For family historians living in Berkshire and those with Berkshire ancestors
updated Wednesday, 1st August 2018
Come to an Event in August
Some of the things happening this month
Thursday afternoon talks on 9th and 23rd August for family and local historians in the Life on the River Thames series.
By popular demand, a second English Civil War Walk has been arranged for Wednesday, 8th August at 7.30 pm. Places limited — book now to avoid disappointment
Booking is now open for all events of the Autumn quarter. These include more talks, a beginners' course (starts 12th October), workshops and there are Heritage Open Days too
This summer discover your family history at The Centre
The Centre for Heritage and Family History is in the heart of Reading — easy to reach and fully equipped for talks, events, meetings, courses, workshops. The Research Zone now has extra computers for your research too.
The Centre for Heritage and Family History, 2nd Floor, Reading Central Library, Abbey Square, Reading, Berkshire RG1 3BQ
OUTREACH Society members offer regular family history help and advice in libraries at Abingdon, Bracknell, Cippenham, Newbury, Thatcham, Tilehurst and Wokingham — See Calendar
Members' matters
NEW MEMBERSHIP YEAR started on Sunday, 1st July. For prospective New Members — now is the perfect time to JOIN
For all Current Members — RENEW NOW (if you haven't yet done so) to ensure you keep all the benefits of your membership.
DISCUSSION LIST — sign up in the Members' Area
GIFT AID The Trustees encourage all members to complete a Gift Aid declaration if they are UK taxpayers.
WEBSITES TO HELP YOUR FAMILY HISTORY RESEARCH
Brand new Irish list in the Members' Area.
MEMBERS' DISCOUNTS on society publications, research services and tickets for events (where a charge is made). Discount codes are in your latest Berkshire Family Historian.
Register for the Members' Area NOW
Follow @BerkshireFHS on TWITTER and link up with Berkshire Genealogy on FACEBOOK
Research Zone family history resources
Wherever your ancestors came from, research your family history in the Research Zone at The Centre for Heritage and Family History (second floor, Reading Central Library) — with volunteers on hand to help. Open for your research on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. About The Centre
FREE access to online resources that include:
FINDMYPAST — NEW Royal Navy Officers' and Army records and 4.5 million Lancashire parish records added. And it's where to find Berkshire parish records online. Most (not all) of the society's published parish register transcriptions are here Search Berkshire Burials now
THE 1939 REGISTER 41 million + records from 1939 with 60,000+ previously closed records now open. Search by address too. Vital for 20th century research
THE GENEALOGIST — NEW Poll Books added — including Abingdon More details
THE BRITISH NEWSPAPER ARCHIVE — 26.9 million digitised pages Search the papers from 1700s onwards
ANCESTRY — This is the WORLDWIDE edition — Go to website
How to start your Family History research
Are your SURNAME interests here?
OTHER NEWS and RESOURCES
DNA developments Findmypast has announced a new partnership with Living DNA, providers of Living DNA, the world's most advanced DNA test. Get the full story
Reading Abbey explore the Abbey Ruins
Who Do You Think You Are? Next up TV and radio presenter, Marvin Humes on 6th August on BBC1 Series details
Irish Genealogy News Claire Santry's blog
The Great Irish Famine online access interactive maps with detailed information on the famine's impacts on 3,000 civil parishes and 1,600 towns across the island. More details
Car parking at TNA has changed — see The National Archives
Seeds of Maritime Empire Dr Craig Lambert's University of Southampton project The Merchant Fleet of Late Medieval and Tudor England, 1400-1580 with remarkable details of England's maritime capacity in those years
General Register Office: pilot service continues and provides portable document format (PDF) copies of digitised historical birth (1837-1916) and death (1837-1957) records. Learn more
DNA testing For a useful review of tests available for family history research and more about DNA in family history, visit the ISOGG wiki
Publications for Berkshire and elsewhere
Members enjoy discounts when buying society publications (and booking events).
12th EditionBerkshire Burials CD ◊ Content and coverage
Berkshire Baptisms Second Edition CD ◊ Content and coverage
Berkshire Marriages Third Edition CD ◊ Places and dates
See and buy society publications, material for other counties too, at The Centre for Heritage and Family History or visit the online Bookshop
Volunteers are vital to society success
With the society now established in The Centre for Heritage and Family History in Reading's Abbey Quarter, it is easier than ever for you to play a part in those activities and tasks with greatest appeal.
You are always welcome as a new volunteer —and you can help the charity to achieve even more. Whether it is occasional help, or a regular commitment, every offer of help is welcomed and appreciated.
Being a volunteer is fun, rewarding, and fulfilling, especially when helping someone to make a real breakthrough in their family history research.
Put your skills and experience to work. Get in touch
updated Wednesday, 1st August 2018
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