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Meetings & Events
June 9, 2026

AGM followed by “A Little Kingdom – Lundy”

Next Monday, 15th April, the Society will be holding its Annual General Meeting followed by a talk from Andre Coutanche entitled “A Little Kingdom – Lundy”. The meeting will be “live” at St Michaels Centre, Stoke Gifford, BS34 8PD commencing 30 minutes earlier than usual at 7pm. To discover more, join us for this important event in the Society’s calendar.
May 12, 2026

Postcards as a Genealogical Tool

Monday 18th May – a Bath Group meeting and talk. Penny Walters will be talking about how postcards can be a fascinating source of social history and convey a snapshot in time. They are cheap, visual and informal and can reveal the sender’s and recipient’s family, friends and acquaintances together with gossip, stories and anecdotes. Wish you were here!
May 12, 2026

Members’ Magazine – June 2026

The June edition of the Members’ Magazine has been printed and dispatched. We anticipate delivery to UK members during week commencing 18th May. Overseas members should allow an additional 2 weeks for delivery. The Magazine has been sent directly to the inbox of members who have opted to receive the digital edition.
May 7, 2026

The 1926 Census of Ireland

The National Archives of Ireland has released the 1926 Census of Ireland and it is available online at: https://nationalarchives.ie/collections/search-the-1926-census/. This is the first census of the Irish Free State. There is also an article about this census in the April 2026 edition of the Really Useful Bulletin, published by the Family History Federation. The bulletin can be downloaded, free of charge, here: https://www.exploreyourgenealogy.co.uk/files/1134-1-1.pdf

Family history for Bath, Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire

About BAFHS

Founded in 1975, we are a well established Family History Society focussing our activities on Bath, Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire (the former county of Avon 1974 to 1996) and its constituent predecessor and successor counties. We are also frequently referred to by our initials - BAFHS. The hub of our activities is our Research Room where enthusiastic volunteers give their time for the benefit of the Society.

What we do:

  • Encourage the public study of family history with reference to the historic county of Avon and its successor counties.
  • Publish a quarterly Members' Magazine (available in digital or paper format).
  • Transcribe and publish source material of interest to family historians.
  • Hold regular in-person and online meetings with a programme of illustrated talks and lectures.
  • Operate a Research Room where advice and resources are freely available.
  • Operate this website which is dedicated to family history.
  • Organise outings to places of interest.

Members:

Members are at the heart of our Society. By becoming a member, you will be joining a like-minded group of people who support our work. There is also the opportunity to become actively involved with a wide range of activities - you'd be surprised what it takes to run a modern family history society. It is quick and convenient to join online.