Taking research further: Suffolk FHS

In a town near you, there’s likely an enthusiastic band of family historians  - your local family history society members. These hardworking volunteers run family history societies to help teach people about family history and work to preserve the historic records of the area for the future. The range of historic projects they are involved in is vast. Read on for an inspiring example…

Q How do you feel that Suffolk FHS helps people to take their research further?

A (Howard King, Chairman of the Ipswich branch) The society, 41 years old, has a wealth of Suffolk-related information, and if someone researching their tree find that it points to a Suffolk link, and so contacts us, a volunteer officer of the society will do what they can – often pointing the person to investigate one or more of the transcribed records held by the society. Joining the society will enable their research interests to be advertised to others in the society. Members also get up-to-date copies of the journal, Suffolk Roots. Attending meetings of the six society branches is very useful – as even a chance remark at the meeting can help solve the problem. Over the last 40 years, the society has been transcribing birth, death and marriage records at three Suffolk Record Offices. Getting involved in these sessions with other members- all who have been researching their trees for many years- is one way for any ‘newbie’ to get involved – volunteering is not so hard, and you can even do transcription checking online at home!

To find out more go to www.suffolkfhs.org.uk