The Federation of Family History Societies (FFHS) is an educational charity. We support, inform and advise our membership, which consists of family history societies and similar bodies across the world.
To achieve our mission, we:
co-ordinate and assist the work of organisations interested in family history, genealogy and heraldry
foster co-operation and projects that help researchers
represent the interests of family historians, especially in the preservation and availability of archives
You can read more about our activities on our "What We Do" page.
Hundreds helped at Olympia
We were delighted to welcome vast numbers of visitors to the FFHS stall at the recent Who Do You Think You Area? LIVE event. As well as receiving answers to their research questions, many members of the public received free copies of the 2014 edition of the “Really Useful Information” leaflet.
A large TV screen provided passers-by with a rolling programme of information about each of our member societies. There was a steady demand for the flyers we offered on behalf of societies that did not have a stall of their own.
As one of those attending remarked “it is encouraging to find an organisation that is so good at helping family historians and family history societies too”.
We have recently updated our Research Tips collection, which provides advice on a range of family history topics.
Whether you want to explore the first steps, make the most of original records or find the best way to obtain certificates, there is something for you. We have also added fresh links to a variety of free websites and information for people who are thinking about joining one of our member societies.
Revision of the Manorial Documents Register
The National Archives and the Federation of Family History Societies (FFHS) are pleased to announce a new partnership to accelerate progress with the revision of the Manorial Documents Register. Funding from The Federation will help meet the cost of four additional county projects over the next two years, in Northumberland, Northamptonshire, Wiltshire and Kent.
On behalf of the FFHS, Rob White said: 'Manorial documents have huge potential as a source for family and local history because they contain information about the lives of ordinary people at a period when there are few other sources available. They also add richness and detail to the information researchers can obtain from other key sources like parish registers and wills. We are therefore very pleased to be able to support the revision of the register and improve access to these important records'.
Work has already been completed on over half the counties of England and the whole of Wales, and the rest should be completed by 2020.
First World War Centenary
Are you involved in a project within your own community, local history society, family history society or other group or organisation which is researching the lives of local people who served in WW1 or who were left behind to keep the home fires burning? Do you know of a website which contains information that might help others further their own research into their WW1 ancestors?
If so please contact Philippa McCray the Administrator
so that we can include details within our dedicated WW1 Centenary Pages
Over 18 Million Burials for under £28
Many family historians have found elusive burials among the 18.4 million records that appear in the National Burial Index.
Click here to find out more about this important source and how you can buy your own copy at the discounted price of £27.95 (including VAT and P&P).
