Family History Course

Run by professional genealogists and archivists this 6 week course will cover all you need to know to enhance your research as well as providing many tips of the trade.

Six consecutive Tuesday mornings (10am - 1pm): 22 March, 29 March, 5 April, 12 April, 19 April and 26 April 2016.

22 March - An introduction to family history

This covers all the basics, with tips for navigating the major family history websites, hints on how to record and store your research, and exploration of some valuable but less-known sources.

29 March - Crofts, Castles, Trades and Professions

Explore available resources that show what our ancestors did and how they earned their living. Learn how to use maps, local directories, rate books and more to explore the homes and places where your ancestors lived.

5 April - Schools and Workhouses

Find out more about the records of schools, orphanages, universities and colleges, and the information they contain. Learn more about the Poor Law and the workhouse, and why it was such an important part of our ancestors’ lives.

12 April - Fighting Talk: An Introduction to Military Records

Discover the sources we can use to trace our ancestors who served in the army, navy and air force. What can we expect to find and where can we find First and Second World War and earlier records.

19 April - Mad, Bad and Sometimes Sad

Was your ancestor in prison or in an asylum? Discover the records of hospitals and asylums, prisons, courts and institutions such as industrial schools. Examine access to sensitive records and the implications of the Data Protection and Freedom of Information acts.

26 April - Moving On: Immigration, Emigration & Transportation

Discover why (and how) our ancestors emigrated and the records we can use to trace their journeys and new lives. Explore immigration records, and learn about techniques and resources for overseas research, including Ireland and mainland Europe.

There will be opportunities to handle original historical documents, navigate online resources and importantly discover how and where to find less-known genealogical sources in a small, comfortable workshop environment.

£60 - booked as a complete 6 week course

Please book online at www.surreycc.gov.uk/heritageevents, in person at Surrey History Centre or in any Surrey Library, or phone 01483 518737.