New England Historic Genealogical Society

New England Historic Genealogical Society. Founded in 1845, it is the oldest and one of the most prominent genealogical organizations in the United States. Headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, its mission centers on advancing the study of family history across New England and beyond. The society serves a global community of researchers through its extensive collections, educational offerings, and publications.

History

The society was established by a group of prominent Boston Brahmins, including figures like Charles Ewer and John Wingate Thornton, reflecting the early Victorian era's burgeoning interest in lineage and local history. Its formation preceded similar institutions like the New England Historic Genealogical Register and the Massachusetts Historical Society in its specific genealogical focus. Early activities involved collecting family records and publishing vital statistics, with significant growth occurring after the American Civil War as interest in ancestral roots expanded. In the 20th century, it moved to its current location on Newbury Street and later expanded its digital presence dramatically, launching its website AmericanAncestors.org to provide worldwide access to its resources.

Collections and resources

The society maintains one of the world's largest genealogical research libraries, housing over 28 million items including manuscripts, published genealogies, and vital records. Its holdings are particularly strong for New England and Atlantic Canada, with deep collections related to the Great Migration and early colonial America. Key resources include the R. Stanton Avery Special Collections, extensive microfilm of New England town records, and a large online database accessible via its AmericanAncestors.org platform. It also holds significant materials for Irish, Italian, and African American family history research.

Publications

The organization is a leading publisher of genealogical scholarship, most notably through its quarterly journal, the New England Historical and Genealogical Register, which has been published continuously since 1847. Other major publications include the New England Ancestors magazine, numerous scholarly books, and authoritative guides like the Great Migration Study Project series. It also produces digital publications and research guides, often in partnership with academic presses like the Newbury Street Press, making specialized research available to a broad audience.

Educational programs and events

The society offers a wide array of educational opportunities, including lectures, workshops, and multi-day conferences often held in Boston or via webinar. It runs the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy (SLIG) and the Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh (GRIP), partnering with institutions like the New York Genealogical and Biographical Society. Specialized courses cover topics such as genetic genealogy, Mayflower research, and methodology for tracing immigrant ancestors. Major annual events include the Come Home to New England tour and research trips to locations like Washington, D.C. and London.

Membership and governance

Governance is provided by an elected Board of Directors and led by a President and CEO, a position long held by Brenton Simons. Membership is open to the public, offering tiered benefits that include access to exclusive databases, discounts on publications, and free admission to the research library. The society is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, funded through membership dues, donations, and grants from entities like the National Endowment for the Humanities. It collaborates frequently with other major repositories, including the Allen County Public Library and the New York Public Library.

Category:Genealogical societies in the United States Category:Organizations based in Boston Category:1845 establishments in Massachusetts