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.'

'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). Come to a meeting, join in and chat with other family historians. You will meet researchers of all ages – and at all stages — from newcomers to family history to the more experienced. 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'.

'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.'

'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.'

'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.'

'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.'

'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 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.'

'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.'

'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.'