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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
May 1, 2026

Glenside Hospital Museum

Glenside Hospital Museum in Bristol has secured funding from Archives Revealed – the UK’s only dedicated programme for cataloguing and unlocking archive collections – to enhance access to nationally significant archives. This grant will shed new light on the history of mental health and learning disability care. The museum holds a unique collection of around 3,000 items dating from the late 1800s to the 1990s, including rare photographs, over 200 oral histories, books, letters, administrative records, and research papers. The newly awarded grant will fund a scoping project to provide a clear plan to modernise systems, strengthen staff and volunteer skills, and develop sustainable approaches to managing and sharing the collection, while also laying the groundwork for future funding. By improving access and care, the project will enable the museum to expand its research, exhibitions, and public programming, supporting academics, students, family historians, and wider audiences to explore connections between medical history, social change, and lived experience.

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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.