A Visit to the Family Heritage Experience at American Ancestors

American Ancestors (The New England Historic Genealogical Society)

Newbury Street, Boston, Massachusetts

I haven't made the trip into Boston to visit American Ancestors (The New England Historic Genealogical Society) on Newbury Street since before COVID.  The library and archive was closed for a long time due to COVID, and then closed due to rennovations that included adding another whole building.  Part of the rennovations included adding a museum called "Family Heritage Experience" on the first floor.  This interactive experience opened on 24 April 2025, so it was well past time for another visit. 

The new Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Jr. Family Heritage Center is truly an amazing new addition to all the wonderful museums in Boston.  This is an experience for the entire family, so bring your favorite kids along with you on your visit.  There are lots of high tech displays, starting with the first room where you can drop a pin on an interactive map showing where your ancestors lived. It's fun to see where all the visitors to this exhibit originated. 

Yours truly highlighting where my ancestors lived in Nova Scotia, England, Scotland, Germany and The Netherlands. Vincent dropped pins for Spain and Portugal. 

There are interactive stations with technology to look up newspapers, censuses and other genealogical resources about particular ancestors. Visitors are encouraged to ask questions by choosing a disk off the wall with statements like "Are my ancestors in newspapers?" or "From where did they migrate?" These disks have QR codes that can read at the stations to help find the answers to your genealogical questions.  

There are hands on activities for all ages, and displays of family memoriablia like quilts, family trees, samplers, religious objects, and more.  You are welcome to push buttons and open drawers to learn more.  It was fun to find some personal family connections, like the Folger family tree (see photo below).  Flora Stewart, who I have blogged about several times as a Londonderry resident, was one of the featured photographs on the wall.  

If this exhibition gets you all excited about learning more, you can step upstairs to the archives on the 5th and 7th floors and dig deeper.  Or you can make an appointment with one of the staff genealogists to assist you.  There is also the Wyner Family Jewish Heritage Center on the 5th floor, and also online (see link below) with its own archives and events for Jewish genealogy.  A membership to American Ancestors gives you free access to the libraries, archives and all the online resources to be found at their excellent website. 

An untraditional family tree

The Folger family traditional family tree

My finger pointing to my Folger ancestor, Bethshua Folger,

who was dropped off the first branch of this family tree

only because she was a daughter. 

We snapped a photo of the floor directory by the elevator

The Family Heritage Experience is open Tuesdays through Saturdays 10 am to 6 pm. Check the website (below) for hours and holidays.  Members are always free, as well as children under age 12.  Adult admission is $10. Right now there is FREE admission every Thursday through May 21st. 

On April 23 at the Family Heritage Experience there will be a new exhibit commemorating the 250th anniversary of the American Revolutionary War entitled "Patriots of Color: Stories of Courage, Resistance, and Legacy".  This exhibit will feature 26 Patriots from all 13 colonies, and display how genealogical research brought these stories to life. 

There is a brand new shop behind the Family Heritage Experience, with lots of new family and genealogy gifts and books.  These items are also available online (see the links below). 

We met up with David Lambert, chief genealogist, as we were leaving! 

For the truly curious:

American Ancestors
97 - 101 Newbury Street
Boston, Massachusetts

Family Heritage Experience:    https://fhe.americanancestors.org/  

American Ancestors (The New England Historic Genealogical Society):   https://www.americanancestors.org/  

American Ancestors Family Heritage Experience gift shop webpage:    https://shop.americanancestors.org/collections/apparel-gifts?&pass-through=true   

The American Ancestors Bookstore webpage:  https://shop.americanancestors.org/?pass-through=true 

Flora Stewart, Londonderry, NH resident:  https://nutfieldgenealogy.blogspot.com/2011/02/flora-stewart-black-history-month-in.html  

Wyner Family Jewish Heritage Center:   https://jewishheritagecenter.org/   

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To cite/link to this blog post:  Heather Wilkinson Rojo, "A Visit to the Family Heritage Experience at American Ancestors", Nutfield Genealogy, posted March 31, 2026, ( https://nutfieldgenealogy.blogspot.com/2026/03/a-visit-to-family-heritage-experience.html: accessed [access date]). 

What’s Open for Genealogy Research in New England

Some great news!  We’ve all been mostly cooped up inside using the internet, writing away for documents, and waiting for some archives, libraries and repositories to open.  Here is the latest information.  Caveat:  Please contact these locations for the latest information about their hours and availability during the pandemic.  Things sometimes change overnight and local conditions and regulations may not be reflected in this blog post! 

New Hampshire State Library, Concord, NH

The American Ancestors Research Center (The New England Historic Genealogical Society at 99 – 101 Newbury Street, Boston, Massachusetts) will reopen on June 22^nd by appointment.  Schedule your visit at this link:  https://www.americanancestors.org/visit   For the Wyner Family Jewish Heritage Center (inside NEHGS) visits and appointments, see this link:   https://jewishheritagecenter.org/

For the American Canadian Genealogical Society, 1 Sundial Avenue, Suite 317N, Manchester, New Hampshire, is now open for business on Wednesdays only from 9am to 6pm.  No appointment is necessary, but masks and social distancing are required.  https://acgs.org/   

And there is more!

American Antiquarian Society, 185 Salisbury Street, Worcester, Massachusetts  https://www.americanantiquarian.org/  Is working on a plan to reopen the reading room soon.

Boston Public Library There are 24 branches of the Boston Public Library.  The Central Library at 700 Boylston Street in Copley Square, and neighborhood branches are now open for limited services, and more services are returning soon.  https://www.bpl.org/  and https://www.bpl.org/news/reopening/

Connecticut Historical Society, one Elizabeth Street, Hartford, Connecticut 860-236-5621  https://chs.org/  The Edgar F. Waterman Research Center will reopen on September 8^th.  The exhibit galleries are open.

Connecticut Society of Genealogists Library 175 Maple Street, East Hartford, Connecticut  (860) 569-0002 https://csginc.org/   Open to the public Tuesdays through Fridays 11am to 3pm.  Masks are optional.  News!  The CSG Library is now a certified Family History Library Affiliate, too.

Connecticut State Library 231 Capitol Avenue, Hartford, Connecticut  (860) 757-6500 https://libguides.ctstatelibrary.org/hg/home  Open to the public Monday through Friday 9:30am – 4pm by appointment only.  Call for an appointment.

Maine Historical Society 489 Congress Street, Portland, Maine  (207) 774-1822 https://www.mainehistory.org/   Open Wednesdays through Saturdays.  The Brown Research Library is open by appointment only.  Masks are optional for fully vaccinated guests. Members free, non members $10 a day. See this webpage for more information:  https://www.mainehistory.org/library_visit.shtml 

Massachusetts State Archives  20 Morrissey Blvd, Boston, Massachusetts (617) 727-2816 or fax (617) 288-8429 https://www.sec.state.ma.us/arc/ Open to the public for research Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm.  Call ahead to see if what you are researching might be available online.  Masks are required. Free parking. The nearest MBTA station is one mile away (JFK/UMass red line) and the shuttle bus is not running at this time.

Massachusetts Historical Society 1154 Boylston Street, Boston, Massachusetts (617) 536-1608 https://www.masshist.org/     The MHS library is currently closed until further notice.  The reference team is available to assist you remotely.  Please see this page for more information:  https://www.masshist.org/library/visit  The MHS has been holding several online events every month, and their card catalog is online.

Massachusetts Registry of Vital Records (records from 1926 to the present – births, deaths, divorces, and marrriages) at  150 Mount Vernon Street, Boston, Massachusetts  (617) 740-2600 https://www.mass.gov/orgs/registry-of-vital-records-and-statistics  There are limited in-person services at the Registry of Vital Records.  The Public Research Room is closed. Please use the forms for mail-in requests and web requests.  The Public Service Counter will have limited in-person services Monday to Friday from 9am to 4:45pm.  See the website for more information.   UPDATE 14 July 2021:  https://www.mass.gov/alerts/update-to-in-person-services-at-the-registry-of-vital-records-and-statistics#1922996    

Mayflower Society Library 4 Winslow Street (behind the Mayflower Society House), Plymouth, Massachusetts (508) 746-3188, ext. 11 or email the librarian library@themayflowersociety.org  or support@themayflowersociety.org and please include “Library Appointment Request” in the subject line. See this website for more information  https://www.themayflowersociety.org/visit/gsmd-library  The GSMD library reopens in July 2021 by appointment only for members.   

National Archives at Boston (NARA), 380 Trapelo Road, Waltham, Massachusetts https://www.archives.gov/boston   The research room is closed currently.  You may experience a very long delay to your requests and Freedom of Information Act requests or appeals.  https://www.archives.gov/boston/research There are many online research tools available.   

New Hampshire Historical Society Library 30 Park Street, Concord, New Hampshire  (603) 228-6688 https://www.nhhistory.org  and also https://www.nhhistory.org/Research/Using-the-Library  Open by appointment only Thursday, Friday and Saturday 9:30 to 12:30pm, or for 1:30 to 4:30pm.  Masks required.  Email research@nhhistory.org or call 603-228-6688 to make a reservation.  The society also offers research services for a fee.

New Hampshire County Registry of Deeds https://www.nhdeeds.org/   The registries of deeds are open to the public.  Face masks are encouraged, or required and available upon request.  Each county registry has different safety requirements, and limits on the number or individuals allowed access to the records, please check the website. 

New Hampshire State Library, 20 Park Street, Concord, NH, https://www.nh.gov/nhsl/  The library opened to the public on 7 May 2021.  Masks are strongly encouraged and available at the entrance.  Open Monday to Friday 8am to 4:30pm.  You can schedule an appointment for a time with a reference librarian by calling 603-271-2144. 

New Hampshire Vital Records and Archives 9 Ratification Way (Formerly 71 South Fruit Street), Concord, New Hampshire, 603-271-3242.   

During the COVID-19 pandemic the Archives and Vital Records are closed to walk in traffic.  The public is encouraged to use the website.  You may call 603-271-2236 with urgent business or email info@sos.nh.gov  For more information see the website https://sos.nh.gov/archives-vital-records-records-management/archives/genealogy/  

Phillips Library of the Peabody Essex Museum, 306 Newburyport Turnpike, Rowley, Massachusetts.  Open Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 9am – noon or 1 – 4pm.  Appointments must be made 24 hours in advance. Masks are required.  Only three researchers are allowed in the reading room each day, and appointments are required by contacting research@pem.org   See this blog post for more information: https://nutfieldgenealogy.blogspot.com/2018/07/genealogy-research-at-phillips-library.html

Rhode Island Historical Society 10 Benevolent Street, Providence, Rhode Island  (401) 331-8575  https://www.rihs.org/ The Robinson Research Center currently closed to the public.  Contact the staff at reference@rihs.org  for research assistance.    

Rhode Island State Archives 33 Broad Street, Providence, Rhode Island  (401) 222-2353 https://www.sos.ri.gov/divisions/state-archives and email statearchives@sos.ri.gov  Appointments must be made for a two hour slot weekdays at 10am or 2pm.  Requests for appointments must be made three days ahead of the requested date. 

Rhode Island State Library 82 Smith Street, Room 208, Providence, Rhode Island  (401) 222-2473  https://www.sos.ri.gov/divisions/Civics-And-Education/state-library  The state house reopened to the public on 1 June 2021 with limited hours 9am to 3pm.  The public may visit, and the reference staff will answer requests by phone and email from 8:30am to 4:30pm.  There is a catalog available at the website.

Rhode Island Vital Records, 3 Capitol Hill, Providence, Rhode Island 401-222-5960 or the website  https://health.ri.gov/records/   Walk in service for vital records is closed until further notice.  See the website for ordering records online. 

UNH Dimond Library, 18 Library Way, Durham, New Hampshire.  See this web page for information on building access and online assistance  https://library.unh.edu/blog/2021/06/covid-19-phased-return

Vermont Historical Society Leahy Library,  60 Washington Street, Suite 1, Barre, Vermont  (802) 479-8509.  Open by appointment only.  See this page for COVID-19 safety procedures:     https://vermonthistory.org/leahy-library-covid-19-procedures

Vermont Vital Records and Archives 1078 Route 2, Montpelier, Vermont (802) 863-3208 or email vitalrecords@vermont.gov  or sos.archives@vermont.gov   The vital records office is currently closed to walk-in services, but curbside services may be arranged in advance. The reference room is available by appointment for researching records in the state archives https://sos.vermont.gov/vsara/research/ 

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Cite/Link to:  Heather Wilkinson Rojo, "What’s Open For Genealogy Research in New England?", Nutfield Genealogy, posted June 17, 2021, ( https://nutfieldgenealogy.blogspot.com/2021/06/whats-open-for-genealogy-research-in.html: accessed [access date]).  

Two new versions of Bradford's "Of Plimoth Plantation" for you to consider

I have many versions of William Bradford's first person journal
Of Plymouth Plantation.  Why more?

Santa brought me a new 2020 edition of William Bradford's journal of the first years of the Plymouth Colony known as Of Plimoth Plantation.  Then their majesties, Los Reyes Magos (The Three Wise Men), brought me another 2020 edition of Of Plimoth Plantation on January 6th!  These were two different books.  How were they different from previous editions, and why do I need more versions of this important book? See the end of this post for a full list of these books, all editions of the same manuscript.

We know so much about the Plymouth Colony, the Wampanoag people, the passengers and their history because of Bradford's first hand account known as Of Plimoth Plantation.  No other early English colony in the USA has as much first hand documentation as Plymouth. (Although the Spanish and French colonies had excellent records)  We have Bradfords's journal, Mourt's Relation, and Edward Winslow's Good Newes from New England all written by people who lived through those first difficult years at Plymouth.  Because of these wonderful manuscripts we can reconstruct the history, along with new archaeological evidence, and other documents and artifacts from this time period. Interpretation of these documents, including Bradford's manuscript, has changed over the years as we learn more about 17th century Plymouth Colony. 

If you look above, I have a big stack of my different editions of Bradford's journal.  I also have an old version of Of Plymouth Plantation printed in the 1950s and edited by Samuel Eliot Morison.  Each book is a transcription of Bradford's original manuscript, which is in the Massachusetts State Library in the statehouse in Boston.  This manuscript has an interesting history, including being missing for more than a century.  It was hidden in the Old South Church of Boston during the American Revolution, but disappeared after British soldiers occupied the building.  Then the manuscript was found in Bishop of London's library, and returned to Massachusetts in 1897. A copy was published in 1912.  

Since that time many versions of Bradford's journal have been published since 1912. The most famous was Morison's 1952 edition, with his notes and transcription.  Since then many editors and historians have published new transcriptions, with new discoveries to mention in notes, and some new transcriptions based on new evidence.  In the photo above you can see my 2002 or 50th anniversary reprint of this classic book by Morison.  

I cherish my 1981 paperback copy of Of Plimoth Plantation, even though it is a small, textbook version because it was gifted to me when I became a member of the Mayflower Society.  I enjoyed Caleb Johnson's 2006 version because he signed it, and I heard him speak about it at an event in Plymouth, Massachusetts. Caleb's edition includes many supplementary documents, which makes it very interesting for Mayflower research. 

I knew that the 400th anniversary of arrival of the Mayflower would probably be the year another edition would be published. However, I was very surprised to learn that two books would be published! I didn't know how they would differ until I actually held them in my hands this week.  

First,  I received the book Of Plimoth Plantation by William Bradford, 2020, edited and introduced by Kenneth P. Minkema, Francis J. Bremer, and Jeremy D. Bangs.  I knew about this book last year from attending several Mayflower events at the New England Historic Genealogical Society before the pandemic hit.  It was advertised in their journals, and anticipated by many genealogists and historians. It was published by both NEHGS and the Colonial Society of Massachusetts.  This book not only has three introductions, but also a special introduction by Paula Peters of the Wampanoag Nation, and a special edition of Bradford's Hebrew Lists (he was teaching himself to read Hebrew) with an introduction by Eric D. Raymond of the Yale Divinity School.  It contains 755 pages, and is the biggest book of all the editions of Bradford's journal.

I was surprised to see the second book I was gifted of Of Plimoth Plantation was a slim volume of 317 pages.  This 2020 book was published by the Plimoth Patuxet Press of Plymouth, Massachusetts (formerly known as the Plimoth Plantation Museum).  The introductory materials and forward are from the Massachusetts State Library, and run only ten pages. What makes this book remarkable and completely different is that the rest of the book is a facsimile of the original book, completely restored and digitized between 2012 and 2014.  The images of the digitized pages are almost the same size as the real book, which makes this edition very close to Bradford's journal. It's easy to imagine you are reading his historic journal while holding this book. 

In 2019 I attended a reception in Plymouth when an edition of The Brewster Book Manuscript was published, and the original, restored volume of this book was displayed. You can read all about the Brewster book at my two blog posts HERE and HERE.  This amazing edition has each digitized page on one side and the transcription on the opposite page, so the reader can compare the original to the printed text.  I knew the new Bradford book would be a digitized edition of his journal, and at first I was disappointed that there was no printed transcription of his ancient handwriting. However, now I'm glad it is completely original, with no interruptions of transcriptions or notes. After a day of figuring out his script, I can easily read straight through the book with no trouble. If I can do it, you can do it, too! If you already own a transcribed version of Bradford's Of Plimoth Plantation, this might be a good choice for you. 

Pages 288 and 289 of this edition have the Mayflower passenger list

Page 288 close up 
Including my Allerton, Standish, 
and Tilley ancestors

For the truly curious, a listing of the Bradford Journals on my book shelf (newest to oldest):

Bradford, William, Of Plimoth Plantation: A Facsimile of his Original Manuscript. Plimoth Patuxet Press: Plymouth, MA, 2020

Bradford, William, edited by Minkema, Kenneth P.; Bremer, Francis J.; Bangs, Jeremy D., Of Plimoth Plantation by William Bradford: The 400th Anniversary Edition. Colonial Society of Massachusetts and New England Historic Genealogical Society, 2020. 

Bradford, William, edited by Caleb Johnson, Of Plimoth Plantation: Along with the full text of the Pilgrim's Journals for their first year at Plymouth.  Xlibris Corporation, 2006. 

Bradford, William, edited by Samuel Eliot Morison, Of Plimoth Plantation 1620 - 1647 by William Bradford Sometime Governor Thereof.  Alfred A. Knopf: New York, 2002. (A 50th anniversary edition or reprint of the 1952 edition)

Bradford, William, edited by Francis Murphy, Of Plymouth Plantation 1620 - 1647.  Modern Library College Editions by Random House, 1981. 

Also mentioned above:

A Sneak Preview of the New Brewster Book Manuscript in Plymouth, Massachusetts:  https://nutfieldgenealogy.blogspot.com/2019/09/sneak-preview-of-new-brewster-book.html

Part Two of the Brewster Book Manuscript: https://nutfieldgenealogy.blogspot.com/2019/09/part-two-of-brewster-book-manuscript.html 

My annual list of Christmas gift books 2020 (is there a book in this list that you need to read?):

https://nutfieldgenealogy.blogspot.com/2021/01/what-did-genea-santa-bring-christmas.html  

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To Cite/Link to this post:  Heather Wilkinson Rojo, "Two new versions of Bradford's 'Of Plimoth Plantation' for you to consider", Nutfield Genealogy, posted January 9, 2021, ( https://nutfieldgenealogy.blogspot.com/2021/01/two-new-versions-of-bradfords-of.html: accessed [access date]). 

Genealogy Research in New England During the Pandemic: What’s Open? How is the Records Access?

I haven’t been out much during these last five or six months to research in-person.  Most of my personal genealogy work has been online, or some day trips to quiet cemeteries where no one else was visiting.  However, as I get braver about venturing outside safely, this is what I learned about some local genealogy repositories.  Caveat: Please contact these locations for the latest information about their hours and availability during the pandemic. Things sometimes change overnight, and may not be reflected in this blog post!

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American Antiquarian Society https://www.americanantiquarian.org/ :

185 Salisbury Street, Worcester, Massachusetts (508) 755-5221

Closed to the public until further notice during the COVID-19 pandemic.

American Canadian Genealogical Society  https://acgs.org/ :

Recently relocated to 1 Sundial Avenue, Suite 317N, Manchester, New Hampshire (603) 622-1554 and reposed as of June 24^th to the public.  The library is open on two shifts per day, and patrons can sign up for the 8 spaces available for each shift.  Reservations are no longer required, but with the limit call the librarian to make sure there is a place for you. Masks required by visitors and volunteers, see this page for safety guidelines https://acgs.org/acgs-library-reopening/   One major change outlined on this page is that all books that have been used will be quarantined for 72 hours before the librarians put them back on the shelves. This could be problematic for anyone wanting a certain book upon arriving at the library. Use the website or call to make a reservation in advance.  Members are free, and the non-member day fee is $10.  You may become a member when you come in to visit. The website contains links to much information, but most is available to members only.

Boston Public Library  https://www.bpl.org/resources/genealogy/   :

700 Boylston Street (Central Library), Boston, Massachusetts  (617) 536-5400 email ask@bpl.org

Available only for patron pickup of items during limited hours at the current time.

Connecticut Historical Society  https://chs.org/  :

One Elizabeth Street, Hartford, Connecticut  (860) 236-5621

Researchers by appointment only at the Waterman Research Center. Free to members, or $12 for non-members. Public access is restricted due to a renovation project. Call at least 2 weeks prior to your visit at ext. 228. 

Connecticut Society of Genealogists Library https://ctfamilyhistory.com/  :

175 Maple Street, East Hartford, Connecticut  (860) 569-0002

The library opened to a limited capacity on July 7^th by appointment only.  Please call ahead, masks must be worn. 

Connecticut State Library https://libguides.ctstatelibrary.org/hg/home :

231 Capitol Avenue, Hartford, Connecticut  (860) 757-6500

Closed until further notice.

Maine Historical Society https://www.mainehistory.org/ :

489 Congress Street, Portland, Maine  (207) 774-1822

Research by appointment only Wednesdays to Saturdays 1pm – 4pm.  Members free, non members $10 a day. See this webpage for more information:  https://www.mainehistory.org/library_visit.shtml 

Massachusetts State Archives https://www.sec.state.ma.us/arc/ :

220 Morrissey Blvd, Boston, Massachusetts (617) 727-2816 or fax (617) 288-8429

The research area is open with regular hours, but call ahead to find out if what you need is available and the staff will determine if they can assist you remotely before you come in.  Reference phone: (617) 727-2816 or email archives@sec.state.ma.us  Updated COVID-19 policies are on this page:  https://www.sec.state.ma.us/arc/covid-19/covid-19.htm 

Massachusetts Historical Society https://www.masshist.org/ :

1154 Boylston Street, Boston, Massachusetts  (617) 536-1608

The MHS library is currently closed until further notice.  The reference team is available to assist you remotely.  Please see this page for more information:  https://www.masshist.org/library/visit  The MHS has been holding several online events every month, and their card catalog is online.

Massachusetts Registry of Vital Records https://www.mass.gov/orgs/registry-of-vital-records-and-statistics

150 Mount Vernon Street, Boston, Massachusetts  (617) 740-2600 

There are limited in-person services at the Mass. VRs.  The Public Research Room is closed. They are taking mail and web requests, and limited counter service, see this page for details:  https://www.mass.gov/alerts/massachusetts-registry-of-vital-records-and-statistics-rvrs-covid-19-update#1459986

Mayflower Society Library https://www.themayflowersociety.org/visit/gsmd-library :

4 Winslow Street, Plymouth, Massachusetts (508) 746-3188, ext. 11 or email the librarian library@themayflowersociety.org  or support@themayflowersociety.org  The research library is closed to the public until further notice. The staff will be working remotely from home with limited access to the library materials.  Usually it is open to the public by reservation.  Free to members, $5 research fee for non-members. Copies of approved lineage papers can be purchased for $10. 

National Archives at Boston (NARA)  https://www.archives.gov/boston :

380 Trapelo Road, Waltham, Massachusetts  (866) 406-2379

The research room is closed currently.  You may experience a very long delay to your requests and Freedom of Information Act requests or appeals.  https://www.archives.gov/boston/research There are many online research tools available.

New England Historic Genealogical Society https://www.americanancestors.org  :

99 – 101 Newbury Street, Boston, Massachusetts, (888) 296 – 3447

The library and archives in Boston remain closed to the public until further notice.  Members may use the website to access databases online.  There are many virtual events being held online for the general public, see this link:  https://www.americanancestors.org/education/online-classes

New Hampshire Historical Society Library  https://www.nhhistory.org/

30 Park Street, Concord, New Hampshire  (603) 228-6688

The library is now open by advance appointment for research on Thursday, Friday and Saturday 9:30am to 12:30pm and 1:30pm to 4:30pm.  Free to members, $7 for adult nonmembers. See this webpage about the new safety measures: https://www.nhhistory.org/Research/Using-the-Library  or email research@nhhistory.   The society also offers librarians who available for information  by email or phone, and also research services for a fee. 

New Hampshire County Registries of Deeds  https://www.nhdeeds.org/

Effective June 18, 2020 The registries of deeds are open to the public.  Face masks are encouraged, or required and available upon request.  Each county registry has different safety requirements, and limits on the number or individuals allowed access to the records, please check the website. 

New Hampshire State Library  https://www.nh.gov/nhsl/ :

The state library is open to the public by appointment only, with safety measures in place until further notice.  Appointments are for 30 minute and 60 minute sessions only.  See the website for more information.  The statewide interlibrary loan program is suspended for the time being.

New Hampshire Vital Records and Archives https://sos.nh.gov/archives-vital-records-records-management/archives/genealogy/ :

9 Ratification Way (Formerly 71 South Fruit Street), Concord, New Hampshire, 603-271-3242.   

During the COVID-19 pandemic the Archives and Vital Records are closed to walk in traffic.  The public is encouraged to use the website.  You may call 603-271-2236 with urgent business or email info@sos.nh.gov 

Phillips Library of the Peabody Essex Museum https://www.pem.org/visit/library  :

306 Newburyport Turnpike, Rowley, Massachusetts

Only three researchers are allowed in the reading room each day, and appointments are required by contacting research@pem.org 

See this blog post for more information:

https://nutfieldgenealogy.blogspot.com/2018/07/genealogy-research-at-phillips-library.html

The Rhode Island Historical Society   https://www.rihs.org/ :

10 Benevolent Street, Providence, Rhode Island  (401) 331-8575

The Robinson Research Center has reopened to the public by reservation only.  Free to Rhode Island residents, $8 to non residents ($5 for students and seniors).  Please contact the staff reference@rihs.org

Rhode Island State Archives  https://www.sos.ri.gov/divisions/state-archives :

33 Broad Street, Providence, Rhode Island  (401) 222-2353 statearchives@sos.ri.gov

Closed to the public.  Archivists will provide reference and general assistance by phone and email.  Some resources are online. 

Rhode Island State Library  https://www.sos.ri.gov/divisions/Civics-And-Education/state-library :

82 Smith Street, Room 208, Providence, Rhode Island  (401) 222-2473

The state house is closed to the public, including the state library.  Librarians will provide reference and general assistance by phone and email. Some resources are available digitally through the online catalog.  Email statelibrary@sos.ri.gov

Rhode Island Vital Records https://health.ri.gov/records/ :

Rhode Island has changed some service, and closed some walk-in service, so please check this webpage for more information: https://health.ri.gov/about/customer-services-updates.php   They recommend using VitalChek for online ordering of vital records. 

UNH Dimond Library

18 Library Way, Durham, New Hampshire  (603) 862-1535

All UNH library locations are currently closed.  See this page for updates and resources you can access remotely:  https://www.library.unh.edu/news/covid-19

Vermont Historical Society Leahy Library https://vermonthistory.org/leahy-library/  :

60 Washington Street, Suite 1, Barre, Vermont  (802) 479-8509

Open by appointment only.  See this page for COVID-19 safety procedures:  https://vermonthistory.org/leahy-library-covid-19-procedures

Vermont Vital Records and Archives   https://sos.vermont.gov/vsara/about/hours-directions/  :

1078 Route 2, Montpelier, Vermont (802) 863-3208 or email vitalrecords@vermont.gov  or sos.archives@vermont.gov

The vital records office is currently closed to walk-in services, but curbside services may be arranged in advance. The reference room is available by appointment for researching records in the state archives https://sos.vermont.gov/vsara/research/ 

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Cite/Link to:  Heather Wilkinson Rojo, "Genealogy Research in New England During the Pandemic:  What’s Open? How is the Records Access?", Nutfield Genealogy, posted September 17, 2020, ( https://nutfieldgenealogy.blogspot.com/2020/09/genealogy-research-in-new-england.html: accessed [access date]). 

NEHGS hosts a Mayflower 400th Open House

Earlier today the New England Historic Genealogical Society on Newbury Street in Boston held an opening ceremony commemorating the 400th anniversary of the landing of the Mayflower.  Brenton Simons, the President and CEO of NEHGS gave an introductory speech about events planned for the next few years including new books, tours, online resources and more.  He introduced the four nations that were part of the commemoration (US, UK, The Netherlands and the Wampanoag).  There was intensive media coverage in the foyer of the library as it was crowded with NEHGS members, staff, and invited guests.

Brenton Simons declared the 400th anniversary events open. The UK consul general Harriet Cross gave an address on behalf of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.  Dusty Rhodes, the chair of the Plymouth Massachusetts 400th Commission also gave an address, along with Michelle Pecoraro, the executive director the the Plymouth 400th, Inc. who listed 7 signature events in Plymouth with the first one starting on April 24, 2020 (She stated that there were over 125 sanctioned events for the 400th commemoration including lectures, tours, conferences and concerts - stay tuned!)

Paula Peters, the president of SmokeSygnals, a Native American consultancy located in Mashpee, Massachusetts, cut the ribbon for the sculpture created by Steven Peters. This art installation is a beautiful representation of a Patuxet mother and child along with a wampum belt.  Brenton Simons announced that a scholarship was formed by NEHGS for members of the Wampanoag nation to come to Boston and take part in educational events, as well as to bring members of the tribe to NEHGS to educate the public about native culture and history.

Nancy Maulsby, the chair of the NEHGS board of trustees, christened the 11 foot long replica of the "Boston Mayflower".  The large model, created by marine artist Terrance Geaghan of Bath, Maine, was wheeled out to the front of the library, next to the sidewalk and the Wampanoag art installation. These will both be displayed in the front garden during the 400th anniversary commemorations through 2020, except during inclement weather.

After the ceremonies a new exhibit was opened "Origins and Legacy of the Mayflower" on the first floor of the library.  There were many interesting and fun objects on exhibit including art objects, crewel embroidery, books, and a pair of replica chairs (you might have seen the original Bradford chair at the Pilgrim Hall museum) you can actually sit in.  I always thought they looked very uncomfortable, but they were actually quite comfy!

There were games and activities for children, free 15 minute genealogy consultations, and other activities for the general public.  Everyone was invited free to use the library all day until 8pm. Vincent and I explored some of the exhibits and watched the Wampanoag dancing.  Of course we bought a few items at the gift shop, and then wandered down Newbury Street for lunch.  It was a lovely day, almost 60 degrees, and the magnolias were in bloom in Back Bay.  We walked over to see the Boston Marathon cleanup going on in Copley Square, and drove down along the Commonwealth Avenue Mall before returning home to New Hampshire.

The New England Historic Genealogical Society
99 - 101 Newbury Street
Boston, Massachusetts

For the truly curious:

The New England Historic Genealogical Society:  https://www.americanancestors.org/

NEHGS Mayflower website   https://mayflower.americanancestors.org/

See Vincent photographing the Boston Mayflower installation in front of the NEHGS front door in this video by Boston NBC Channel 10 news:  https://www.nbcboston.com/on-air/as-seen-on/Opening-Ceremony-Held-for-Mayflower-400-Anniversary_NECN-508704312.html

In this film by WBZ TV Boston news you can see both Yours Truly and Vincent, including Vincent dancing with the Wampanoag dancers:
https://boston.cbslocal.com/2019/04/17/genealogical-society-commemorates-mayflower-landing-400th-year/

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Heather Wilkinson Rojo, "NEHGS hosts a Mayflower 400th Open House", Nutfield Genealogy, posted April 17, 2019, ( https://nutfieldgenealogy.blogspot.com/2019/04/nehgs-hosts-mayflower-400th-open-house.html: accessed [access date]).

Christmas Books from Santa 2018

Santa was very good to me this year!  Again!  My Santa has developed a very good relationship with NEHGS’s bookstore, and with several used book shops. I hope you enjoy peeking at the books under my Christmas Tree, and if you scroll down to the bottom of this post you can find links to my previous "Christmas Books from Santa" posts in previous years.

Puritan Pedigrees: The Deep Roots of the Great Migration to New England, by Robert Charles Anderson, 2018.  This is just a piece of paper, but it represents the newest book coming soon from the author of The Great Migration project.  All colonial New England genealogists have been waiting for this one, and I’ve looked forward to it ever since visiting England last year with the GSMD Historic Sites tour.  I balked at the price when I saw it in the NEHGS catalog, but Santa was very generous! 

The Illustrated Story of How Mayflower II Was Built, by Stuart A. Upham, the Builder, 2018.

The Mayflower: The Families, the Voyage, and the Founding of America, by Rebecca Fraser, 2017

These two books above remind me of a lecture I heard years ago by the author and researcher Jeremy Dupertuis Bangs, who said that there were “never enough Mayflower books”.  Isn’t it true?  There are so many books about our Pilgrim ancestors, and new ones come up all the time. I like to check them all out. The Mayflower II book was from the Plimoth Plantation bookshop (look online at https://www.plimoth.com/collections/books-media-1 )  It’s a small 64 page paperback, loaded with vintage and new photos. It’s a new edition of what the original English builder, Stuart Upham, wrote in the 1950s.  Rebecca Fraser’s book is one that I have heard mentioned at many Mayflower meetings, on social media, and from Mayflower cousins. Now I can read it for myself.

Robert Dinsmoor’s Scotch-Irish Poems, with an introduction by Frank Ferguson and Alister McReynolds, 2012

I wrote about this book six years ago, but never had the chance to have my own copy because initially it was only available in the United Kingdom!  Believe it or not.  Robert Dinsmoor (1757 – 1836) “The Rustic Bard” was the son Scots Irish immigrants to Windham, New Hampshire (part of the Nutfield grant of land).  He was quite famous in early America, and inspired other New England poets like John Greenleaf Whittier.  This is a new edition of his collected works. You can read more about Dinsmoor at my blog at these several blog posts: https://nutfieldgenealogy.blogspot.com/search?q=robert+dinsmoor   

Leonard Weeks, of Greenland, N.H., and Descendants 1639 – 1888, by Jacob Chapman, 2018 facsimile of the original book.

I just wrote up my Surname Saturday post on the WEEKS family in November 2018 ( https://nutfieldgenealogy.blogspot.com/2018/11/surname-saturday-weeks-of-greenland-new.html ) and I used a copy of this book.  Now I have my own copy for future reference, and for when I visit the WEEKS house in Greenland, New Hampshire sometime in the summer of 2019!

The Descendants of Henry Sewall 1676 – 1656 of Manchester and Coventry England & Newbury and Rowley, Massachusetts: The Family in England and the First Six Generations in North America, by Eben W. Graves, 2007

Like the WEEKS family, I just recently found I was a SEWALL descendant, too.  I plan on using this book for lots of look-ups and research this year! This is volume 1 of a two volume set. 

A Place Beyond Courage, by Elizabeth Chadwick, 2007

The author Elizabeth Chadwick has published several novels about the Knight Templar, William Marshall, who is also my ancestor.  I learned about these books from a comment someone made on my blog post about my visit to the Temple Church in London.  Although this book’s cover looks like a real “bodice ripper” romance novel, these historical fiction books are fun to read!  I can’t wait to read this one. It’s extremely interesting to find an ancestor as a main character in a series of fiction books.

You can read all about my ancestor William Marshall, the Knight Templar and my visit to see his effigy at the Temple Church in London at this link: https://nutfieldgenealogy.blogspot.com/2017/11/tombstone-tuesday-knight-templar-and.html  

A subscription renewal to The Mayflower Descendant, the journal from the Massachusetts Mayflower Society.  You can subscribe to this journal through the NEHGS bookstore.

Christmas Books 2017

https://nutfieldgenealogy.blogspot.com/2018/01/christmas-books-from-santa-2017.html 

Christmas Books 2016:

 https://nutfieldgenealogy.blogspot.com/2016/12/christmas-books-from-santa-2016.html   

Christmas Books 2015:

https://nutfieldgenealogy.blogspot.com/2016/01/genealogy-gifts-from-santa-2015.html  

Christmas Books 2014:

https://nutfieldgenealogy.blogspot.com/2014/01/new-books-for-christmas-santa-was-very.html

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Heather Wilkinson Rojo, "Christmas Books from Santa 2018", Nutfield Genealogy, posted January 7, 2019, ( https://nutfieldgenealogy.blogspot.com/2019/01/christmas-books-from-santa-2018.html:  accessed [access date]).