Family History Societies

'Exists to assist and promote the study of genealogy and family history based on the North-East corner of Scotland. This area covers the old counties of Aberdeenshire, Banffshire, Kincardineshire and Morayshire ... Regular meetings are held throughout the year, covering many topics of interest to family historians.'

'Founded in 1980 the group is open to anyone interested in tracing their ancestry. In 2019 Wharfedale FHG merged with the Keighley and District FHS.'

'We are a group of family history enthusiasts based near the East Suffolk coast, midway between Felixstowe and Lowestoft ... which includes the towns of Aldeburgh, Leiston, Saxmundham, Framlingham and Orford. However, we are the only family-history group within quite a large part of Suffolk ... We offer our members a range of services, including monthly talks on a diverse range of topics, assistance with their personal research, access to a growing collection of archive material and an informative quarterly newsletter.'

The Society was formed in 1977 to encourage the study of Family History, Genealogy and Heraldry, primarily within the County of Bedfordshire ... Our popular meetings are held once a month (except August) on a Friday evening ... with good quality speakers.'

'Objectives of the society are: * To advance education of the public in research into family history and genealogy, primarily but not exclusively within the boundaries of the pre-1974 Royal County of Berkshire; * To work to promote the preservation, transcription, indexing and ready public accessibility of related records and information ... The Centre hosts a lively activities and events programme, aimed at widening researchers’ knowledge and deepening their understanding. Talks, walks, courses and workshops deliver updated perspectives and help place research findings into better historical context ... Branch Meetings usually take place monthly (except July and August) ... Everyone is welcome — you do not have to be a society member to attend. Each meeting features a topic likely to be of relevance and interest to all researchers. Speakers are experts in their respective fields.'

Midland Ancestors - the public face of The Birmingham & Midland Society for Genealogy & Heraldry - is 'the principal family history society for the counties of: Staffordshire, Warwickshire & Worcestershire which surround the city of Birmingham. This includes the areas of the old counties as they existed before the major boundary changes of the 19th and 20th centuries, as well as the areas brought into them by those changes'.

'The Society was founded in 1982 by a small group of individuals attending a course in family history run by Philip Rushworth, the first Chairman of the Society. The aims of the Society are to promote Family History by education, mutual assistance, demonstrations, lectures, excursions and any other means conductive to its advancement. It is run solely by volunteers with a passion for family and local history, working in their spare time.'

'Formed in 1975, the Bristol & Avon Family History Society supports contact between members with regular meetings and a quarterly Journal. We assist members with problems encountered during research work. The society promotes and encourages the public study of family history, genealogy and associated interests. Like most other family history societies, BAFHS is run by enthusiastic volunteers.'

'Formed in 1976 to encourage and promote the study of family history in Buckinghamshire including the historic county. With over 1000 members the Society caters for those with Bucks ancestry and members researching ancestry elsewhere. There are regular meetings held in Aylesbury, Bourne End and Bletchley. Most meetings have a speaker talking about an aspect of family history although we do have occasional themed meetings where members are invited to talk on a subject from their own family history research.'

'We may be a relatively small group but we have achieved a great deal since our foundation in 1986, most notably through the Burntwood Memorial Project, which honours local servicemen, and through our Transcription Project. Established members welcome and give advice both to members old and new and to non-members who are interested in furthering their own genealogical research.'

'The purpose of the Society is to encourage and support research into the history of families with roots in the area. Calderdale is located in the foothills of the Pennines in West Yorkshire, England and covers 140 square miles with a current population of around 200,100 ... We meet on the 4th Thursday of each month when guest speakers present topics that are relevant to Family History research in the area.'

'Formed in 1990 to serve the needs of those interested in family history who lived in what was then Central Region. The Society covers the old counties of Clackmannanshire, Stirlingshire and West Perthshire, including the parishes of Bo'ness and Carriden which were in West Lothian ... The Society aims to cater for members who wish to pursue further their existing knowledge, or provide support for those wishing to begin their research. Regular meetings are held in Stirling, where expert speakers deal with aspects of genealogy and local history.'

'The Society was founded in 1975 in order to further the interest in Family History Research and is run entirely by volunteers working in their spare time. Our aim is to bring together local people who share the same interest and to provide a point of contact for those members who, although not living in the area, have their roots within the modern Archdeaconry ... All Meetings take place on the First Wednesday of Every Month ... As well as a Speaker at each Meeting, there is a Book and CD Stall where it is possible to purchase books, CD’s, pamphlets and maps from a large selection of Family History Publications.'

'Formed in 1994, the aim was to fulfill a growing need and to promote and encourage the study of family history, genealogy and local history in relation to the City of Coventry and its people. This has changed somewhat with the increasing amount of information available on the internet. ‘CFHS’ is still a great source of information, providing research and assistance for people with Coventry roots, to fill in the missing details of their ancestors ... Meetings are held on the second Monday of every month ... Coupled with our bookshop and library available at these meetings, we have excellent guest speakers ... The talks are varied and informative.'

'The Society’s objects are to promote the study of genealogy and history, especially of Devon families and places, to educate the public therein through advice and instruction, and, for the public benefit, to encourage the preservation and transcription of relevant documents and records, especially for the county of Devon. The Devon Family History Society, formed in 1976, is one of the largest FHS in the UK.'

Objectives of the Society include: 'To arrange a programme of lectures, visits and other activities connected with subjects of interest to the Society'.

'We are here to help you, wherever your ancestors lived and wherever you live. We will do our best to assist you, whatever your level of experience. Obviously, as the Dorset Family History Society, we are specialists in Dorset ancestry, but we also have access to worldwide resources.'  Activities 'include a variety of Talks ... on the third Tuesday in each month, except August, featuring expert speakers'.

'Dumfries & Galloway Family History Society covers the three counties of South West Scotland – Dumfriesshire, Kirkcudbrightshire and Wigtownshire. The Society was established in 1987. Our aim is to promote the study of family history and is run by volunteers ... Talks are held monthly with up to 100 attendees.'

'Exists to serve anyone interested in genealogy, heraldry, family history or local history in the three Welsh counties of Cardiganshire (Ceredigion), Carmarthenshire (Sir Gaerfyrddin) and Pembrokeshire (Sir Benfro) ... Each Branch organises regular meetings ... All members of the Society and the public are invited to attend for which there is no charge. Members of the public are particularly welcome.'

'The Society was formed in 1978 by a group of enthusiasts who shared an interest in family history research in the historic area to the east of the City of London. Now a registered charity with over 1,800 members worldwide, the Society has no central offices, telephones or paid staff and all our services are provided by volunteer members ... Our geographic area of interest is that part of Greater London, north of the Thames and east of the old City of London gates of Aldgate & Bishopsgate. Then eastwards through the modern day London Boroughs of Tower Hamlets, Hackney, Newham, Barking and Dagenham through Redbridge to the edge of Metropolitan Essex at Havering.'

'Regular meetings are held at four locations around Surrey, which are free for members to attend, where you can meet like-minded people and hear talks on a variety of related topics. Talks vary from family history to social and local history.'

'The area covered by the ESFH is that of the old Essex county with the exception of "London Boroughs" which are considered to be in the area of East of London FHS and Waltham Forest which is in the area of Waltham Forest FHS. Our main meetings are held monthly in Galleywood. We have monthly branch meetings in Colchester, Harlow and Southend-on-Sea. Our branch in Saffron Walden meets every 3 months. Meetings are open to both members and non-members but priority is always given to our members.'

'Founded in 1969 to advance the study of family history and genealogy ... All our officers and officials are unpaid volunteers, helping in their spare time.'

'Founded in 1976 to encourage and promote the study of family history in the South East Kent area. It provides advice and assistance to members with South East Kent ancestry as well as to members whose roots are elsewhere, and welcomes the beginner and the more experienced family historian alike ... Our programme includes speakers on subjects of interest to beginners and experts alike, as well as discussion and project sessions. Time is allowed at meetings for informal exchange of advice and information and shopping at the bookstall. A guided walk of a place of local historical interest is usually arranged in the summer.'

'The Glamorgan Family History Society acts as a focal point for anyone who may be interested in Family History and Genealogy, not just those whose roots are in Glamorgan ... At monthly meetings, members share experiences, sort out problems, exchange information and enjoy the guest speakers whose topics cover Family History research and records, and the many related aspects such as Local History, Customs, Notable Inhabitants etc. Beginners' Nights are included in each year's Programme.'

'We are a very active society, with over 1,000 enthusiastic family historians, based in Gloucester, the surrounding area and across the UK as well as worldwide ... Our members have many opportunities to interact with the Society and fellow members, most obviously through our regular branch meetings, held in Gloucester and the Forest of Dean. Most months of the year, talks from a wide range of fascinating speakers, are held at The Heritage Hub. While members tend to visit their local branch, they are welcome to attend any branch event. These meetings aren’t closed to members as we are delighted to welcome non-members to talks free of charge.'

'Our Society exists to encourage an interest in both family history and genealogy amongst the people of Gwent, and amongst those living elsewhere who may have ancestral connections with the history county of Monmouthshire ... We hold Branch Meetings in the 5 areas of the County.'

'The Society was founded in 1980 to bring together the many people interested in Family History. It caters for those with Gwynedd ancestry and we would be happy to help anyone in need of assistance with their research.'

'Promoting and encouraging the study of family history research since our formation in 1974. Our aim is to help you trace your family’s Hampshire roots ... We meet regularly to discuss the opportunity to share, learn, exchange ideas and information, as well as to help us each further explore our family history projects ... Across the County we have 13 groups that meet monthly offering lectures, visits and discussions.'

'A small independent society which was established in 2006 having previously partnered with Ripon Historical Society.  We are a registered charity run solely by enthusiastic volunteers with a passion for family and local history. The object of the Society is to provide family history and Genealogy education for the benefit of anyone living in the Harrogate and surrounding areas or who have family links to that area. Our programme of monthly meetings, held on the third Tuesday of each month, include an interesting series of presentations on varied subjects relating to family and local history.'

'The Society runs various events throughout the year, here at home in the UK and overseas. They range through illustrated talks, lectures, visits to heraldic locations and various other events and activities.'

'Established in 1987, and exists to promote family history and genealogy and celebrate Hillingdon's past ... Family history is our passion, and we want the joy that genealogical study brings to be widespread. Anyone is more than welcome to join the society, whether you have a historic family connection to the area, live locally or are simply interested in family history.'

'The Huddersfield and District Family History Society was formed in 1987 and it’s aims are to promote and encourage mutual help between people interested in Family History and Genealogy ... The Society caters particularly for those with interests in the Metropolitan District of Kirklees ... Meetings are held quarterly, usually in Huddersfield Town Hall.'

'Formed in January 1979 with the aim of encouraging the study of genealogy and family history, particularly within the Isle of Man. Being a member of the society benefits all those researching their families, whether they are Manx or not. The organisation is run by volunteers. Meetings are held monthly, mostly on the third Friday and start at 7.30pm ... We invite speakers to entertain us with talks on historical or Manx topics.'

'Founded in March 1992 for beginners and experienced researchers: * To help one another to learn and discover more about genealogy; * To encourage genealogical research; * To promote the preservation of Jewish genealogical records and resources; * To share information amongst members.  The Society is open to all interested in Jewish genealogy and is constituted on a secular basis.'

'Established in 1974, we have a proud history of helping and supporting our members in their family history research. Regular meetings are hosted by our Branches across the county and our members keep in regular touch via our quarterly Journal and online community forum.'

In the UK, meetings are held in Lancashire, where there are 13 branches including the Heraldry group and Irish Ancestry group, and in London ... At Branch Meetings you will find family history and heraldry experts who are knowledgeable over a wide area of the UK - north of Liverpool and Manchester, right up to the Cumbrian and Yorkshire Borders ... Each Branch organises its own programme of events and activities ... Non-members are welcome at any of the Branch meetings.'

'THE LRFHS has five Groups ... Each Group has its own committee and organises monthly meetings, with interesting talks on a wide range of family history subjects ... A member of the Society can attend any Group meeting. Visiting non-members may be asked for a donation to the Society.'

'Founded in February 1995 by an enthusiastic group of amateur family historians and we have continued to grow ... We range from complete beginners to very well informed amateurs and we welcome anybody with an interest in their family history. Our members' interests cover most areas in Great Britain and some further afield. Very few, if any, are looking for their ancestors locally. For this reason we do not have talks that concentrate on local history but we look at the subject from a broader angle.'

'Founded in 1990, the Lincolnshire Family History Society covers Holland, Kesteven & Lindsey, the three parts of our Historic County.'

'A friendly active forum, networking opportunities at our Group Meetings ... and a quarterly journal with news, advice and excellent articles about the people, businesses and events that made Liverpool and South West Lancashire what it is today ... We have six Groups within the society which ... arrange their own programmes of events and meetings.'

'The Society's area now comprises the City of London, the City of Westminster and the London Boroughs of Barnet, Brent, Camden, Enfield, Haringey, Harrow and Islington, together with parts of Ealing and Hillingdon ... Monthly meetings are held at four branches at which talks of genealogical or local interest are given. Each branch has experienced members from whom advice and assistance may be sought. Members are welcome to attend at all four branches, which meet in the City, Barnet, Rayners Lane and our Virtual Branch.'

'Malvern Family History Society has a thriving membership of over 300 family history enthusiasts from around the world. Our members are a mixture of people who are local to Malvern and Worcestershire, whose roots can be local or spread far and wide, and those further afield with family links back to this area.' Monthly meetings, usually on the first Wednesday.

'Members can attend any Branch or Society Meeting free of charge ... All of our Branches organise monthly meetings at which both in-house and invited speakers talk on topics which will be of interest to Branch members. Admission is free to members, a small charge is payable by non-members.'

'The Norfolk Family History Society headquarters is based in Norwich and also has an out of county branch in London which holds regular meetings and has invited speakers. Members and non-members are welcome at most meetings and a small charge may apply at some events.'

'The North Ayrshire Family History Society (formerly Largs & North Ayrshire FHS) was formed in 1988. Its aim is to promote the study of family history in the Local Government Authority Area of North Ayrshire, Scotland.'

'Promoting and encouraging the private and public study of family history, genealogy, heraldry and local history ... Each of the Society’s Branches around the North of Ireland holds meetings most months of the year and visitors are welcome to attend.'

'Membership is open to anyone, anywhere in the world and you will receive our quarterly journal mailed direct. You can attend the monthly meetings held at each of our three branches (Bromley, Dartford and Sevenoaks), and can purchase books and listen to a wide variety of talks. All members are welcome to attend any or all of the branch meetings at no extra cost.'

'We were founded in 1976 and have around 650 members, mainly from the UK but also many from overseas ... On the 1st Monday of the month the talk will be with a speaker and the 4th Monday will be a local interest meeting. The latter will feature various areas of the County, based loosely on the parishes within each Poor Law Union, and will identify useful resources for research in that area such as parish chest records, estate collections, local sources and more!'

Normally meets monthly on the third Wednesday of the month.

'An active group of family historians who hold regular meetings on the third Thursday of each month ... At many of our meetings a speaker is invited to give a talk to members on a topic related to family or local history.'

'To enable to all those interested in family and local history of Powys, the ability to research, publicise and publish information relating to the families and communities in the geographical areas of Breconshire, Montgomeryshire and Radnorshire.'

'Formed in 1993 and is a member of the Federation of Family History Societies. We are not a Quaker organisation, but a recognised external body by Britain Yearly Meeting. Membership is open to anyone interested in the history of British or Irish Quakers ... Historically the Society has organised two one-day meetings in various parts of the country, together with an Annual General Meeting during June or July.'

'We are a small group based in the town of Rugby, Warwickshire. Our aim is to encourage and aid the study of Family History which extends to conducting research relating to Rugby & surrounding areas for Members resident outside the district. A comprehensive programme is arranged each year which includes a varied range of talks held monthly, interspersed with group visits to research establishments, social occasions and regular computer and project evenings.'

'Established in 2005 to help members to further their research into family and local history.'

'We are a small friendly group with an interest and passion in family history. We were formed in May 2001 from a short Workers Education Family History Course. We have  visiting speakers, workshops and outings to enhance our knowledge. We enjoy sharing our experiences and our family treasures at regular "members-led" sessions.'