Get to know NEHGS

Since 1845, NEHGS has been the country's leading research center for genealogists and family historians of every skill level. Today we provide more than 20,000 members nationwide with access to some of the most important and valuable research tools anywhere. Our resources, reputation, and expertise are unmatched in the field and our leading staff of on-site and on-line genealogists includes experts in early American, Irish, English, Scottish, and Canadian research.

The NEHGS research library, located in Boston, is home to more than 12 million original documents, artifacts, records, manuscripts, books, family papers, bibles, and photographs dating back more than four centuries. This incredible collection provides unprecedented access to information that is simply not available anywhere else.  And every week, NEHGS scans and digitizes at least one new database to be made available on-line. Even if your research doesn't include New England, chances are we can help you uncover your family story.

Some of the databases available on-line include: Massachusetts Vital Records through 1910, New York Probate Records (1787 - 1835), Social Security Death Index (SSDI), church records, newspapers and periodicals, city and town directories, court records, census, tax, and voter lists, diaries and journals, land records, military records, and published genealogies and biographies, just to name a few.

NEHGS also produces some of the most important publications in genealogy, including the member magazine New England Ancestors, and the highly respected journal, New England Historical and Genealogical Register, published quarterly since 1847.