How to find a specialist family history society

When you think of a family history society, you might just imagine those related to a place. However among the members of the Federation of Family History Societies are groups dedicated to specialist topics of family history research.

Would you like to research your surname?

See how the Guild of One-Name Studies can help you. With thousands of dedicated members investigating 8,715 surnames, this society is the home of surname specialists. Perhaps your surname of interest has already been listed as a name being studied, or maybe this is your chance to establish a one-name study of your own. See if your name is listed here: https://one-name.org/

Curious about your ancestors’ towns and villages?

Check out the work of the British Association for Local History. With an excellent annual Local History Day, an impressive formal quarterly journal The Local Historian, and a quarterly magazine Local History News – this society will help you grow your local history research knowledge. Find out more at https://www.balh.org.uk

Looking to become more involved?

The Family and Community Historical Research Society (FACHRS) was established to ‘promote and communicate research in family and local history’. This hands-on society offers members the chance to contribute to a mini project (using online resources, completed within a month or so) or a major project (requiring visits to record offices, over the period of a year or more). There’s nothing like ‘actually doing’! Explore the society at http://www.fachrs.com/

Keen to study?

The Institute of Heraldic and Genealogical Studies (IHGS) has courses to suit all levels of experience – from introductory learning experiences to qualifications, as correspondence courses and complemented by on-site workshops. The IHGS also provides paid research services – which could provide just the help you need to unlock a long-standing puzzle. Browse the courses at http://www.ihgs.ac.uk

Researching Jewish ancestors?

The Jewish Genealogical Society of Great Britain provides unique resources: a library with more than 1,000 genealogy books, to help you trace Jewish ancestors, a library of family trees, and numerous useful links to keep you abreast of the latest Jewish genealogy projects and updates. Learn more about the society at https://www.jgsgb.org.uk/

Tracing Romany, Traveller or Fairground folk?

The Romany and Traveller Family History Society is the place for you. Maybe you’ll be fortunate enough to spot an ancestor in the society gallery of evocative images, explore the free records such as Travellers Parish Register Collections for localities. Take a trip to https://rtfhs.org.uk/

Have you heard about our brand new Family History Handbook 2019?

You can find out more about FFHS member and affiliate 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, http://www.ffhs.org.uk/

The Handbook also includes the members of the Scottish Association of Family History Societies, http://www.safhs.org.uk/

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.

Oh - and don't forget our brand new family history show!

Come along, and discover more about family history societies – numerous societies from around the country will be attending Family Tree Live, 26 & 27 April 2019. This will be your chance to speak to the expert and enthusiastic members of many family history societies, all under one roof at Alexandra Palace. See the exhibitors booked already at https://www.family-tree.co.uk/ftre/show/family-tree-live/exhibitors