Plan Your Visit
Plan Your Visit
HOURS
Tuesday through Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Last entry at 5:30 p.m.
ADMISSION FEE
$10 for adults. Free admission for children under 12 and American Ancestors members.
ADDRESS
97 Newbury Street, Boston, Massachusetts, 02116
Getting Here
By Public Transportation (MBTA)
Subway (T): Take the Green Line to Copley Station (5-minute walk) or Arlington Station (4-minute walk). Take the Orange Line to Back Bay Station, then walk 10 minutes.
Bus: Bus routes 9, 10, 39, and 55 stop near Copley Square, just a short walk away.
By Car
Paid street parking is available on Newbury Street and surrounding streets. Several parking garages are nearby, including the Prudential Center Garage and Boston Common Garage.
By Bike or Walking
Newbury Street is pedestrian-friendly and accessible via Boston’s Bluebikes system. Bike racks are available nearby.
If you're coming from Copley Square or the Boston Public Garden, it's just a short, scenic walk.
Accessibility
The Family Heritage Experience is a family history museum designed to accommodate individuals with mobility needs, and we strive to ensure an inclusive and welcoming experience for everyone.
INCLUSIVITY
We are committed to being a safe, inclusive space where people treat one another with civility and respect.
General Information
What is the Family Heritage Experience?
The Family Heritage Experience is a state-of-the-art visitor attraction located at 97 Newbury Street in Boston's Back Bay. The exhibition invites visitors to interact with multimedia displays and original artifacts that explore questions about family origins, journeys, and cultural traditions.
Where is the Family Heritage Experience located?
The Family Heritage Experience is located at 97 Newbury Street in Boston, a historic and vibrant destination known for its mix of high-end boutiques, galleries, cafés, and cultural institutions. Nestled in the heart of Back Bay, Newbury Street is one of Boston’s most iconic streets, attracting both locals and visitors with its unique blend of history and modern charm.
Visiting the Family Heritage Experience
What are the hours of operation?
Tuesday - Saturday | 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Last entry at 5:30 p.m.
Sunday - Monday | Closed
What are the holiday hours?
New Year’s Day | Thu, Jan 1: Closed
Juneteenth | Fri, June 19: Closed
Independence Day | Sat, July 4: Closed
Labor Day Weekend | Sat, Sept 5: Closed
Day Before Thanksgiving | Wed, Nov 25: Closing early at 1:00 PM
Thanksgiving Day Break | Thu, Nov 26 - Fri, Nov 27: Closed
Christmas Eve | Thu, Dec 24: Closing early at 1:00 PM
Christmas Day | Fri, Dec 25: Closed
New Year’s Eve | Thu, Dec 31: Closing early at 1:00 PM
Do I need to purchase a ticket?
Yes, an admission ticket is required to visit the Family Heritage Experience. Tickets can either be purchase online or in person.
How much does admission cost?
Admission costs $10.00 per person. Children under 12 and American Ancestors members receive free admission.
From Armed Forces Day through Labor Day, active-duty military personnel and their families receive free admission to the Family Heritage Experience through the Blue Star Museums program.
Is the Family Heritage Experience suitable for all ages?
Yes! The experience is designed for history and genealogy enthusiasts of all ages, with interactive exhibits and storytelling elements for families, individuals, and groups.
Can I bring a group?
Yes! Groups are invited to engage with family history, heritage, and culture at our newly renovated headquarters in Boston, Massachusetts. As a center for lifelong learning, American Ancestors offers a unique look into the stories that shape us both as individuals as well as a nation. From the interactive exhibits of the Family Heritage Experience to the rare treasures and millions of records in the Brim-DeForest Library, your group will uncover family stories, spark conversations, and explore meaningful connections to the past.
Reserve your visit today and begin your group’s journey into family history.
Group Experiences
Choose your pace, your focus, and your path into the past. From guided tours, immersive exhibitions, and introductory library visits, these experiences will introduce your group to the rich resources and stories found at American Ancestors.
Family Heritage Experience Self-Guided Visit
Discover the Family Heritage Experience through a self-guided visit designed to engage and inspire. Your group will explore interactive displays and original artifacts at their own pace while engaging with key concepts in genealogy. No genealogy experience is required to enjoy this immersive exhibition.
30 minutes | 8 – 25 people | $8 per person
Family Heritage Experience Guided Tour
Ready to begin your journey into family history? This guided tour of the Family Heritage Experience will show your group the essential first steps of conducting family history research. From mapping out what they know to examining historical records and weighing the evidence, your group will learn the same early steps our genealogists take to piece together a family’s past.
45 minutes | 8 – 15 people | $12 per person
Brim-Deforest Library Guided Tour
Discover the Brim-DeForest Library, a leading center for genealogical research and scholarship. During this tour, your group will learn about the library’s archives, services, and research tools, gaining insight into how family history and historical documents are preserved and explored. This tour is an ideal starting point for groups planning to spend additional time conducting research.
30 minutes | 8 – 15 people | Free with advance reservation
Brim-Deforest Library Research
Spend time exploring your own family history in the Brim-DeForest Library. With access to millions of genealogical records and resources, your group can begin to uncover personal connections to the past. Library staff are available to assist with general questions as you navigate the collections. We recommend allowing at least 3–6 hours to make the most of your research experience.
3 – 6 hours | 8 – 25 people | Free with advance reservation
Plan Your Group Visit
Making a Reservation
Group visits are available Tuesday–Saturday, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM. Groups of 8 or more can secure a discounted rate and access to specialized programming by making an advance reservation. Complete our online reservation form at least four weeks in advance and a staff member will follow up to confirm your visit and answer any questions. We recommend reserving early to ensure availability for your preferred date and experience.
Questions?
Need guidance on planning your visit or arranging a specialized program? Contact our Learning & Interpretation team at fhe@americanancestors.org.
What can I expect during my visit?
During your visit to the Family Heritage Experience, you can expect an immersive exploration of family history through interactive exhibits, multimedia displays, and engaging storytelling. The experience is designed to help you learn about the broader journey of family heritage, providing tools and inspiration to trace your own ancestry.
Will I have access to genealogists or research help?
While our staff is available to assist with general questions, the Family Heritage Experience is not designed for in-depth or one-on-one genealogical assistance. If you are looking for a more personalized experience, we recommend scheduling a consultation with one of our expert genealogists either before or after your visit.
Please note: Consultations need to be booked at least four weeks in advance. Learn more here.
Can I bring my own genealogy research materials?
Yes, you can bring your own genealogy research materials if you are planning on visiting the Brim-DeForest Research Library in addition to the Family Heritage Experience.
The Brim-DeForest Research Library, which is located within the same building as the Family Heritage Experience, offers dedicated space for personal research and provides access to one of the country’s leading collections of family history resources.
Research Library admission is usually separate and additional to the Family Heritage Experience, but is currently free until May 31, 2026.
Are there food options available onsite?
No, the Family Heritage Experience does not have food available for purchase nor a dedicated lunch area for guests. There are many dining options just steps away on Newbury Street, including restaurants, cafés, and grab-and-go spots.
Is the Family Heritage Experience accessible?
The Family Heritage Experience is physically accessible to wheelchairs, walkers, scooters, and strollers. We strive to ensure an inclusive and welcoming experience for everyone. Please contact our team regarding any questions or concerns regarding accessibility at fhe@americananestors.org.
Membership & Support
Is the Family Heritage Experience connected to American Ancestors?
Yes, the Family Heritage Experience is operated by and is an initiative of American Ancestors. It is designed to engage visitors in the stories of family history and heritage, connecting them to the expertise and resources that American Ancestors has provided for nearly 180 years.
Do American Ancestors members get special benefits at the Family Heritage Experience?
Yes! American Ancestors members receive free admission to the Family Heritage Experience for themselves and, depending on their membership level, their family. It’s just one of the many benefits of membership!
Can I become a member during my visit?
Yes! You can sign up to become a member during your visit or online at any time. Membership comes with exclusive benefits, including free admission to the Family Heritage Experience for you and your family.