FAMILY TREEQWHAT are family history societies? And what is the point of joining them?
DOREEN, Cradley Heath A THEY'RE groups of family historians who have an interest in a particular geographical area, such as a town or county, Doreen.
There are also special-interest societies - for a specific surname or trade, for example.
The point of joining is that you can pool your knowledge with like-minded family-tree hunters and swap tips and ideas.
Most societies hold regular meetings - so pop along to the one for your area and join in. You may also find it useful to become a member of those societies covering the areas in which your ancestors once lived.
All societies produce journals and these will describe local records and history.
Their members may also be able to help with particular "local research" problems, for example by visiting the churchyard to read your grandfather's gravestone for you.
Belonging to a family history society will also enable you to contact others who are tracing the same surname in the area where your ancestors lived.
Many family history societies publish directories of members' interests so you can check to see if anyone's in the same field of research as yourself.
You can also purchase international directories, such as the Genealogical Research Directory, or search the internet, and there are a number of books available advising you how to do this.
Most societies have websites and you can link to the many members of the Federation of Family History Societies via their website, which can be found at www.ffhs.org.uk.
If you're not on the net, a printed list can be requested from The Administrator, Federation of Family History Societies, PO Box 2425, Coventry CV5 6YX
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