A best-selling author series by American Ancestors

Stories of American history, heritage, and culture

As part of our mission to educate, inspire and connect people to their family history, the American Inspiration Author Series explores themes of personal identity, families, immigration, and social and cultural history. Discover inspiring and thought-provoking stories of American families and the complex history which has shaped this country.

Brought to you by

The Brue Family Learning Center

American Inspiration: A best-selling author series by American Ancestors

Our Partners

American Inspiration Author Series partners with a variety of influential Boston institutions for many of our events, including Boston Public Library, GBH Forum Network, Museum of African American HistoryPorter Square Books, and the State Library of Massachusetts.

Porter Square Books, Boston Public Library, GBH, Museum of African American History, State Library of Massachusetts

Upcoming Events

Author Event
Online
Free

Scott W. Berg with The Burning of the World: The Great Chicago Fire and the War for the City’s Soul

This enthralling account of one of the most infamous calamities in history tracks the path of the Great Chicago Fire, offering an eye-opening look at its aftermath and the people and forces behind the city’s reconstruction.

October 10, 2023

American Inspiration Author Series

Author Event
Online
Paid

Writing History with the Celebrated NPR Host and Author Steve Inskeep

In this special Writing History event, Steve Inskeep, the popular historian-author and host of NPR’s Morning Edition and Up First, presents his new book, Differ We Must, a compelling and nuanced exploration of Abraham Lincoln’s political acumen. The evening closes with an extended discussion about the hows and whys of writing about history.

Moderated by Ryan J. Woods and Catherine Allgor
October 17, 2023

American Inspiration Author Series

Author Event
Online
Paid

Stories from War and Wartime, 1918-1945: Researching Veterans and Your Family’s Experience of the World Wars

Join our panel of experts, featuring genealogist David Allen Lambert, historian Matthew F. Delmont, and writer Adam Hochschild, for a conversation course discussing how documents can shed light on the lives of World War veteran ancestors.

Moderated by Brooke Blower
November 2, 2023

American Inspiration Author Series

Author Event
Online
Free

The Cost of Free Land: Jews, Lakota, and An American Inheritance

Join the Wyner Family Jewish Heritage Center and American Inspiration for a program with Rebecca Clarren, discussing her remarkable new family history, The Cost of Free Land. An investigative journalist, Clarren explores the entangled history of her Jewish immigrant ancestors’ land in South Dakota and the Lakota who were forced off that land.

November 6, 2023
Author Event
Online
Paid

Margaret Atwood with Old Babes in the Wood: Stories

From the bestselling, award-winning author of The Handmaid’s Tale and The Testaments, a dazzling collection of short stories that look deeply into the heart of family relationships, marriage, loss and memory, and what it means to spend a life together. Don’t miss hearing from the remarkable Margaret Atwood in this insightful virtual conversation hosted by our partners at the Charleston Literary Festival. 

Moderated by Regina Marler
November 7, 2023
Author Event
Online
Paid

Sarah Lohman with Endangered Eating: America’s Vanishing Foods

In time for Thanksgiving, this unique work of history and storytelling provides insight on “endangered foods.” Culinary historian Sarah Lohman highlights efforts underway to preserve local culinary traditions and rare, cherished foods—before it’s too late. Join us for an illustrated presentation and moderated discussion on a topic important both to American history and sustainability. 

November 20, 2023

Photo Gallery

Enjoy a selection of photos from past in-person American Inspiration events.

Recent Past Events

Visit our Video Library to watch all past American Inspiration Author Series events