Trace your family history
Family history is a fascinating hobby which can lead you to find out more about your ancestors, their lives and the area in which they lived. A good starting point is to join the Northamptonshire Family History Society.
If you are researching your Northamptonshire ancestors, then the Society has a lot to offer. Benefits include a quarterly journal containing research information, articles from members, news from the family history world and more - plus a monthly e-newsletter.
Branch meetings are held at Kettering and Northampton (open to everyone) and there are monthly online meetings (for members only). As an extra benefit of membership, there is a members’ only area on their website. This allows you to access back copies of journals, other resources and searchable databases. Talk to the Family History Society today. You’ll find they have an extensive knowledge of the county, resources and the Archives.
Check out the bookstall
The Society bookstall has a wide range of publications suitable for both beginners and more experienced researchers. This includes over 200 memorial inscription booklets from churchyards around the county.
Do your research
If you’re new to researching, you might like to download their basic research guide. They also have a number of other useful downloadable guides on a variety of topics on the Society's website.
Find more resources
To help with your search, you might also like to take a look at the resources on the Family History Federation website. Here, you'll find lots of useful information to enable you to look deeper.
Explore the archives
Northamptonshire Archives
Northamptonshire Archives holds historic records relating to the county. For your research, this will include parish registers, indexes, workhouse records, wills and probate, deeds, non-conformist records and estate records from many of the stately homes in the county. Northamptonshire Family History Society holds monthly surgeries at the Archives.
National Archives
Additionally, take a look at the information and research guides on the National Archives website.
Attend local events
Northamptonshire Family History Society works in partnership with Northamptonshire Archives and Northamptonshire Heritage Forum. Each holds family and local history events and conferences. Check out this website and theirs for further information.