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January 28, 2025

Recent database updates

Our transcribing team have been hard at work and thanks to them and Mike Slucutt, we have now added Eastville Workhouse Registers – now covers 1871 to 1897, Ham Green Admission Records – now covers 1914 to 1915 and Ron Lewin’s Monumental Inscriptions – updated with Bath Graveyards’ Monument Inscriptions. These are all accessed on our website at Databases – take a look!
January 21, 2025

The Future of Family History

We invite you to join us for a new year of Bath Group meetings. Next Monday (27 January), Nick Barratt will talk about how technology and artificial intelligence may shape the way in which we research our ancestors and tell their stories. Additionally, Nick will discuss the risks posed by DNA testing, unmoderated user-generated content and cyber security – but don’t let that deter you, there are lots of positives to look forward to as well! The meeting is online only at 7.30pm – members will be sent the link by email.
January 16, 2025

Bristol Archives – Annual Closure

Bristol Archives will be closed from Tuesday 21st January to Friday 31st January for their annual stocktaking. Our Research Room will remain open as usual during this period.
January 14, 2025

1921 Census now available on Ancestry in the Research Room

The 1921 Census records are now included in Ancestry’s ‘All UK and Ireland’ and ‘All Records’ subscription packages. They will also be free to search in subscribing libraries and archives via Ancestry Library Edition.

Where your journey begins...
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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.