Why join a family history society?
The benefit of joining a family history society, such as the LRFHS, is that those who have carried out in depth studies into local families, often over many years, will have knowledge which can be lacking at a more general level.
- Local family historians will have used the many records that are available within the county.
- They will know the limitations of some records and the great usefulness of others.
Starting out
One of the primary things to do when beginning a family history is to ask yourself if others have trod the genealogical road upon which you are about to set out. The LRFHS can help you along the right road with your research.
- The Society has a wonderful collection of records to help you begin and advance your studies.
- These records are held at the LRFHS Research Centre.
- The Society’s group meetings and zoom presentations can be of great benefit. We organise a wide range of interesting talks which can often help with your research.
- Importantly, family history is a very sociable activity with lots of opportunities for sharing research tips and experience.
Discovering the history of a family is one of the most absorbing hobbies that you can follow
Research may begin out of natural curiosity and a desire to find out who we think we are. Sometimes research into a family history can be prompted by being told a story about a supposed ancestor. Often a family possession or an heirloom that is said to hold a story may kick start some research.
Many books have been written on family history studies and genealogical research and in more recent years television programmes, such as the BBC series Who Do You Think You Are?, have enlivened interest in family history.
Is it easy?
Television broadcasters will have many experts in historical research at their disposal in order to put together an interesting and compelling stories. Often the process of constructing a family tree can be made to seem quite simple.
However, anyone who has carried out genealogical studies will tell you that there are many pitfalls if studies are not carried out in a meticulous fashion.
Much family history research can now be carried out over the internet, using sites such as Ancestry, Find My Past, and The Commonwealth War Graves Commission, and many more. These add a goldmine of information to aid and interest the family historian.