Boston History Museum | Family Heritage Experience

Discover how family history is built — one question, one record, one story at a time.

1850 oil portrait of Lemuel Shattuck and his family by Bass Otis, showing Lemuel, his wife Clarissa, and their five daughters arranged in a formal group. One daughter, Sarah, sits centrally with her back partially turned to the viewer, while a large bush fills a noticeable gap between family groupings on either side.

Hidden Histories

Why do some family mysteries last? Uncover the secrets and surprises of family history from our archives. See how research can turn mystery into insight and curiosity into understanding.

Who in the World Are You? 

Place can be a powerful way to explore family history. Whether you know a specific hometown or a general region, add a location pin to our interactive world map and see how your family’s individual journey connects with others.

Wall of Questions 

What can I learn from my surname? Did my ancestor commit a crime? Genealogy often starts with a question. Choose from one of our 90 colorful question cards and discover how to approach answering it at our Research & Record station.

Treasures Vault 

From elaborate family trees to handmade textiles and home movies, explore our remarkable collection up close and see how each artifact tells a unique story about the people who created it and the generations who cherished it.

Your Name, Your Year

Discover what your name and birth year reveal about you! Explore pop culture, major events, and surprising trends in our interactive Your Name, Your Year station and see how your story fits into history.

Story Station 

Listen as people share the discoveries, challenges, and insights gained from their family research journeys and see how these moments transformed the way they relate to their heritage.

Patriots of Color: Stories of Courage, Resistance, and Legacy

New Temporary Exhibition

The Patriots of Color temporary exhibition shines a light on the overlooked stories of Black, Native, and multiracial individuals who shaped the fight for independence. Through original documents, interactive displays, and contemporary artistic interpretation, the exhibition highlights 26 Patriots from across the 13 colonies and connects their stories to living descendants today.

Discover how genealogy and archival research helps bring these powerful histories back into view.

Plan Your Visit

Reviews

A Great Introduction

"I visited the Family Heritage Experience to learn more about my family’s history. I was able to chat with a genealogist who gave me advice on how to find the information I was looking for, and I participated in some of the interactive exhibits. If you’re interested in learning more about your family history this is a great place for beginners to experts."

Lucky Find

"I was walking by, and being a fan of Finding your Roots had to stop in. Very interesting stop while I was in Boston. Highly recommend to fans of genealogy and history."

Wonderful Time

"An amazing experience! Wish I lived here to come back again and again! The people who work here are so knowledgeable and helpful! Thank you for having a place like this"

The Experience Continues

When you are ready to go further, the Brim-DeForest Library gives you access to one of the country’s leading collections of family history resources. You will have access to millions of genealogical records, including manuscripts, books, microtext, photographs, artifacts, electronic resources, and much more that preserves and reveals our nation’s history.

Together, the Family Heritage Experience and the Brim-DeForest Library at American Ancestors offers a meaningful and engaging way to begin exploring your heritage.

Admission to the Brim-DeForest Library is by donation with only a name and email address required for entry.