The Real CSI – the Invention of DNA Fingerprinting and its use in Family History

Join this online webinar exploring the history of DNA fingerprinting and practical techniques for using DNA evidence in your family history research.

Research Guides

House History Records

House histories: discover essential archives, maps, censuses and directories to help you trace the history of your home and uncover its past residents.

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09 Nov 2026

The Bayeux Tapestry

An in-person talk exploring the origins and creation of the famous 11th-century embroidery, and what its imagery reveals about Norman history.

The History of the River Kennet

An in-person heritage talk exploring the story of the River Kennet, its watermills, navigation, and canal restoration.

The bronze Maiwand Lion statue stands atop a stone memorial in Forbury Gardens, Reading, surrounded by colorful flower beds and manicured lawns.

The History of Forbury Gardens, Reading

An in-person heritage talk exploring the rich history and hidden stories of this iconic park.

Berkshire Heritage Talks Series

An in-person series of daytime talks exploring local history, from Forbury Gardens to the River Kennet. Ideal for those interested in Berkshire's rich history.

Book cover: a young woman in a blood red dress and red shoes walks across rolling fields. In the background a Word War 2 German fighter us about to crash

Articles

Bringing the Past to Life

Discover how one family historian turned detailed genealogy research in Berkshire and Wiltshire into a published historical fiction novella.

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27 Aug 2026

Two people collaborating on a laptop, with one person pointing at the screen and another using the trackpad.

Online records: share your experiences

An in-person talk and interactive workshop for family historians looking to maximise their use of major genealogy websites and databases.

A historic stone cross monument with a tiered octagonal base, situated in a grassy park surrounded by lush green trees.

Signs of the Times: Reading’s Memorials

This talk will describe aspects of the town’s history by considering some of its, often not well known, plaques, statues, and monuments. Even the better- known memorials have secrets to yield in the tales of their origins.

A close-up of dried rose petals in shades of deep magenta, pink, and faded yellow.

Autumn Potpourri of Social History Talks Series

This all series ticket covers all three talks in the Autumn "Potpourri of Social History" talks series, for the discounted price of £12.50 (members £10.00).

The historic stone ruins of Reading Abbey in Berkshire, with the modern, sail-shaped Blade building rising in the background.

Medieval Reading – a walkabout

An in-person guided walkabout for local history enthusiasts exploring the rich medieval heritage of Reading, from Viking invasions to the Abbey.

AI generated image. A diverse group of people, some in historical costumes, engage in various activities in a modern library setting.

Heritage Open Days – Open Day

An in-person open day drop-in session for family history beginners and experienced researchers to explore archives and get expert guidance.

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