We’re currently looking for Events Volunteers who can support our virtual and in-person events. It’s a great opportunity for anyone who is comfortable with technology and enjoys meeting new people from around the world. Interested? Find out more below.
We aim to educate and entertain family historians, providing opportunities to learn more about the lives of our ancestors and ways to research them. Our events are also social experience for family history enthusiasts, where they can meet and chat with like-minded people.
Our events take place in-person in our Wharf Road library and online reaching SoG members and family historians around the world. We also host guided visits, mainly in London, to archives and museums.
Events volunteers are part of a small, supportive and friendly team. You can chose how many events you host and you’ll be able to attend all events that you host for free.
If you have any questions you can get in touch with our Volunteer Coordinator at volunteer@sog.org.uk or fill in our short application form.
As a charity, we want family history skills, records and knowledge to be open to more people and provide opportunities for the next generation to discover, preserve and share the past. So, we are pleased to introduce ‘Future Family Historians’, a free three month virtual volunteering programme for students aged 14 to 17.
Participants will learn family history skills, take part in practical projects, hear from experts and explore heritage careers. The programme ends with a research project which will be published on our website.
The programme starts at the end of June and runs until August. If you would like more information please get in touch with our Volunteer Coordinator or you can complete this short application form. The deadline is: Friday 12th June 2026.
Are you interested in history or ever wondered what careers use history and family history day-to-day? We offer week long, in-person work experience for students studying history, genealogy or related disciplines. Why not get in touch with our Volunteer Coordinator for more details or you can complete this application form to register your interest.
Does your employer have an employee volunteering scheme? Then why not spend your time with us. We have projects that you can complete from home or onsite with different levels of experience needed. If you have any questions, please get in touch with our Volunteer Coordinator here.
We currently have a wait list for other volunteering opportunities below. If you’re interested in any of these projects you can register your interest here.
Our Great Card Index Project
Our volunteers transcribe handwritten cards which include genealogical information including parish registers, marriage licences and wills. Information is shared via Dropbox and it’s an excellent exercise to keep the mind sharp!
The Pedigree Rolls project
We currently hold 300 boxes of Pedigree Rolls in various forms; from the rough working trees to the artistic beautiful pedigrees. The team transcribe each one, making them accessible to our members and the general public.
SoG Data Indexing Project
We have many digitised copies of typescript which require alphabetising so we can make these available to researchers. This project requires the volunteer to be a member as information is accessed via our membership portal. Experience with Spreadsheets will be an advantage.
General Library Volunteering
This in-person position is a varied role based in our north London Library. Tasks include shelving, shelf checking, labelling and tagging books, data entry and basic scanning. Previous experience working in a library will be an advantage but not necessary.
Archive Volunteering
Our archive materials collections vary from pedigrees, genealogical notes, certificates, but also family photographs, reminiscences, diaries – all the way to employment letters, school papers, and bills! Our volunteers list, file and package this material to help make our archives available online.
In-house Digitisation Project
Provides access to digital files and indexes in our expanding database, SoG Explore, gives our members the opportunity to access and use our collections no matter where they live. Our volunteers scan and list our collections in our library.
“I started volunteering with the Society of Genealogists a few months ago and have really enjoyed being part of such a friendly and enthusiastic community. I’d definitely encourage it – it’s a great way to connect and share your interest in family history.” Sandy
