5 ways the Society of Genealogists can help you

Find out how this 21st century society with over 100 years of experience and unique family history collections can help you move your research forward!

The Society of Genealogists (SoG) has been a mainstay of family history in the UK since before the start of World War I. Founded in 1911, before county archives even existed, the Society has seen the popularity of family history grow throughout the last century and into the digital age.

Based at the UK’s National Family History Centre and affiliate FamilySearch Library in Clerkenwell, London, the Society has a wealth of knowledge to impart to family tree researchers of all levels of experience, from those just starting out to dedicated family historians with decades under their belt.

Here are 5 ways in which it can help you take the next step in your family history research:

1) Learn new skills

The Society has an extensive programme of events, from hour-long talks to day lectures, guided walks, evening skills and distance learning courses. And you don’t have to be a member to attend. Find the full events programme here.

2) Research in the Library

The Society boasts the UK’s largest family history library and many of its collections can be found nowhere else, thanks to its history of preserving and compiling a vast range of genealogical documents, pedigrees and family histories. The Library is particularly valuable for research before the civil registration of births, marriages and deaths began in England and Wales in 1837; so, if you’re looking to take your research back further, it’s well worth exploring its unique collections.

Beginners are taken good care of too. The SoG Library has a free Family History Access area, where you can try out some of the online sources that will help you with tracing your ancestors and learning about where they lived and what they did.

Visitors may buy hourly or daily passes to use the Library, although membership allows access the full range of resources and discounts – join here – and supports the Society’s work.

3) Access online resources

More than 19 million records are available to members via the Society’s online catalogue SoG Data Online.

Non-members can carry out quick look-ups while members can access the full records.

4) Get free expert advice

At family history events, you’ll often see the SoG’s Census Detectives on hand, offering visitors free expert advice. You can also get free one-to-one advice in the Library, on its website or make use of the free family history advice phone line.

5) Deposit your family history collection

Did you know you can deposit records that may be of interest to family history researchers – or even your own family history research – into the safekeeping of the Society of Genealogists? Find out how to share your findings here, for the benefit of other researchers now and in the future.

When can I meet them?

Come to meet the SoG experts at Family Tree Live on 26 and 27 April 2019 at the historic Alexandra Palace in London and discover the full range of courses, on-site and and online resources that the Society offers. As one of the show’s Associate Sponsors, the Society will be giving visitors free help and advice on the SoG stand and sponsoring the ‘Society of Genealogists Lecture Theatre’ at the two-day event.

Don’t miss out, buy your tickets today, we can’t wait to see you there!