Society of Genealogists YouTube

Catch up for FREE with our recorded talk “Researching in Oxfordshire” – now on YouTube: https://youtu.be/2Rz0da64Pbg

Tips from inside the SoG

SoG are running a series of talks on tracing family history in individual counties in conjunction with local archives and family history societies and here are some tips shared which could apply to any county:

• Look beyond county boundaries. Places did not always stay within the same county.
• Don't forget about printed histories.
• Widen the scope of research to include the maps of where your ancestors were to give them more substance.
• Delve deeper into online catalogues, there may be more information there.
• Even if you think you have searched all the information that is available there is always more to find thanks to the people collating and digitising many hidden gems.
• We all know that not all records survive and that it's wise to check in advance of a visit that what we are looking for is part of the collection we're visiting!
• Vision of Britain – a useful resource - I often use this
• Check the online catalogues of all of the archives.
• When you find something, note down where you found it, sources are vital! Several years later you might want to find it again.

Learn More about Your Ancestors Who Fought in World War I

Attend a day of online talks about the military during the First World War. Talks will cover service records (and where to go if none survive), the missing of WWI, deserters, internment, researching Air Force ancestors and useful resources such as the Long, Long Trail website, the National Museum of the Royal Navy, the Western Front Association and the Great War Aviation Society.

Put your WW1 questions to a panel of experts who will be on hand for a Q&A at the end of the day. All talks recorded and available to watch for two weeks after the event.

Researching in Northamptonshire – Free Talk

We have been collaborating with family history societies and county archives on a series of talks on researching in specific counties and this month, we are focusing on researching in Northamptonshire. Experts from Northamptonshire Archives, Northamptonshire Family History Society and the Society of Genealogists and others will present the unique collections and resources for the county. Join us for this free talk online on Monday 9 June 2025, 2.00 - 4.00pm or catch it on our YouTube channel afterwards.

Victorian London Getaway in London Date for Your Diary - 8-12 September

Join us at the Society of Genealogists for a Family History Getaway Week. Spend five days (Monday to Friday) in our London Resource Hub discovering life in Victorian London.

Twelve workshops and talks, help using our library and sandwich lunches are included in the cost, plus exploring our books, documents and records, and optional extra workshops, walks and visits. Sign up for more details at: www.subscribepage.com/london_getaway

Details of all our events are here.

Have you ever thought about volunteering with us?

We have various projects designed for the meticulous, the curious and, the creative. From facilitating events to transcribing Pedigree Rolls - there are plenty of opportunities to learn more about the world of genealogy and family history while sharing your expertise. 

We have over 150 volunteers, working from all over the world but we also have in-person opportunities working from our north London based library. Training is available for all of our projects and we have a dedicated volunteer’s forum where you can ask questions or have a chat.

So, whether you would like to learn more or would just like to make new friends why not check out our volunteers page and get in touch? 

June's Book of the Month is:

My Ancestor was a Merchant Seaman by Christopher T Watts and Michael J Watts (2002)

An essential guide for family historians who want to learn more about the merchant seamen on their family trees. This book offers invaluable information on how to find the records and how to understand them.

During the British Empire, ships provided an essential form of transport and communication between Britain and its colonies. The book covers records such as taxation on imports and exports, the pursuit and settlement of disputes in the law courts, and the registration of ships.

The Family Histories Podcast is back for Series Nine! Host Andrew Martin returns to meet another 7 guests, hear them tell 7 more fascinating life stories, and then let them share their most dreaded Brick Walls in a hope that a listener can help them make a breakthrough.

This series listeners will meet: a man living under an alias, a life-saving nun, a serial Baptist, a valiant fire-fighter, a brave testifier, a steadfast villager, and an incorrigible man! Joining host Andrew are the genealogy-addicted guests; Ron Williams, Helen Brooks, Gary Stanley, John Boeren, Robin R. Foster, Asad Khabibullin, and Karen Cummings. Listen wherever you enjoy your podcasts, or head over to https://familyhistoriespodcast.com.

Geni’s World Family Tree has now surpassed 200 million profiles.

Findmypast is celebrating the nation’s growing interest in genealogy with a special giveaway. Despite a surge in family history research, their recent survey found that only 10% of Brits know any details about their ancestors beyond their grandparents. To help more people discover their roots, Findmypast is giving away two exclusive family history packages, each including a 12-month subscription worth £199.99 and a personal consultation with expert genealogist Jen Baldwin. To enter, register at findmypast.co.uk/who-will-you-find by 23:59 on 20 June 2025. Terms apply.