Research Getaway at American Ancestors - June 2026

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

Presentation Slides

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! 

Participant Form 1 - For Pre-Tour Zoom Consultation - Due May 15

Please fill out this Participant Form by Friday, May 15, 2026. 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 June 1

Please fill out this Participant Form by Monday, June 1, 2026 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. 

  *Schedule subject to change

Research Getaway Schedule
Research Getaway Participant List
Lecture Handout: Overview of American Ancestors Collections
Lecture Handout: Friend or Foe: Researching Colonial Ancestors During the American Revolution
Lecture Handout: Read All About It! Techniques to Find Your Ancestors in the Newspapers
Navigating Boston
Expert Bios
 

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