Founded in 1845, American Ancestors is the country’s leading resource for family history research. We help genealogists of all skill levels improve their knowledge and understanding of their family and its place in history. Our award-winning website is the online repository for more than 1.4 billion searchable names from America and beyond. We provide expertise and research across every era of American family history.
AmericanAncestors.org provides access to 1.4+ billion records spanning the United States, the British Isles, continental Europe, and beyond, including one of the most extensive online collections of early American genealogical records, the largest searchable collection of published genealogical research journals and magazines, and the only online source for records from Boston’s Catholic Archdiocese.
Whether you’re a family historian, history buff, art lover or antiquarian, we have data, programs, and services you won’t find anywhere else. We are dedicated to helping our members research their own family history through our datasets, educational programs, exhibitions, and other inspirational experiences. A membership is the key to unlocking access more than a billion searchable names, award-winning publications, unique materials, and personal help from experts and support staff.
Find out more about American Ancestors membership and our services.