Three regional organizations form partnership to highlight importance of African American family history
Boston, MA – February 9, 2010 – The New England Historic Genealogical Society (NEHGS) announced a new collaboration that brings together three Boston-area organizations dedicated to the research, understanding, and education of African American family history. NEHGS, along with the Museum of African American History (MAAH) and the New England Chapter of the Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society (AAHGS-NE), are bringing together their unique resources and expertise to bridge what has typically been viewed as a gap in the connection between African American family stories and the rich New England regional history.
To kick off the initiative, NEHGS launched www.AfricanAmericanAncestors.org, a web portal designed to assist those conducting research with ties to the African American community around New England. The portal includes resources, content, and articles assisting with African American family history research. Nearly 100 people were in attendance for the launch, including Tony Burroughs, author of “Black Roots,” MAAH director Beverly Morgan-Welch, AAHGS-NE president Leona Martin, and APG Vice President Kenyatta Berry.
D. Brenton Simons, NEHGS President and CEO, said, “We are delighted to have such an incredible opportunity to work with these wonderful partners. It will allow us all to showcase the tremendous collection of resources, materials, and expertise we each have for African American research. Ultimately, we hope family historians of all levels will have greater access and understanding of their family and its place in New England history.”
In the coming months, the three organizations will plan new initiatives, programs, education opportunities, and other special events designed to highlight the unique areas of expertise for each group while providing access to content, tools, and resources.
NEHGS, founded in 1845, is one of the country’s leading resources for genealogy and family history research. MAAH is New England’s largest museum dedicated to preserving, conserving, and interpreting the contributions of African Americans. Working together with AAHGS New England, the organizations will begin collaborating on programs, events, lectures, exhibits, and other ways that help bring family and history together in ways that haven’t been examined before.
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About NEHGS Founded in 1845, New England Historic Genealogical Society is the country’s leading resource for family history research. We help family historians expand their knowledge, skill, and understanding of their family and its place in history. The NEHGS research center, located at 99 Newbury Street, Boston, houses millions of books, journals, manuscripts, photographs, microfilms, documents, records, and other artifacts that date back more than four centuries. NEHGS staff includes some of the leading expert genealogists in the country, specializing in early American, Irish, English, Italian, Scottish, Atlantic and French Canadian, African American, Native American, and Jewish genealogy.
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