Youth Education hero
Youth Education hero
Youth Education
Announcing the Winners of the 2024 Young Family Historians Essay Contest
Each essay was read by two judges and were evaluated based on their research process, supporting evidence, originality and quality of writing.
Announcing the 2025 Young Family Historians Essay Contest
Our essay contest is open for students enrolled in grades 4–12 in public, private, and home schools across the nation and US territories. Participants are asked to describe a challenge their ancestors faced and how they overcame it.
Family History Curriculum
The Family History Curriculum was created by our experts to empower students to investigate their personal connections to history. Lessons are accessible to all students regardless of background, ethnicity, or family structure.
FREE American Ancestors K-12 School Membership
K-12 schools can receive free member access to AmericanAncestors.org. Expand your lessons and immerse your students in our vast collection of historical records and more than 1.4 billion searchable names.
National History Day
Are you a student working on a National History Day project? Our expert staff is happy to help you apply genealogical research practices to enhance your project. We can answer questions about your research process and suggest areas of improvement for your project.
Virtual Field Trips
Take a field trip without leaving your classroom! Introduce your students to the concepts, benefits, and joys of family history. Students will learn how to think like a genealogist and discover how to trace families back in time.
Schedule a free one-hour training
Meet with our Youth Genealogy Curriculum Coordinator to create a personalized plan to bring family history to your classroom, home school, library, or historical society.
Teacher Professional Development for Schools and States
American Ancestors will travel to your school, district, or state to conduct a full-day in-person workshop.
Create Student Programs for Your Library, Museum, or Historical Society
American Ancestors can help you create programs, including field trips and activities for walk-in guests and families.
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Dustin Axe, Youth Genealogy Curriculum Coordinator
Dustin Axe is the Youth Genealogy Curriculum Coordinator at American Ancestors in Boston, Massachusetts. He spearheads youth education programs, including the Family History Curriculum, virtual and onsite field trips, an annual essay contest, and teacher workshops. Dustin graduated from Purdue University with a degree in social studies education. He is a licensed teacher with over twenty years of experience. He has taught multiple subjects and developed programs for students across numerous educational settings. His previous work experience includes the Indiana State Museum in Indianapolis and the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago.
