Visit the American Ancestors Research Center
Located at 99 Newbury Street in Boston’s Back Bay, we are a leading research center for genealogists of every skill level. Access millions of documents, manuscripts, records, and other items preserving our nation’s history. Our expert staff is available to guide you through our collections.
Contact Us
New England Historic Genealogical Society
99-101 Newbury Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02116-3007
Please email Membership@nehgs.org or chat online with us 9 to 5, Monday through Saturday, ET by accessing the chat function in the lower right of the screen.
Toll free: 1-888-296-3447
617-536-5740
Fax: 617-536-7307
For the Wyner Family Jewish Heritage Center (JHC), please email jhcreference@nehgs.org or visit the JHC website to learn more about the collections.
Visitor Information
Proof of Covid-19 vaccination is no longer required for entry to the Research Center and masks are now optional in accordance with the City of Boston's B Together Policy. At-risk populations are still encouraged to mask, as defined by CDC guidance.
Onsite access to the Research Center, as well as the Wyner Family Jewish Heritage Center (JHC) archive is by confirmed appointment.
More information about recent CDC guidance:
When You’ve Been Fully Vaccinated | CDC
More information about COVID-19 (Coronavirus):
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC)
Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH)
New England Historic Genealogical Society
99-101 Newbury Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02116-3007
Toll free: 1-888-296-3447
617-536-5740
Fax: 617-536-7307
The Research Center is currently open by appointment only. Schedule your appointment here. Admission to the Research Center is free for American Ancestors/NEHGS members. Non-members are always welcome and may purchase a day pass for $20.
Please note: the Rare Book and Manuscript Collections are available to members. Access is also provided to visiting scholars who have made arrangements with the library in advance by contacting library@nehgs.org.
The Research Center is currently open by appointment only. Schedule your appointment here.
Tuesday: 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Wednesday-Saturday: 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Saturday, February 19, 2022- Closed for Presidents' Day
Saturday May 28, 2022- Closed for Memorial Day
Saturday, July 2, 2022- Closed for Fourth of July
Saturday, September 3, 2022- Closed for Labor Day
Wednesday November 23, 2022- Closed at 1 p.m. for Thanksgiving
Thursday, November 24, 2022- Closed for Thanksgiving
Friday, November 25, 2022- Closed for Thanksgiving
Saturday, December 24, 2022- Closed for Christmas Eve
Saturday, December 31, 2021- Closed for New Year's Eve
The 99–101 Newbury Street location is fully wheelchair accessible. Also, a wheelchair is available for use by request.
Photocopies and printouts (from computer and microfilm printers) cost 25 cents per page, except library catalog printouts, which are free. Copies from the photocopiers and microfilm scanners may also be saved to flash drives at no charge. Flash drives are available for purchase at the Research Center.
The Research Center is currently open by appointment only. Schedule your appointment here.
Access to Manuscript and Rare Book Collections is available to American Ancesors/NEHGS members, as well as visiting scholars who have made arrangements with the Research Center and received authorization in advance. These collections may be searched through our library catalog. If you would like to request items ahead of time and have them prepared for your visit, please contact library@nehgs.org.
Research Center Group and School Visits
Discover family history with your students, historical society, genealogical society, or other organization. Our expert staff can provide orientations and tours of the research center, customized presentations, free student programming, and more.
