From the Channel Islands to Canada, and the USA to Australia, there are lots of expert family history societies beyond the shores of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland to help you trace your ancestors.

Many are members of the Federation of Family History Societies (FFHS), which has partnered up with Family Tree to present the brand new genealogy show, Family Tree Live, at London’s historic Alexandra Palace on 26 and 27 April 2019.

The Channel Islands Family History Society

Take the Channel Islands Family History Society Inc, whose website can be found here.

The non-profitmaking society, based in Jersey, a short hop from mainland Britain and Europe, was founded in 1978 to encourage research into the genealogies and history of Jersey families. It has a reference collection housed at Jersey Archive in St Helier, with volunteers regularly on hand to help with research on-site and also assist with research into Jersey families for a small fee (£10 per hour for members, £15 per hour for non-members).

Queensland Family History Society Inc 

Perhaps you have ancestors much further afield, on the other side of the world? If so, the friendly and knowledgeable members of Queensland Family History Society Inc (QFHS) will be happy to help.

The society helps people trace their family history in Queensland, Australia, and throughout the world. You can find details about the society on its website.

QFHS also offers a research service to assist with research in Queensland using the society holdings. Members are entitled to two hours’ free research per year while research for non-members is carried out at a small fee. See the website for more details and how to join.

Learn more about family history societies

You can find out more about FFHS member and affliate family history societies in the United Kingdom and worldwide and how they can help you research your family history within the pages of the Family History Handbook 2019, published by Family Tree in association with the Federation of Family History Societies.

This go-to genealogy book is aimed at family historians of all levels and also includes directories of archives and professional researchers, and expert how-to guides featuring the most essential family records. You’ll also find the latest advice on DNA tests, DNA matches, data transfers and more for family history, plus a guide to what to expect at Family Tree Live at London's stunning Alexandra Palace on 26 and 27 April 2019. Come along to the show to talk to the experts in person, enjoy lectures and workshops and get all your genealogy supplies in one go!

The Family History Handbook 2019

The Family History Handbook 2019 is on sale with the Christmas issue of Family Tree magazine, available here or it can be bought individually here.

You may also be interested in this story: Why join a family history society?

Family history society image © Channel Islands Family History Society.