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All About That Place Returns
10 days. 100s of free 10 talks. There’s nothing like All About That Place #AATP. Clear your diaries from Wednesday 7 October through to Friday 16 October and get ready to be immersed once more in this unique event.
Call for Speakers
Be a part of the All About That Place magic. Learn more about submitting your 10-minute talk. New speakers welcome.
New in the Learning Hub
Have you explored our new Learning Hub yet?
We’re constantly dropping new content into the Hub ready for you to watch and read. Instant genealogy education at your finger tips!
This month’s additions included tech talks (have you tried Trello yet?), tips on finding teachers, Lancashire research and more.
Sign up to our mailing list today to make sure you never miss a new free talk or guide release.
NextGEN Call for Presentations
Aged 16 to 35? Submit your proposals to present at NextGen, the Society of Genealogists and Family History Federation’s online conference to be held online on Sat 14 November 2026.
This year’s theme is “New Connections”. Topics of interest to younger genealogists are preferred. To help you prepare your proposals, join us for a free Zoom session: ‘From Passion to Presentation: How to Share Your Genealogy Story Like a Pro’, 8pm BST Tuesday 7 July 2026.
Aged 16–35? Submit a proposal for NextGen’s online genealogy conference, themed “New Connections
Family History Tips
“Don’t assume you have Anglican roots — non-conformity was widespread!” – Non-Conformity in Welsh Ancestry.
We love this tip. Don’t assume should be the genealogists mantra!
“Social attitudes relating to a particular issue are hard to find in history books, which means documenting those relating to our generation is important!” – Writing your Life Story Club: Relationships and Attitudes
We wholeheartedly agree. Newspapers, diaries and even wills can be great primary social historical resources. But social attitudes are complex and varied, and wouldn’t you just love to discover your ancestors’ own thoughts neatly written down and preserved? Members attending the Writing Your Life Story Club are doing just that. What a fantastic gift to the next generation!
Join today and catch up on previous sessions:
APRIL EVENTS
At Wharf Road, London
On Thursday 9 April the library is open until 7pm, and this time Dave Annal will be telling us all about “Charles Darwin: a life in the archives”.
On Monday 20 April, The Family Tree Maker roadshow comes to Wharf Road. Limited places, advance booking essential. Join Mark Olsen and Duff Wilson for interactive demos and enjoy a day full of tips, techniques, and helpful insights. Bring your laptop and get hands-on help with Family Tree Maker on your own computer.
Feedback
Thanks to Matthew for his comments following a recent visit: “Not only is the new building a distinct improvement but every member of staff was welcoming and helpful and advised me on ordering online and the new layout and other developments. It really was a pleasure to come and research in such a pleasant environment – not that I broke any brick walls unfortunately!”
Talking Animals?
No this is not an April Fools joke! This month we’re talking about animals…the many ways they shaped our ancestors’ lives and livelihoods. From the sheep that fuelled Britain’s wool trade to working animals that defined rural occupations, explore how animals appear in your family and social history. Adele Emm’s Sheep, Shuttles and Sweat examines the central role of wool in the lives of past communities, while Ian Everest explores the world of shepherds and rural life in Shepherds of the South Downs.
Livestock features in R.J. Balson & Son – England’s Oldest Family Business, where Richard Balson shares the story of his family’s historic butchery firm. John Hanson’s Cowmen, Mole-catchers and Horse-Hair Plaiters will help you delve into these occupations.
Beyond the farmyard, Dave Annal’s Charles Darwin: a Life in the Archives examines the records behind Charles Darwin, whose work transformed our understanding of the natural world.
Rounding off the month, Nicola Johnson presents Fur, Feathers and Fate: Animals of the Titanic, uncovering the surprising menagerie aboard the ill-fated RMS Titanic.
Go Gold to watch all these animal talks, unlock the full Learning Hub and more!
Better than the new Wuthering Heights film?
Reviews of the new Wuthering Heights film have been…mixed. We think you might prefer Jane Roberts talk on Brontë Connections for Family History. Explore the literary family and how their lives were shaped by the Yorkshire landscape.
Courses for genealogists with Scottish or Irish roots
In Making the Most of Scottish Poor Law Records, Lorna Kinnaird leads a practical four-week course exploring the rich but often overlooked records created under the Scottish Poor Law system. Understand how these sources differ from those in England and Wales and how to use the many records now available online for your family history research.
New to Irish genealogy? Join Jill Williams for Beginning Irish Research, an accessible eight-week introduction that will guide you through the key sources for tracing Irish ancestry—from census returns and civil registration to the wider historical context of Irish records.
Family History Skills Course Stage 2
Ready to take your family history research to the next level? Understand the basics but eager to dig deeper into the lives of your ancestors? Yes! Then our 12-week course (start 21 April) is perfect for you. Discover records and techniques essential to breaking through those frustrating “brick walls”. Uncover new insights as you explore topics such as education and trade, apprenticeships and guilds, the British overseas and immigration. Plus, pre-1914 military records, crime and punishment, and the rich variety of 18th- and 19th-century sources.
From maps, tithes, and surveys to an introduction on the growing role of DNA in genealogy, guidance on Scottish and Irish resources, this course is packed with the knowledge you need to progress your genealogy research. Learn in a supportive and informative environment as you sharpen your research skills and build your confidence.
Special discount price for members, making this course the perfect excuse to join us!
SPEAKER SPOTLIGHT
Say hello 👋 to Jill Williams FIGRS! Don’t miss out on discovering your Irish ancestors with the support and expert guidance of Jill in our upcoming Beginning Irish Research course. Starts 15 April.
Jill’s roots (born and raised in Cork) and her 20+ years of experience delivering Irish family history courses make her the ideal Irish genealogy tutor. Passionate about Irish ancestry, she has volunteered for 15 years with the Irish Genealogical Research Society in London and was awarded a Fellowship in 2013. Immersing herself in the Irish genealogy community, Jill manages the Society’s Facebook community of over 36,000 followers!
Now based in Edinburgh, Jill can help you master the maze of online resources for Irish family history. She has written extensively on the subject, and understands what it’s like to do be researching without being able to just pop to the archives.
Dr Who?
Tom Baker of course! As I grew up in Ireland with only RTE television I first saw Dr Who when I moved to England in 1975, so for me he was my first Dr Who and the best. I even once went with a boyfriend to a Dr Who convention in Imperial College London and met Tom as Dr Who in the flesh.
Other language spoken
I am fluent in Irish, studied German, French and Latin also. When I taught for a year in Northern Nigeria, I tried to learn Hausa but only picked up a few words there.
Favourite food/drink
Definitely Thai food. I love the really spicey and lightness of so much of it and the beautiful way it is so often presented.
What got you into genealogy
I left Cork and home aged 21 and every time I was home my parents would say something like “You know your cousin Bill Downey” or “You never saluted your cousin . . .” and I would say that I didn’t know whichever 2nd 3rd or 4th cousin they were referring to. I never wanted to stay in Ireland but missed home and family so for me starting to study family history was a way to stay close to my family and my roots and maybe understand us all a bit better.
Favourite school subject
Maths and history. Maths because I always found it so easy and later became a Maths teacher and then retrained as an accountant. History – I just loved the stories but was forced to drop it at age 15 as it clashed with German, which I needed as I wanted to go to Germany. I am lucky to be able to attend Irish history seminars at Edinburgh University now.
Famous/infamous ancestor
No one really famous. Within the family the infamous one was my great grandfather William Cotter- a pillar of the community who occasionally went on a bender. He was a school headmaster – we are a family of teachers on all sides. He was caught “drunk in charge of a classroom.” He argued it was due to medication taken for neuralgia and got away with it once. I found the correspondence in the National Archives in Dublin. He got away with it then but caught next time they decided not to renew his contract for the following year. He quickly handed in his notice and resigned the day before his contract was due to end. He moved to a nearby town and opened his own private school.
Favourite genealogy source
Living and working in Scotland it has to be Scottish BMD records especially 1855 the “jackpot” year. This was their first year and contains so much extra information –e.g. a death record showing how many years living in Scotland, where born in Ireland, name of his parents & wife, name and age of all his children and even where he was to be buried.
Most frustrating brick wall ancestor
On my ¼ English side – John Williams born approx. 1852 in Chester, son of William Williams, a labourer. Mother’s name not known. Williams the most common surname there at the time. John and William being exceptionally common first names in this area of Cheshire. I have John’s marriage record in 1877. This couple had 6 children. John appears in the 1881 & 1891 censuses and registered his last child’s birth in West Derby in April 1892. He left his family and moved to a country with mines in it. Ended up staying there and letting my great-grandmother know he had started a new family there. That male line in the family was always extremely open and honest about what they did, but definitely not monogamous. John was recorded as dead in 1915 on his son’s marriage record. I have spent many hours combing through ships records leaving UK searching for my John Williams. Fingers crossed that the right DNA match turns up some day.
LIBRARY NEWS
Collections Update – April 2026
For the latest news on our library, archive and digital collections, see our April Collections Update, including information about uploads to SoG Explore, a fabulous article about an item from the archives by our recent work experience student, and our next Featured Collection.
VOLUNTEERING WITH US
Have you ever thought about volunteering with us?
We have projects designed for the meticulous. the curious, and the creative! From facilitating events, to transcribing Pedigree Rolls – there are plenty of opportunities to learn more about the world of genealogy while also sharing your expertise.
We have over 200 volunteers working from all over the world, and in-person opportunities working from our London-based Research Hub. Training is available for all our projects, and we have a dedicated volunteers’ forum where you can ask questions or have a chat.
So, whether you would like to learn more or would just like to make new friends, why not check out our volunteers page and get in touch?
APRIL BOOK OF THE MONTH
My Ancestor was a Royal Marine by Ken Divall (2008)
Ken Divall, a former regular soldier in the Royal Engineers, explores a range of resources, including records at The National Archives, the National Maritime Museum, the Imperial War Museum and the British Newspaper Archive.
Ken Divall, a former regular soldier in the Royal Engineers, explores a range of resources, including records at The National Archives, the National Maritime Museum, the Imperial War Museum and the British Newspaper Archive.
Chapters cover a detailed history of the Royal Marines, and how to research your Royal Marine ancestor. Ken writes with erudition and enthusiasm for his subject, crafting a book of reference that covers everything from war medals to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, to online records.
“I wish I had had access to a book such as this when I was writing my history of the Royal Marines.” Major General Julian Thompson
The usual cost of My Ancestor was a Royal Marine is £6.95 and is currently available to SoG members at the discounted price of £5.56 (£5.80) to non-members).
A £3.50 postal charge applies within the UK, check our website for postal rates outside the UK.
This book plus the full range of titles published by the Society is available from our bookshop through our website. Offer valid until 31 March 2026.
COMPETITION
Win a copy of April 2026’s discounted book. To enter, please answer the following question:
What colour is the beret worn by the Royal Marines?
Please email your answer to competition@sog.org.uk by midnight GMT on 10 April 2026 with the heading ‘Genealogy Gazette Competition’. Please provide your full name, postal address, and telephone number. Only one entry per person. The winner will be notified by email.
The winner of March 2026’s discounted books, My Ancestors were English Presbyterians and Unitarians and My Ancestors were Congregationalists, is Maggie Strutt.
The answer to ‘In what year did the English Parliament approve of the Solemn League and Covenant’ was 1643.
Maggie shared with us that she was particularly pleased to win as her 3x great grandfather Dr James Bell was a strict Scottish Presbyterian who seems quite a colourful character:
- He Matriculated in 1777 in Anatomy & Surgery Medicine & Midwifery at Edinburgh Univ. Shortly after went on a Dundee Whaler as Doctor to the Polar Seas. He left Scotland to join East India Co in London. Stopped en route at Uppingham about 1780, was asked by the Chapel Minister to help local doctors, then bought the doctor’s practice, settled and married.
- He had 6 children by his 2nd wife, and contemplated marrying a 3rd time in old age, but his son Henry persuaded him to give his property to his children to prove his disinterestedness, which put an end to the matrimonial project
- Died aged 80 by being knocked down by a bullock in the High Street.
- Stuck to Scottish form of worship and generally drove his family to Laxton (a two hour+ drive) for the service.
Military ancestors? Enjoy our latest ‘Military or Naval’ themed talks below or jump into the Learning Hub to see more.
COMMUNITY NEWS
Pharos Tutors®, which partners with the Society of Genealogists (SoG) through the Family History Skills and Strategies (FHSS) certificate programmes, is celebrating its 21st anniversary in 2026. To mark the milestone, they are hosting Webinar Week (13–17 July 2026) featuring 14 paid webinars and a free introductory session, covering topics such as DNA research, problem-solving, social network analysis, LGBTQ ancestors, AI in genealogy, and more (full programme), and an Anniversary Week (7–13 September 2026) with talks, prizes, and celebrations of tutors and courses.
The FHSS programmes include Intermediate and Advanced certificates (the latter recognised by AGRA), while a range of non-assessed Family History Skills courses are also available for beginners.
CoramBAAF and the Archives and Records Association UK & Ireland have announced a new partnership to create a free, easy-to-use online platform that will help adopted and care-experienced people locate and access their records. Due to launch later in 2026, the resource will bring together data from across the UK to form the most comprehensive searchable guide to adoption and care records, while also signposting support services. The initiative aims to address longstanding challenges in navigating complex record systems, improving access to vital information that can help individuals better understand their identity, history and life experiences.
Lord Ashcroft’s Collection of Victoria Crosses (VCs) and George Crosses (GCs) (built up over four decades and previously housed at the Imperial War Museum) is set to find a new long‑term home at the National Army Museum in London’s Chelsea.
The collection, which includes nearly 250 VCs and a smaller number of GCs spanning major conflicts from the 19th century to the present day, will be shown alongside the Museum’s existing displays, telling powerful stories of courage, sacrifice and service.
23andMe has introduced a suite of new advanced DNA tools for its Premium members, designed to make family history research faster and more precise. The enhanced Advanced DNA Comparison feature allows users to visualise shared DNA segments across up to five relatives at once, offering greater accuracy when tracing family lines. Alongside this, the new DNA Relatives Clustering tool groups genetic matches into clear branches, helping researchers identify common ancestors, organise connections, and break through long-standing genealogical brick walls with greater ease.
New Release: Genealogy Methods and Techniques – A Practical Guide to Research
Regular SoG contributor and owner of Pharos Tutors®, Dr Karen Cummings, has published a comprehensive guide for family historians at all levels. Genealogy Methods and Techniques offers practical strategies, tips, and real-life case studies to help researchers confidently build accurate family trees. Featuring over 100 tables, charts, and illustrations, the book covers everything from laying a solid research foundation, evaluating evidence, and effective notetaking, to resolving conflicts, planning research, and incorporating DNA analysis.
Ideal for beginners wanting to start correctly and experienced genealogists tackling complex problems, this guide equips readers with structured methods and essential tools to achieve reliable and meaningful results.
A new podcast, A Family History Of…, has launched on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, offering a fresh perspective on the history of Britain and Ireland by telling it through the lives of real families. Hosted by genealogist Jen Baldwin, each four-part series uses historical records and archival sources to reconstruct how ordinary people experienced major events. The debut series, A Family History Of Wartime Women, features historian Lucy Worsley as she explores the life of her grandmother Edna, tracing her story from industrial Birmingham through two World Wars and uncovering surprising family revelations.
Go Gold and read Emma Jolly’s My Ancestor was a Woman at War
Findmypast has announced a major expansion of its digitisation studio at the British Library site in Boston Spa, Yorkshire, aiming to significantly accelerate access to British, Irish and Commonwealth newspapers. The investment will boost capacity by over 60% for paper titles and 80% for microfilm, with a particular focus on under-represented Commonwealth and South Asian publications.
📺 What’s On the Box?
My Family Mystery (Season 2 starts Sunday 29 March 2026)
For our members and readers in New Zealand, join journalist Sonia Gray as she helps Kiwi families solve intriguing mysteries. From a single clue, Sonia and a team of experts uncover answers across New Zealand, revealing stories that are surprising, moving, and uniquely Kiwi. Made with support from NZ on Air.
If you’re in New Zealand (or visiting), catch up on Series 1 here.
Join the conversation!
If you’re in New Zealand (or visiting) and have seen any episodes of this family history programme, we’d love your reflections! Share your insights, favourite moments, or anything you’ve learned with our community on our Facebook page — it’s always inspiring to hear from members, speakers, and friends who have experienced the show firsthand.
THE LATEST DIGITAL COLLECTION NEWS
Ancestry has added:
Virginia, U.S., Virginia Ancient Planter Lineages, 1607-1800s
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S., Marriage Returns, 1875-1909
New Hampshire, U.S., Warnings Out of Town, 1733-1809
Arkansas, U.S., Civil Appointments, 1819-1958
Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, U.S., Female Sole Trader Ledgers, 1875-1906
Arkansas, U.S., County Sheriff Census, 1829
Clermont County, Ohio, U.S., Probate Records, 1790-1971
Arkansas, U.S., Applications for Indigent and Blind Pensions, 1931-1935
Vermont, U.S., Veteran Burial Records, 1776-1980
New Hampshire, U.S., Non-Resident Tax Lists, 1849-1880
FamilySearch has added:
- Italy, La Spezia, Census, 1806-1945
- Italy, Napoli, Real Casa della Santa Annunziata, Civil Registration (State Archive), 1590-1987
- Italy, Palermo, Census, 1513-1960
- Italy, Perugia, Census Records, 1585-1958
- Italy, Pistoia, Census Records, 1841-1951
- Italy, Pola, Census, 1919-1947
- Italy, Rovigo, Census Records, 1517-1930
- Italy, Siena, Civil Registration (State Archive)
- Italy, Verona, Census, 1415-1853
FIBIS has added:
- Military, Indian Army, Officers: Temporary Indian Army Appointments 1917-1921 – Name Index. 819 entries. [IOR/L/MIL/9/435-623].
- Civil Service, Uncovenanted CS: Uncovenanted Civil Servants in the Central Provinces 1893 & 1900. 344 entries. [IOR/L/F/10/188].
- Education & Work, Professions: Government Lying-In Hospital 1885 / 1890 / 1895. European, Eurasians and Native Midwives. 904 entries. [OIR 954.8].
- Civil Service, Police: Memorials from 54 Police Officers in Madras – Index of Names. 54 entries. [IOR/L/PJ/6/1436, File 1474].
- Military, HEIC Army, Casualties: Madras Army Register of all Casualties and by Death for 1821. Sub Conductors & NCOs, Horse Bde, 1st Batn, 2nd Batn, Madras Euros, Eff Supernums, Carnatic Euro Vets, Euro Pensioners. Total entries 719. [IOR/L/MIL/11/128].
- Military, British Army, Discharges: Index to Transfer Papers, British units to the Indian Establishment 1859-1861 – volumes 23, 24 & 25. 444 entries [IOR/L/MIL/15/23-25].
Findmypast has added:
- London Society for Promoting Christianity, 1885-1889
- Britain, Directory of Women Teachers, 1927
- Surgeons’ Case Books, University College London, 1836-1851
- Britain, Register Of Anaesthetics 1909-1911
- University of London School Register 1831-1890
- College of Preceptors, Student Registers and Diploma Examinations, 1881-193
- Antigua Times — 1863–1864, 1870–1876
- Blarney — 1886
- British Cinema Chronicle, 1918
- British Temperance Advocate, 1853, 1875, 1878, 1880, 1884
- Cork Free Press, 1910-1913, 1915
- Doncaster Free Press, 1986-2004
- Kilkenny People — 1895, 1898, 1905–1919
- Leinster Express, 1831-1857, 1872-1896, 1905-1919
- Magee’s Weekly Packet — 1777–1785, 1787–1790, 1792–1793
- Mining Journal — 1857–1894
- PAT — 1881–1882
- Saturday Record (Ennis), 1898, 1900, 1902, 1905-1906, 1909-1910, 1912-1929, 1931-1936
- The Star — 1893–1918
- Ulster Times, 1836-1843
- Western News and Galway Leader, 1878-1892, 1899-1903, 1905-1926
- World (Dublin) — 1840–1851
TheGenealogist has added:
- In partnership with the Malvern Family History Society, Worcestershire parish registers: Baptism Records of Crown East and Pebworth
- Marriage Records of Bradley, Bewdley, Clifton on Teme, Croome D’Abitot, Churchill near Worcester, Cofton Hackett, Cradley, Clent, Chaddesley Corbett, Cutsdean, Dowles, Crowle, Cropthorne, Cotheridge, Colwall, Eldersfield, Defford, Bromsgrove, Doddenham with Knightwick, Dodderhill with Ombersley, Edvin Loach, Elmley Castle, Dormston, Doverdale, Droitwich and Earls Croome. Burial Records of Bradley, Bredon, Crowle, Eastham, Cotheridge, Claines, Cleeve Prior, Cropthorne, Croome D’Abitot, Clent, Clifton on Teme, Cofton Hackett, Chaddesley Corbett, Broadway, Cutsdean, Dowles, Bromsgrove, Defford, Eldersfield, Elmbridge with Rushock, Evenlode, Feckenham, Bayton, Colwall, Doddenham with Knightwick, Dodderhill with Ombersley, Dormston, Doverdale, Elmley Lovett, Edvin Loach and Elmley Castle.
- fully searchable National Probate Calendar additions (1880 to 1899). Each record has been fully transcribed, as you can see in this example of the probate record of designer William Morris.
MyHeritage has also introduced Scribe AI, which they describe as “a powerful new feature from MyHeritage that uses AI technology to transcribe, translate, and interpret historical documents and photos), and country coding for family trees 9 displays country flags for individuals in your tree based on key life events, instantly transforming your family tree into a visual map of your origins)”.
