American Ancestors

Three month ago, our 10 Million Names genealogists traced the lineage of Elizabeth Freeman, the formerly enslaved woman whose legal victory set the precedent to abolish slavery in Massachusetts. In doing so, we discovered her direct descendant, Lisa Shepperson, who had no idea of her connection to such a pivotal figure in history. We had the honor of supporting Lisa as she visited significant sites tied to her ancestor's legacy. She retraced Elizabeth's incredible journey, starting with the house where she was once enslaved, moving to the land she proudly owned, and concluding at her resting place, where her legacy continues to inspire. This powerful story was recently reported by The Boston Globe—read more here: https://hubs.ly/Q02M9VcY0

Our 10 Million Names Project was recently featured on ABC News, where Chief Justice Correspondent Pierre Thomas traced his family history to the Jenkins Plantation in West Virginia. In this piece, Pierre talks with 10 Million Names scholar Dr. Vincent Brown about the lives of his ancestors and grapples with the harsh realities and legacy of slavery. https://hubs.ly/Q02KjSVT0

We are excited to announce the release of Curt DiCamillo's newest book "A British Country House Alphabet: A Historical & Pictorial Journey, Volume 1." This is the first volume in a captivating three-part series that presents famous historical events or cultural innovations associated with specific British country houses. With rich content and beautiful illustrations, this book offers intriguing historical snippets tied to country houses in England, Scotland, and Wales. Grab a copy here: https://bit.ly/3zPDvIM

Did you catch "Jewish Neighborhood Voices" on WCVB Channel 5 Boston this past Tuesday? Celebrate #JewishAmericanHeritageMonth with this clip featuring JHC Executive Director Rachel King alongside Herb Selesnick and volunteer oral historian Sara Lee Callahan. They shine a spotlight on our digital exhibit, chronicling Jewish life in three vibrant Greater Boston communities during the first half of the 20th century.

It is the professional privilege of a lifetime to serve as the new President & CEO of American Ancestors, and it was a unique honor to be interviewed by Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Jr. about how family history enriches lives. https://lnkd.in/etaCwAGJ

Henry Louis Gates, Jr., filmmaker and host of PBS’ "Finding Your Roots" recently sat down with American Ancestors President and CEO Ryan John Woods to hear about how family history has the power to transform how people think about themselves and their relationships with others. Woods also reveals new details about our upcoming Family Heritage Experience, a unique in-person, exhibition-based experience scheduled to open in fall 2024 on Newbury Street in Boston. Watch the full interview here: https://hubs.ly/Q02x8ZnF0

Last Thursday, we were pleased to honor Academy Award-winning filmmaker Ron Howard at our American Stories, American Lives Benefit Gala. CEO Ryan Woods presented Ron Howard with the American Ancestors Lifetime Achievement Award for his many contributions to American culture and the arts.

D. Brenton Simons, President Emeritus and Chief Stewardship Officer at American Ancestors was named the winner of the 2024 HS Genealogy / History Achievement Award. Sponsored by Family Search, the HS Genealogy / History Achievement Award recognizes individuals who have exceptional accomplishments in one or more of the following areas: leadership; service; training; reference; or publication of recent, significant print or digital reference works/projects that offer access to genealogical or historical sources. Learn more about Simons' award here: https://hubs.ly/Q02rZbg90

“This project has brought historians and genealogists together so that we can connect details of the genealogical work to broader historical patterns. This is the largest scale collaboration between professional historians and genealogists that I’ve seen.” —Dr. Kendra Field, 10 Million Names. Lindsay Fulton, Dr. Kendra Field, and Dr. Kerri Greenidge were recently interviewed in a recent article by https://hubs.ly/Q02qlnJr0 about the 10 Million Names Project. https://hubs.ly/Q02qlhsl0

Yesterday marked a monumental milestone for American Ancestors as we gathered with architect Schwartz Silver and Shawmut Design & Construction to celebrate a topping off ceremony! We commemorated the completion of a significant phase in the construction of our new building. It was a moment filled with gratitude for the hard work, dedication, and collaboration of everyone involved in bringing this project to fruition. A huge thank you to the talented team at Schwartz Silver for their innovative design that will shape the future of our space, and to Shawmut Design & Construction for their expertise and craftsmanship in turning those designs into reality. Cheers to progress, teamwork, and the exciting future ahead!