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Spring Research Getaway at American Ancestors, Boston, MA

Welcome!

Thank you for registering for our Spring Research Getaway, taking place June 3-5, 2027!

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

Pre-Tour Preparation Meeting

Live broadcast: Wednesday, April 27, 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 Forms

The participant forms will be added to this page closer to the tour. The forms will allow you to submit topics for your pre-tour consultation and your on-tour consultation.

Schedule

  

Thursday, June 3

9:00 a.m.Check in, refreshments
9:30 a.m.Welcome and Introductions
10:15 a.m.Lecture: Orientation to the Brim-DeForest Library at American Ancestors, presented by Tera Ellefson
11:15 a.m.Tour of the Brim-DeForest Library at American Ancestors, led by Aidan Walsh
12:00-5:00 p.m.Personal research and consultations
5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.Wine and cheese reception
7:00 p.m.American Ancestors closes (library closes at 6:00 p.m.)

Friday, June 4

9:00 a.m.Refreshments
9:30 a.m.Lecture by American Ancestors genealogist
10:30-5:00 p.m.Personal research and consultations
6:00 p.m.American Ancestors closes

Saturday, June 5

9:30 a.m.Refreshments
9:30 a.m.Lecture by American Ancestors genealogist
12:00-1:00 p.m.Closing luncheon
10:30-5:00 p.m.Personal research and consultations
6:00 p.m.American Ancestors closes

Program Leaders

David Allen Lambert

Chief Genealogist
Areas of expertise: New England and Atlantic Canadian records of the 17th through 21st century; American and international military records; DNA research; and Native American and African American genealogical research in New England. 

Melanie McComb

Senior Genealogist
Areas of expertise: Irish genealogy, DNA, Atlantic Canada, Jewish genealogy, and military records.

Aidan Walsh

Library Services Coordinator
Areas of Expertise: DNA, New England, Atlantic Canada, Quebec, and Italy