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September 20, 2025

Knowing Your Place

Next Monday’s Bath Group talk is “Knowing Your Place” by Stuart Burroughs. Stuart is Director of the Museum of Bath at Work. The Museum has traditionally worked with local community groups to co-curate exhibitions and research projects as the museum moves from industrial and commercial themes to social and people’s history in the city. The techniques for engaging co-curators have included community alphabets, parish maps and rules for local distinctiveness. Learn how to gather intelligence from your community partners! The talk is online and begins at 7.30pm and is available to members only (joining details sent by email).If you are not a member you can join BAFHS.
September 16, 2025

Heritage Open Days at Bristol Archives and the Research Room

We will be opening the Research Room this Friday and Saturday from 10am to 4pm, in support of the Heritage Open Days at Bristol Archives. The Archives will be running “Behind the Scenes” tours throughout both days – they are always interesting and very popular. Whilst you are there, why not visit the Research Room and discover more about what we do. We are located off the foyer, next to the Archives, in ‘B’ Bond Warehouse at Cumberland Basin. We look forward to seeing you.
September 2, 2025

Using Censuses Before 1841 to Find Your Ancestors

Next Monday’s Bristol Group meeting takes place in Hanham when Colin Chapman will gives many examples of lists of names of individuals that were compiled before 1841, including several often-overlooked censuses of 1801, 1811, 1821 and 1831. Doors open at 7pm for the bookstall, storage materials and help desk. The talk begins at 7.30pm and is free to attend. VENUE: Elbrow Suite, Hanham Community Centre, High Street, Hanham, Bristol BS15 3EJ. On the ground floor.
August 31, 2025

Sale on the Website

Leading up to our Fair on Saturday 13th September many items on our Website have been reduced in price. A large number of secondhand books have been also been added so was there something you thought you would like to read or see? Is your house on one of the photographs in the Ian Bishop books ‘Around’ series? What about a Map – was your house built at the turn of the Century? How has the road system changed. We also have a few CD’s still available although you are also able to purchase downloads of the data. These Sale prices will remain until 14th September so perhaps purchase an early Christmas present? All items will be on sale at our Fair in Turnberries, Thornbury, South Glos and cash or card will be accepted.

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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.