Free Family History Research at American Ancestors

The Brim-DeForest Library at American Ancestors is free to visit through March 31, 2026. As a premier destination for genealogical research and scholarship, the Brim-DeForest Library provides access to one of the world’s most comprehensive collections of family history resources, including published genealogies, local and regional histories, vital records, and more. Whether you’re just beginning your genealogy journey or continuing long-term research, onsite research allows you to consult materials not available online and to work directly with knowledgeable staff who can help you navigate the collections. Come explore, discover, and connect with the stories that shaped your family history. American Ancestors' Brim-DeForest Library is open Tuesday-Saturday from 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM. No advance registration required.

American Ancestors

Free Thursdays at the Family Heritage Experience

The Family Heritage Experience at American Ancestors offers a self-guided, interactive journey designed to spark deep reflection about your roots and identity. Through a blend of hands-on activities and multimedia elements, you will be encouraged to explore the questions you have about where you come from and what you might want to uncover next. No genealogy experience is required to enjoy this immersive exhibition; it is a welcoming space with knowledgeable staff to help anyone beginning to ask questions about their past or looking to engage with family history in a new way. Admission is free every Thursday in January, and the exhibition is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. No advance registration is required.

Family Heritage Experience

Getting Started in Family History Research

Anyone can do family history research! In this one hour lecture, you will learn about key resources, strategies, and first steps to discovering and recording your family history. We will also demonstrate how to use important organizational tools, such as the multi-generational chart, family group sheet, and research log. You will also learn how to create a solid research plan. By the end of the program, you will be ready to hit the ground running and make real headway in your family history research! For more information on visiting American Ancestors, please visit our website here:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.americanancestors.org/about/visit">https://www.americanancestors.org/about/visit</a>

rom Tyranny to Freedom: Irish Contributions to the American Revolution

It's estimated that upwards of 50% of the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War were Irish immigrants. Many Irish also served in the British Army. Torn between loyalty to the British Crown, economic stability, and opportunity, the Irish made a lasting impact during the war and post-war settlement in the American colonies. Join Senior Genealogist Melanie McComb to learn about the incentives offered to the Irish from both sides of the conflict, how to research their military service, pensions, bounty land, and identify their origins in Ireland. Saturday, April 18 Lecture (In Person and Online): 2-3 p.m. Reception (In Person): 3-4 p.m.

S22: conversations

Wondering what to do in Boston? Places to eat? Free activities? Good for a group? Date night spot? Girls night out? The best things to do? Ask Joyraft!

Best places to go in Boston? Things to do? Places to eat?

Questions & answers about things to do in Boston

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S4: top picks

The most fun, cool and unique things to do in Boston. Can’t miss events, shows and experiences. Concerts, restaurants, bars, free things in Boston and beyond.

The most fun and cool events happening around Boston

Hot and new things to do in Boston

Hot & new

Hot & new 🔥

S11: happening this weekend

What to do in Boston this weekend? From festivals, concerts, performances, free events, screenings and more, Joyraft has the best things to do in Boston.

25+ things to do in Boston/Cambridge/Somerville this weekend

Things to do in Boston this weekend

This wknd

This weekend for you

S21: roundups

Our top picks: outdoor dining, free events, spring festivals, best bars, upcoming concerts, museum parties - the latest in and around Boston.  Slug: joyraft-top-picks-best-things-to-do-boston-ma

Top picks of the best things to do in and around Boston

Joyraft picks: Boston’s best things to do

Roundups ⭐️

Curated by Joyraft ⭐️

S28: calendar experiences

This week in Boston

This week in Boston 📆

This week 📆

S20: c+d experiences

Discover new, unique events and experiences happening in and around Boston. Perfect for date night, good for a group or with a friend. Be the first to know.

The newest events happening in and around Boston

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Just added to Joyraft

S16: editor picks

The most unique and can’t miss things coming up in Boston / Cambridge / Somerville and beyond. Festivals, food, drinks, fairs, concerts, art and free activities.

Unique and Can’t Miss Things to Do in Boston

Can’t-miss things to do in Boston 🚨

Can't-miss things to do 🚨

S2 (A): top experiences

The most popular things to do on Joyraft. Concerts, restaurants, bars, events, parties, openings, kid friendly, date ideas, free things in Boston and beyond.

Top 20 things to do in Boston

Top 20: Joyraft’s most popular

Top 20

Top 20 on Joyraft

S3 (A): trending experiences

Discover can’t miss events and things to do in Boston. The most fun, unique and cool events coming to the Boston area this spring and summer.

The hottest events happening in Boston

Trending events on Joyraft

Trending 📈

S17: interest based

Your guide to everything free in and around Boston. From events, to fairs, to festivals, to outdoors. Joyraft has all the free events happening near you.

100+ free things to do in Boston and beyond

Free things to do in Boston

Free things to do

S19: interest based

Kid-friendly events in Boston

S18: interest based

Where to eat and drink in Boston? Joyraft has Boston’s newest bars, restaurants and specials. Drinks and pre fixe dinner menus. Cambridge & Somerville too.

Boston Bars and Restaurants: Events and Openings

Food & drink experiences in Boston

Food & drink experiences 

Don R

Where

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Experiences

Free Family History Research at American Ancestors

Free Thursdays at the Family Heritage Experience

Getting Started in Family History Research

rom Tyranny to Freedom: Irish Contributions to the American Revolution

Getting Started in Family History Research

Getting Started in Family History Research