This year we were in Boston for America’s 250-year celebration. Dr. Adina Newman asked me to consider holding the East Coast Genetic Genealogy Conference in Boston, MA. We were looking for a new location. Dave Lambert, from American Ancestors, also thought that would be a good idea. Unfortunately, he was gone during the time of the conference, so he didn’t join us to walk around our conference like he does at RootsTech. (photo below. RootsTech 2026)
Once we had
booked and started planning, I contacted American Ancestors and asked if they
had tours of their building. They did and yes, we could have tours added to our
conference package. They have a variety of different types and genealogical
experience level.
We picked the following two items. The description for these two items is from their website. One is a tour, and the other is the opportunity to do research for up to 6 hours. The research was not a “tour” but their staff were so helpful and friendly we were able to find what we wanted.
Guided
Tour of the Brim-DeForest Library at American Ancestors
Discover the Brim-DeForest Library, a leading center for
genealogical research and scholarship. During this tour, your group will learn
about the library’s archives, services, and research tools, gaining insight
into how family history and historical documents are preserved and explored.
This tour is an ideal starting point for groups planning to spend additional
time conducting research.
Brim-Deforest Library Research at American Ancestors
Spend time exploring your own family history in the
Brim-DeForest Library. With access to millions of genealogical records and
resources, your group can begin to uncover personal connections to the past.
Library staff are available to assist with general questions as you navigate
the collections. We recommend allowing at least 3–6 hours to make the most of
your research experience.
Although they are located in Boston, their resources go beyond the Boston area. They have many Eastern Canadian records – since they are so close. But they also have books and records for all over United States. American Ancestors is an amazing resource.
All conference participants who went loved the tour, the opportunity to see the building, and to do research. We were only able to do two tours and the numbers are limited. Those who could not attend the tour were still able to go and do research and they loved it as well.
Family Bible
In 2005, I
wrote an article for Brigham Young University Studies Journal. The Church of
Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have letters in their archive, written
between brothers in the 1830s. One lived in Tynsborough, Massachusetts and
Timothy Bancroft lived in Clay County, Missouri. The letters mentioned many
family members. I was asked to research the genealogy of all mentioned and how
they were related. In my research, one set of records sited a Bancroft family
bible as the source.
At RootsTech in 2024, American Ancestors had their library index on a computer. Dave Lambert, from American Ancestors and I looked for this Bible. It was listed in their inventory. There is an article written in the American Ancestors Journal about this discovery.
Before coming to American Ancestors while at ECGGC, I emailed them and asked if they could have this ready for me. They had it out for me to see. The actual Bible is still with the family. I would have loved to see the actual book, but I wouldn’t give up the family bible if it was my family, either. American Ancestors had copies of the pages with the genealogical information on it. I got to see that and was given a PDF version as well.
Check out
what American Ancestors has available for your genealogical research. Their
website has information about all their resources and their tours along with
some free downloads.
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