A National Center for Family History, Heritage & Culture
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Visit The Family Heritage Experience
Patriots of Color: Stories of Courage, Resistance, and Legacy
As Boston prepares to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, Patriots of Color shines a light on the overlooked stories of Black, Native, and multiracial individuals who shaped the fight for independence. Through original documents, interactive displays, and contemporary artistic interpretation, the exhibition highlights 26 Patriots from across the 13 colonies and connects their stories to living descendants today. OPEN NOW at the Family Heritage Experience.
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Latest News
Stories of Black and Indigenous patriots come into focus as US remembers the American Revolution
April 19, 2026
Boston exhibit illuminates stories of ‘Patriots of Color’ through genealogy for America’s 250th
April 23, 2026
Come visit us at 97 Newbury Street, Boston.
Open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
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Do you Have Revolutionary Roots?
Commemorating America's 250th Anniversary
A dynamic digital hub by American Ancestors that helps you uncover and connect with your Revolutionary-era ancestors through stories, research tools, and interactive historical content.
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Vita Brevis
A Resource for Family History
There's something new to discover every week on our blog Vita Brevis. From expert research advice to jaw-dropping family connections, celebrity genealogies, and more, you'll discover stories about families of every kind—and learn why family history matters to everybody.
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Service Available Tuesday–Saturday 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Our expert family historians are here to answer your questions about genealogy and local history! Just enter your question in the chat box in the lower right-hand corner, and one of our genealogists will respond.
Upcoming Events
Massachusetts Research: Four Centuries of History and Genealogy
April 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29
10 Million Names
10 Million Names is an initiative to recover the identities and stories of the estimated 10 million Africans enslaved in America from the 1500s to 1865. Working with genealogists, cultural groups, and community historians, we aim to share family histories, connect researchers, and expand access to information about enslaved African Americans.
Christopher Furlong/Getty Images
Pope Leo XIV’s Ancestry
American Ancestors worked with Henry Louis Gates, Jr., and others to research and document the new Pope’s family tree. Read stories about the Pope's ancestors and explore the Pope's lineage using the link below.
Shop the American Ancestors Bookstore
The American Ancestors Bookstore is your one-stop shop for reference books, published genealogies, portable guides, charts, and much more. Whether you're building your own genealogical library or finding a gift for the family historian in your life, American Ancestors has what you need!
I can't tell you how great it feels to be so supported by American Ancestors and those of you who bring together such quality programming and make sure it goes as planned. The online courses, the website, the databases, the "chat with a genealogist" opportunities, the list goes on . . . it all is simply a treasure. For years my mom was a member of American Ancestors and found it so helpful; I just wish she were still alive to attend and enjoy with me the courses now offered. She would be delighted to know that I'm following in her footsteps.