Come along to our Family History Fair at the Heritage Hub on 2 November from 10am and be inspired

Everyone investigates family history for a different reason.  Sometimes they want to understand more about the lives of their own ancestors and make sense of half-remembered stories or random items which have come down the generations.  Then there are the researchers who want to unearth the now-forgotten story behind a photograph, put a more personal spin on national and international events, discover who lived in their house, street or community or dive down some new rabbit hole.  The list is almost endless and there is no right or wrong.  

Whatever your interest or level of experience, our Family History Fair has you covered.

 We have two very different but equally inspiring speakers.  Jo Teague, a local textile historian and researcher who interprets the lives of local people in stitches and fabric.  GFHS volunteers help her to research these stories so she’ll be talking about her latest project ‘Stitching Lives Together’ which celebrates some of the many Gloucester folk who worked with textiles, from sail makers to dressmakers.  Dr Nick Barratt needs no introduction and his thoughts about the future of family and local history are always stimulating.  Just to warn you - these talks must be booked in advance via the Heritage Hub website heritagehub.org.uk

Whether you’re just starting your research, have hit a problem or if you’ve done the basics but aren’t quite sure where to go next, our volunteers will be delighted to help you.  You’ll also be able to see (and check) some of the unique indexes in the FH Centre.  Don’t worry if the people you’re researching aren’t Gloucestershire born and bred - we have access to many of the main FH websites and are an affiliated FamilySearch Library.  Our volunteers can help you get the best from these sites.

If you have a question about DNA, professional genealogist, Mia Bennett, will be offering some short advice sessions between 10.15am and 12.30pm - you can book these when you arrive.  If you want to investigate a different way of managing and sharing the information you find, talk to Simon Davies who has developed a new platform called WeAre.XYZ - no need to book, he’s running demos throughout the day. 

 We’ll also be welcoming a wide variety of local family history and heritage groups so you can ask their advice and discover what they offer.  These groups include Bristol & Avon, Malvern and Wiltshire Family History Societies, the Gloucestershire Police Archives, the Romany & Traveller Family History Society, the Gloucestershire Mariners’ Project, the Gloucester Local History Society and the local branch of the Guild of One Name Studies. GGloucestershire Archives is offering behind-the scenes tours during the day together with a document display so this is a not-to-be missed chance to see the originals of the some of the digital resources.  The Archives team will also be able to advise you about preserving your own archives - who doesn’t have a box of old photos, letters or other items in need of a bit of TLC?

 The whole event is free, there is plenty of parking onsite and tea and biscuits throughout the day.

 We look forward to welcoming you!