Discover how Alf Ison's classic guide helps you decode impenetrable 16th to 18th-century secretary hand and master historical family documents.
An in-person open day drop-in session for family history beginners and experienced researchers to explore archives and get expert guidance.
An in-person drop-in open day for family history beginners and researchers to explore our archives, use premium databases and get expert guidance.
An in-person, drop-in open day for anyone researching their family history, featuring expert advice and free access to major genealogical databases.
An in-person drop-in open day for family historians and local history enthusiasts to explore our research centre and get expert genealogy advice.
Discover our new Family Research Centre, offering free access to major genealogy databases, expert research assistance, and extensive local archives.
Join us for a FREE tour of Berkshire Family History Society's new Family Research Centre. Pre-booking required.
Berkshire Family History Society works to meet the needs of those researching their ancestry across the UK and overseas – as well as those looking for former relatives in historic Berkshire. You do not need to be a member to benefit.
The society offers:
Research Zone in central Reading that is free to use and open to all
Free access at The Centre for Heritage and Family History to online resources like FindMyPast, the 1939 Register, The Genealogist, the British Newspaper Archive and Ancestry (the worldwide edition)
Regular free help and advice sessions
Meetings in Abingdon, Bracknell, Newbury, Reading and Windsor; and a virtual Computer Branch which meets online. All meetings are open to everyone
Community forum – informed answers to research queries and advice from experienced researchers
Members’ Area with data and other information not readily accessible elsewhere
Indexes and transcriptions of Berkshire’s historic records on CD — parish registers, probate documents, monumental inscriptions, maps, First World War history and more
Quarterly magazine, the Berkshire Family Historian, for members
a chance to join in project work, recording, transcribing and helping to preserve records
Links to the research experience, advice and support of members worldwide
