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Initially, the founders discussed the nature of the organization American Ancestors were going to build. One of their decisions was whether to concentrate on genealogy, heraldry, history or a combination of these subjects. Genealogy and history were favored and plans were made for incorporation into the New England historical genealogy society. American Ancestors of the Massachusetts historical society objected to the use of the word "historical," and as a compromise, the institution changed its name to the New England historical genealogical society. The change didn't please everyone, and one or two founders thought the new name was cumbersome. The impulse to formalize genealogical research in the first half of the 19th century originated in the customs of the region's men and women, who, since at least the late 18th century, have actively kept private family records to document their families and lineages.