Our members’ support is why the Society of Genealogists has existed since 1911. That’s why we want you to get the most out of your membership. This page explains how to use your member benefits. If you have any questions which aren’t covered on this page please email membership@sog.org.uk.
How to use the Learning Hub to watch recordings and more
The Learning Hub is packed full of content – recordings of our expert talks and events, guides, ebooks and more. All content is free for Gold Members, but the access filter on the left had side can filter the content to that included in standard memberships. Watch the video to find out more.
Member only benefits
How do I use SoG Explore to view records?
Gold and Standard members have access to SoG Explore which now includes 17 million names (2.4 million more than Data Online) and over 1 million images! Watch the video below on how to explore our online records.
How do I access records in person?
Entrance to our Wharf Road site in London is free for both Standard and Gold members (vs £20 a visit for non-members). It is a fantastic, friendly space for exploring your family history in the company of fellow genealogists and our expert staff.
We have over 22,900 items on the open library shelves and computers with free access to records with Ancestry, FamilySearch, Find My Past, The British Newspaper Archive and The Genealogist.
You don’t need to pre-book your visit, but please pre-order items from our off-site archive in advance. To find out more about visiting and our opening times, click here.
To get started, watch this video on finding stuff at the SoG below.
How do I book forthcoming events & courses with a member discount?
For details of future events and courses, please click here. Once you have logged into the members’ area, you will be able to book with the relevant member discount. Many events are free for Gold members. To find out more about our events, click here.
How do I upgrade to Gold membership?
Navigate to ‘My membership’ in the members’ area, where you can upgrade to Gold Membership (or make other changes).
Click here for step-by-step instructions on upgrading to Gold Membership. Upgrade requests are currently approved by the membership team.
If you pay for your membership on a recurring basis, payment will be automatically taken once the upgrade is approved. If you pay on a one-off basis, you will need to visit the members’ area to make payment for the upgrade after it is approved.
If you pay by Direct Debit, please ensure that changes are made at least 5 days before your renewal date so that the payment for your existing membership is not already set up for processing.
How do I access the Genealogists’ Magazine?
Access to our quarterly magazine is available here for both Gold and Standard members. The most recent issues are online via the membership dashboard. Older issues can be found via SoG Explore.
Paper copies are not included in your membership fee. You can purchase an annual add-on subscription here. Please purchase this every year before February to ensure that your magazine deliveries are not interrupted.
How do I access discounted SoG books?
Gold members can access over 30 of our publications for free online via the membership dashboard.
Hard copies can be purchased in the SoG online shop. Members of the Society of Genealogists receive a 10% discount on all the Society’s publications. Check the members’ area for discount codes to use in our shop.
NB You get 25% off hard copy SoG titles and 50% off second-hand books when you visit us in person.
How do I access special offers?
From time to time, we offer special offers with partners to our members. When active, these will show in the members’ area. If no offers show, then we have no offers running. We normally email members when they are available.
How do I cancel my membership?
As a charity, we are reliant on our members for support. If there is a problem or you would like guidance on how to use your membership, please get in touch so that we can help you.
If we are unable to address your concerns, you can click here to cancel. You would be welcome back at any time and can re-join as a Gold Member from just £15 a month or £85 a year as a Standard Member.
If you pay by Direct Debit, please ensure that changes are made at least 5 days before renewal so that the payment is not set up for processing.
How do I change my recurring payment details?
If your card has expired or your Direct Debit is no longer active, your payment will fail, and you will have 2 weeks to pay with a new payment method.
Alternatively, we can set you up as a ‘one-off’ paying member to allow you to set up a new payment method 25 days before your renewal date. To arrange this please email membership@sog.uk.
We are working to enable recurring payment methods to be updated at any time.
How do I change my email settings?
If you wish to change your email settings and what we email you about, please click here.
To change your email address, please click here.
Need help with something else?
We want you to get the most out of your membership. If you get stuck, or need any help or advice, we’re here to help. Email us at membership@sog.org.uk.