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Involvement & Jobs

January 10, 2022

Research Room – update

The Research Room is now fully reopened after the Christmas break. For full details and opening times, please visit the Research Room page.
January 4, 2022

Trip to National Archives on 9th February

If any members have booked into the National Archives at Kew on Wednesday 9th February, please can you let Patricia Holmes know if you require a coach seat by Wednesday 12th January at the latest. The cost is £25. More details are in the December edition of the Journal.
December 1, 2021

New: Bristol Administration Bonds 1661-1780 Index and Transcripts

By identifying the relationship between the deceased and those nominated to administer their estate, Administration Bonds can provide a valuable resource for the family historian. We have now compiled the essential information extracted from a total of 7,359 Bonds held at Bristol Archives covering the period 1661 to 1780, thanks to our Society volunteers. The index and transcripts are available as a CD or download from our Web Shop, at the Research Room and at Bristol members’ meetings. Find out more about joining our group of transcribers.
November 19, 2021

Full reopening of Research Room

We are delighted to announce that the BAFHS Research Room at Bristol Archives has now reopened on the first two Saturday mornings of each month, in addition to Wednesday morning and Thursday afternoons. Pre-booking is not now required, although we ask visitors coming for the first time or with particular requirements to notify us in advance so that we are prepared. Full details are on the Research Room page.

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

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.