American Ancestors is a national leader in family history, heritage, and culture, connecting people to their personal and collective past through scholarship, collections, and community. As the global brand of the New England Historic Genealogical Society, the organization carries forward a legacy dating back to 1845 while continuing to innovate in how history is researched, preserved, and shared. With more than 500,000 members and subscribers and millions of online users, American Ancestors offers one of the most comprehensive genealogical resources in the world, including billions of digitized records and expansive research collections.
The organization blends tradition with forward-looking initiatives, such as the 10 Million Names Project, which seeks to recover and share the names of enslaved individuals in pre- and post-colonial America. Through its Boston-based headquarters and global digital presence, American Ancestors serves as both a repository of knowledge and a vibrant community for those seeking deeper understanding of identity, lineage, and history. Its work is rooted in education, access, and connection, positioning the organization at the intersection of scholarship, public engagement, and cultural preservation.
