Research Room
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April 8, 2025

My Ancestor was in the Parish Records; well they should have been!

Join us on Monday 14 April on Zoom when John Hanson will be taking a look at parish records, what they cover, where to find them and some of the reasons why you may not find what you are looking for. An accompanying handout will be available to download. The talk is online and begins at 7.30pm and is available to members only (joining details sent by email). .
March 21, 2025

Forensic Genetic Genealogy – find out more!

We invite you to join us for the March Bath Group meeting when Dr Penny Walters will talk about the practice of using genetic information derived from DNA testing to identify the suspects or victims of crime. This method of super-sleuthing familial relationships has divided the genealogy community because of the invasion of privacy and confidentiality. Do the ends justify the means? The meeting is on Monday 24 March at 7.30pm by Zoom – joining instructions will be sent to members by email.
March 4, 2025

Discover Bristol Archives

We invite you to join us for the March Bristol group meeting when Lucy Bonner, one of Bristol’s archivists, will be giving an illustrated talk about the collections held at Bristol Archives and the processes behind making them available to the public. The meeting is next Monday 10 March at 7.30pm by Zoom – joining instructions will be sent to members by email.

Where your journey begins...
What will you discover?

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.