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Enjoy rich learning experiences, trouble-free travel, behind-the-scenes access, and more

Explore the world on educational excursions planned exclusively for members and friends of American Ancestors. Our tours combine stimulating travel with lifelong learning leaving you enriched, enlightened, and refreshed. You will be guided by experts and accompanied by American Ancestors members and friends. Our itineraries allow for both independent exploration and guided study, with participation of locals and area experts helping to establish relationships and impressions that last a lifetime.

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Praise for Heritage Tours

Upcoming Events

Heritage Tour
In Person
Illustration of Knowsley Hall
Paid

An English Country Christmas at Knowsley Hall

SOLD OUT | When winter beckons and Christmas is just around the corner, what could be better than spending time in England, the country that virtually invented Christmas! For our 2025 tour we’ll be based at Knowsley Hall, the enormous Lancashire country house that has been home to the Stanley family since 1385.

 

 
December 10 - 16, 2025
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Heritage Tours

Heritage Tour
In Person
Beacon Hill
Free

Beautiful Boston: Exploring the Arts, Culture, and History of the Hub

Explore beautiful Boston with walking tours of historic neighborhoods, visits to great houses and important art collections, and the exploration of the first public botanical garden in America. We will also spend a day in Boston’s North Shore, where we’ll see the architectural and artistic treasures of Gloucester and Salem, ending with an evening cruise around Gloucester Harbor. Please join us for an unforgettable time in New England’s capital city!

May 21 - 24, 2026
Curt DiCamillo
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Heritage Tour
In Person
Irish House
Free

The Land of Legends: Architectural Wonders of Ireland

Join us in September 2026 as we explore the Emerald Isle! American Ancestors Curator of Fine Art Curt DiCamillo will be leading us as we begin the tour in Dublin, then continue on to explore beautiful historic homes in Tipperary and Kilkenny. Add your name to the waitlist now for what will surely be an unforgettable week!

September 23 - 29, 2026
Curt DiCamillo
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Heritage Tour
In Person
A_Christmas_Tree_in_Trafalgar_Square_Paul_Farmer
Free

A London Christmas Carol: A Holiday Celebration

The holiday season in London is a magical blend of historic charm, festive splendor, and vibrant city energy. Join us in December 2026 as we enjoy the scent of roasted chestnuts and sip mulled wine in this whimsical Christmas wonderland!

December 2 - 8, 2026
Curt DiCamillo
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The wealth of knowledge of the exceptional tour leaders was continually enhanced by the spectacular array of houses, gardens, and breathtaking interiors. Filled with priceless furnishings, decorative arts, and paintings, these magnificent houses were exceeded only by the meals we shared with their owners. It was a treat I shall never forget.
Bennett, Pennsylvania

Further Reading

Pilgrims

Robert Charles Anderson's Tour Talks

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English country house interior, Norfolk

Curt DiCamillo's Favorite Things

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English country house in snow

English Country House Database

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Palladio interior

Country House Pronunciation Guide

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Expert Tour Leaders

Robert Charles Anderson, FASG

Robert Charles Anderson, FASG

Director, Great Migration Study Project
Robert Charles Anderson is Director of the Great Migration Study Project and an editorial consultant to the New England Historical and Genealogical Register.
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Curt DiCamillo

Curt DiCamillo

Curator of Fine Art
Curt is American Ancestor’s Curator of Fine Art. As part of the Education team, he curates American Ancestors' large art collection, lectures around the world, and hosts the celebrated American Ancestors Art & Architecture webinar series.
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David Lambert

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. 
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Oliver Gerrish

Oliver Gerrish

Tour Leader
A native of Derbyshire, Oliver Gerrish is a Cambridge-educated architectural historian, a trustee of the Derbyshire Historic Buildings Trust, and was one of the youngest feature writers to appear in the pages of Country Life magazine.
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Jim Mundy

Jim Mundy

Tour Leader
Jim is the Historian and Art Curator for The Union League Legacy Foundation of the Union League of Philadelphia, where he has worked since 1978.
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Gareth Williams

Gareth Williams

Tour Leader
Gareth Williams is a UK based art and architectural historian. He is author of Masterpieces from the Ford Collection (2011) and The Country Houses of Shropshire (2021).
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