Dorset Family History Society

The Dorset Family History Society is for those who are interested in tracing their family history, whether they are beginners or experts.

The society can provide research support and facilities for people in the UK or overseas with family interests in Dorset, as well as those who live in Dorset but whose families may have lived in other counties or countries. It is a member of the Federation of Family History Societies.

Benefits

 * What are the benefits for becoming a member of the society? :
 * 11 meetings each year (not August) at Upper Parkstone, near Poole, Dorset
 * Computer Group - meets monthly (not January or August) at Treetops Research Centre
 * Quarterly Journal (posted on the 1st working day of December, March, June & September). New Members receive the Journals published since the beginning of their membership year
 * Dorset Family History information - some booklets, CDs and fiche are for sale, other records can be searched on your behalf for a fee
 * Research advice available at meetings and our Treetops Research Centre
 * Personal research can be carried out at our Treetops Research Centre (+ 1 to 1 assistance available if needed). Not restricted to Dorset records
 * Sales table - available at meetings and by post
 * Lending library
 * Exchange journals from many other Family History Societies available on loan (personal visitors to Treetops only)
 * Coach trips to London Record Offices and, as occasion demands, to other Family History venues
 * Reduced fees for meetings, use of Treetops Research Centre, Education courses and workshops, coach trips and search services
 * 2 Mailing Lists - details of how to subscribe can be found in the centre pages of the Journal.
 * What are the benefits the society has to offer for those who are not members?:
 * Attend a half day or one day workshop; or a two day course led by Jane Ferentzi-Sheppard one of Britain's leading family history tutors

Publications
Source:
 * Parish Register Master Surname Index - index only on CD
 * DFHS Journals from June 1999 to December 2007 - Searchable CD requires Adobe Reader to access the files
 * Newspaper Index - Originally compiled several years ago by Doreen Giles, it is a name index, mostly of BM&Ds with a smattering of court appearances etc., taken from several of the newspapers local to Poole, Christchurch & Bournemouth between the years 1865 and 1891. - Searchable CD requires Adobe Reader to access the files.
 * Monumental Inscriptions Surname Index - This index, consisting of over 40,000 names, lists the surnames and the churchyards in which they are found with full instructions how to obtain the inscriptions - CD
 * Dorset Strays Index - A stray is a recorded event in which a person is described in the record as being from, or connected with, a place (such as a County) outside the area in which they normally lived. - CD listing full name, place of birth, place found and date (includes Dorset men in Hampshire Police) - Updated to February 2010
 * Member's Interests - Available to members only. Please state your membership number - CD - Updated to February 2010
 * Dictionary of Old Occupations
 * Dorset Parishes and Neighbouring Parishes Research Aid

Events
The Society holds two meetings in most months. These are the Monthly Meeting (2nd Mondays) and the Computer Group (1st Tuesdays). In addition, the Society attends Fairs organised by other Family History Societies and organise coach trips, usually to the London Record Offices.

These events are shown on the calendar. Special events are also included on the current news page.

Frequently Asked Questions

 * Q. What are the directions to the society?
 * A.


 * Q. What hours is the society is open?
 * A.