Group Tours
We are always happy to welcome groups and to provide either a tour or an introductory talk, depending on the size of the group. Groups of up to twenty people are offered a tour of the Research Hub, and any larger groups of up to a maximum of 30 are given a talk in our event space (usually with PowerPoint illustrations).
Tours and talks usually take place on Wednesdays and Thursdays during opening hours from 11am to 4pm with our lead Genealogist, or we can occasionally accommodate larger groups on Mondays when the Research Hub is closed. Tours/talks usually last about 60-90 minutes, during which we will explain what the Society does, show our library and archives collections, and explain how to find and use the SoG’s Research Hub facilities.
There is no charge for the tour/talk itself, but visits must be booked in advance. If any of the group are not members of the SoG and would like to stay and work in the library afterward, then we can offer a 50% discount on the non-member day rate, which would be £10 rather than £20.
If guests wish to use the library after the tour or talk, and have specific collection items they would like to view, they can pre-order them in advance. We'll provide full details on how to pre-order collection items upon booking.
Further information on the library and archives, including links to the catalogues and archive finding aids, can be found here: https://www.sog.org.uk/research-hub/library, and you will also find a short video guide.
If you would like to go ahead with the group tour, please do contact our lead Genealogist, Else Churchill, else.churchill@sog.org.uk, so that she can liaise with available dates and arrange for collections to be brought in from the store if appropriate.
Room Hire
We have two spaces available for hire: our upstairs events room and our downstairs library space. Either of these can be combined with a tour as above.
AV equipment is available in both spaces for use with your own laptops; please let us know your requirements when booking.
Events Space
Our upstairs events room is available for up to 20 seated and 30 standing in various set-ups. This room is perfect for meetings or to host talks and presentations.
Library Space
You can hire the downstairs of our Research Hub outside of our opening hours. This is a large, flexible space suitable for lectures, meetings, and drinks receptions. We even have a courtyard to enjoy in the nicer weather.
Book here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WGM9X2Z
or email events@sog.org.uk if you have any questions.
For full venue hire or hire outside of these times, please contact us.
MORE INFORMATION:
Times of arrival: For all-day meetings, organisers (up to a maximum of 4) are allowed into the premises up to 30 minutes prior to the booking time; more time can be arranged at an additional cost.
Reception: Where 12 or fewer guests are expected, our reception staff will be able to check in your guests. If more than 12 guests are coming, we ask organisers to greet their guests. We can, however, provide this service for larger groups at an additional cost.
Accessibility: All of our venue is wheelchair accessible via lift. and a hearing loop is provided in both event spaces and in the reception area.
Food and drink: Tea and coffee are provided for all venue hire bookings free of charge. We can also arrange for additional catering if required.
Book sales: Generally, all book (or other media) sales should be made through the Society's bookshop. Family History Societies may of course sell their own publications to their own members, but we would ask that they do not sell titles that would otherwise be sold by us.
Cancellations: 50% of the fee is payable if the hirer cancels within one month of the date booked. If the hirer cancels in the last seven days, the full fee is payable.
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