asks you to submit your emergency contact information, dietary restrictions, and more. The second part of the form allows you to submit the details for your pre-tour consultation, which will take place over Zoom between October 12-24! Once you submit the form, Kathleen (the tour organizer) will be in touch to schedule your pre-tour consultation at a day/time that works for you. 

Please fill out this Participant Form by October 12. If we receive your form after that date, we cannot guarantee availability for a pre-tour consultation. 

Would you like more guidance on what information to include on the form for your pre-tour consultation? You can view a sample participant form submission here. Questions? Contact Kathleen at Kathleen.Mackenzie@americanancestors.org.

Submission Form for On-Tour Consultation - Due October 23

While on the tour you will receive a 30-minute consultation with a genealogist. You have the option to submit a different topic, or to continue discussing the same topic you discussed during your pre-tour consultation. Either way, please submit this form by October 23. 

  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