Welcome!
Thank you for registering for our Genealogical Skills Bootcamp, taking place February 20-22, 2025!
Take your research skills to the next level! With the sheer number of online resources at your fingertips, it's easy to dive in to your family history research without any formal training as a genealogist. This intensive three-day program will set you on the right path to getting the most out of your family history research and teach you how to tackle genealogical problems like a pro. Topics include: strategies for analyzing records, online research, breaking down genealogical brick walls, and more.
PROGRAM INCLUDES:
- In-depth lectures and hands-on activities
- Two 30-minute consultations with expert genealogists (one virtual pre-tour consultation, one on-tour consultation)
- Resource packet with detailed handouts, exercises, and articles
- Group meals (daily breakfast, opening reception, and closing luncheon)
- Certificate of completion
- Pre-program preparatory webinar and resources
Pre-Bootcamp Preparatory Presentation
Presented by: Melanie McComb and Kathleen Mackenzie
Original broadcast: 01/31/2025
Running time: 1:06:23
Presentation Slides
Learn how to prepare for your time at American Ancestors, make the most of your one-on-one consultations, and more!
Participant Forms
American Ancestors Participant Information and Research Interests Forms
Participant Form 1 - For Pre-Bootcamp Zoom Consultation - Due February 7
Please fill out this Participant Form by February 7, 2025. Your answers on this form will assist our genealogists in preparing for your pre-bootcamp 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 February 14
Please fill out this Participant Form by February 14, 2025 your answers on this form will assist our genealogists in preparing for your on-site consultation during the bootcamp 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
Schedule*
Thursday, February 20: The Basics
| 9:00 a.m. | Check in, refreshments |
| 9:30 a.m. | Introductions |
| 10:00 a.m. | Genealogy 101, presented by David Allen Lambert |
| 11:30 a.m. | Sources, presented by David Allen Lambert |
| 12:30 p.m. | Lunch (on your own) |
| 1:30 p.m. | Tour of the Brim-DeForest Library at American Ancestors |
| 2:00-6:00 p.m. | Personal research |
| 6:00 p.m. | Reception |
Friday, February 21: Breaking Down Genealogical Brick Walls
| 9:00 a.m. | Refreshments |
| 9:30 a.m. | Analysis, presented by Melanie McComb |
| 11:00 a.m. | F.A.N. Approach, presented by Melanie McComb |
| 12:30 p.m. | Lunch (on your own) |
| 1:30-6:00 p.m. | Personal research |
Saturday, February 22: Getting the Most Out of Online Research
| 9:00 a.m. | Refreshments |
| 9:30 a.m. | General Best Practices and Tips for FamilySearch, Ancestry, and American Ancestors |
| 11:00 a.m. | Using Google for Genealogical Research |
| 12:00 p.m. | Lunch (provided) and Graduation Ceremony |
| 1:30-6:00 p.m. | Personal Research |
*Schedule is subject to change
Packet Materials
Navigating Boston
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
