Glamorgan Societies

Family history societies often publish helpful journals, transcripts, compiled genealogies and host helpful websites. They may have ongoing projects to transcribe records and create indexes. Most societies publish queries in their journals and maintain lists of members’ research interests that may be helpful to you. You may want to join one of these societies, reap the benefits of their expertise and resources, or support its efforts.

Addresses of the societies are for the most part where their meetings are held as they are by-and-large not brick-and-mortar institutions.

Glamorgan Societies
Blackpill Local History Society Vivian Hall Mumbles Road Blackpill Swansea, West Glamorgan SA3 5AS UK Telephone: 01792 208907 Website: Blackpill Local History Society


 * The Blackpill Local History Society was formed in 1987 and over the years the group has arranged programmes on a variety of themes. Specialist speakers provide information and members can also explore themes and topics of interest covering the rich social and industrial heritage of this part of West Wales.

Bridgend & District Local History Society Carnegie House (The Old Library) 14 Wyndham Street Bridgend CF31 1EF UK Telephone: 07773 050830 Email: [mailto:secretary@bridgend-history-society.co.uk secretary@bridgend-history-society.co.uk] Website: Bridgend & District Local History Society Website #2: Bridgend Local History Society


 * The Society arranges lectures and visits on topics of local interest and other appropriate subjects.

Brynmawr Historical Society (Cymdeithas Hanes Brynmawr) Brynmawr Social Club 61 Beaufort Street Brynmawr Blaenau Gwent, South Wales NP23 4AE UK Email: [mailto:brynmawrhistsoc@gmail.com brynmawrhistsoc@gmail.com] Website: Brynmawr Historical Society


 * The object of the Society is to foster interest in all aspects of the historical development of the district in particular and the wider world nationally and internationally by organising lectures, discussions, and visits both cultural and social.

Caerphilly Local History Society Wesley Methodist Church Crescent Road Caerphilly, Mid Glamorgan CF83 1AB UK Email: [mailto:info@caerphillylocalhistorysociety.co.uk info@caerphillylocalhistorysociety.co.uk] Website: Caerphilly Local History Society


 * Caerphilly Local History Society was formed in 1957 to encourage interest in the area's history. It continues to record, research, share, and preserve the history of the town and surrounding areas.

Cardiff Archaeological Society (Cymdeithas Archeolegol Caerdydd) Small Chemistry Lecture Theatre Main Building Park Place Cardiff University Cardiff CF10 3AT UK Telephone: 02920 613127 Email: [mailto:cardiffarchsoc@gmail.com cardiffarchsoc@gmail.com] Website: Cardiff Archaeological Society Website #2: Cardiff Archaeological Society


 * The Cardiff Archaeological Society was formed in 1960 to promote, by lectures, field visits and, where possible, field work, an interest in the remains and history of past cultures and in the practices, techniques and disciplines of archaeology.

Clydach Historical Society Clydach Community Centre Vardre Road Clydach, Swansea SA6 5LP UK Telephone: 01792 843548 Email: [mailto:hale122@btinternet.com hale122@btinternet.com] Website: Clydach Historical Society


 * It is the aim of the society ‘to provide, encourage and generate critical thought about local history’, and this aim has proved successful many times over.

Cowbridge History Society Lesser Hall The Town Hall 21 High Street Cowbridge, South Wales CF71 7DD UK Telephone: 01446 772704 Email: [mailto:chsoc@hotmail.co.uk chsoc@hotmail.co.uk] Website: Cowbridge History Society


 * The Society's main objectives are to promote the history and heritage of the area via a series of talks and exhibitions; to conduct and sponsor research and to publish its findings; to celebrate the town's Charter Day (13 March 1254); and to conserve information in any form of the district's history via a local study room that is open to the public.

Cwm Dulais Historical Society The Music Centre Station Terrace Seven Sisters, Neath Port Talbot Telephone: 01639 644299 Website: Cwm Dulais Historical Society


 * Founded in 1964, the Cwm Dulais Historical Society is concerned with the study of history, with the particular objective of encouraging interest in the local history of the Dulais Valley in the South Wales area. Its catchment area comprises of the villages of Coelbren, Banwen, Dyffryn Cellwen, Pantyffordd, Seven Sisters, and Crynant. It also includes Cilfrew and Aberdulais.

Cymmer Afan and District Historical Society 9 Afan Road Dyffryn Rhondda Neath Port Talbot SA13 3ES UK Email: [mailto:Byron@bgage.orangehome.co.uk Byron@bgage.orangehome.co.uk] Website: Cymmer Afan and District Historical Society

Cynon Valley History Society (Cymdeithas Hanes Cwm Cynon) The Vestry Green Street Methodist Church High St Aberdare, Rhondda Cynon Taf CF44 7AA UK Telephone: 01685 879793 Email: [mailto:haydnwilliams3@hotmail.com haydnwilliams3@hotmail.com] Website: Cynon Valley History Society


 * The Society's objectives are to promote, encourage, and maintain an active interest in the history of the district in all its aspects; to arrange talks and lectures; to undertake original research and assist in the collection of local material such as manuscripts, books, artefacts and photographs; and to publish titles on local history.

Darran Valley History Group Deri Community Centre 9 Riverside Walk Deri Bargoed, Caerphilly CF81 9GE UK Telephone: 01443 830014 Email: [mailto:baarbaarathesheep@hotmail.co.uk baarbaarathesheep@hotmail.co.uk] Website: Darran Valley History Group

Dinas Powys Local History Society Kynance Hall Methodist Church The Common Dinas Powys, Wales CF64 4DT UK Telephone: 029 2051 3524

Evanstown and Gilfach Goch Historical Society Evanstown Community Centre 32 Abercerdin Road Evanstown Gilfach Goch Porth, Bridgend CF39 8RPUK Telephone: 01443 674440 Email: [mailto:ivysmile28@yahoo.com ivysmile28@yahoo.com] Website: Evanstown and Gilfach Goch Historical Society


 * The purpose of the group is to preserve the heritage and history of Gilfach Goch and Evanstown.

Garw Valley Heritage Society Website: Garw Valley Heritage Society Website #2: Garw Valley Heritage Society


 * We are a group of local people who are enthusiastic about creating an archive of our valley’s industrial and social history. We are keen to record the progress and events in the valley in pictures and notes from the 1800’s to ensure that this valuable and rich source of information does not disappear forever.  We aim to develop exhibits and educational material to enable the future generations to see what was once a thriving industrial community, and to compare present day sights with historical views in a “Now and Then” theme.

Gelligaer Historical Society Llancaiach Fawr Gelligaer Road Nelson Treharris Caerphilly CF46 6ER UK Email: [mailto:webmaster@gelligaerhistoricalsociety.co.uk webmaster@gelligaerhistoricalsociety.co.uk] Website: Gelligaer Historical Society


 * The Society aims to study local history and heritage in the area of the old parish and urban district of Gelligaer in north east Glamorgan, which includes modern communities such as Pontlottyn, Brithdir, Bargoed, Hengoed, Ystrad Mynach, Trelewis, Bedlinog, Fochrhiw, and Deri as well as the village of Gelligaer itself. The Society promotes this by arranging lectures, discussions, and field meetings to heritage sites as well as encouraging research.

Gelligaer Local History Appreciation Society (Cymdeithas Gwerthfawrogi Hanes Lleol Gelligaer) St Cattwg Community Hall Church Road Gelligaer, Caerphilly CF82 8FW UK Email: [mailto:info@gelligaerlocalhistoryappreciationsociety.org.uk info@gelligaerlocalhistoryappreciationsociety.org.uk] Website: Gelligaer Local History Appreciation Society

Glamorgan Family History Society Aberdare/Cynon Valley Branch Green Street Methodist Church High St. Aberdare Rhondda Cynon Taf, Mid Glamorgan CF44 7AA UK Email: [mailto:aberdare@glamfhs.org.uk aberdare@glamfhs.org.uk] Bridgend Branch Len Evans Centre Aberkenfig Bridgend, Mid Glamorgan CF32 9RF UK Email: [mailto:bridgend@glamfhs.org.uk bridgend@glamfhs.org.uk] Cardiff Branch The Dining Room Insole Court Fairwater Road, Cardiff CF5 2LN UK Email: [mailto:cardiff@glamfhs.org.uk cardiff@glamfhs.org.uk] Pontypridd & Rhondda Branch Pontypridd Museum Bridge Street Pontypridd Rhondda Cynon Taf, Mid Glamorgan CF37 4PE UK Email: [mailto:rhondda@glamfhs.org.uk rhondda@glamfhs.org.uk] Sully Group Branch The Old School South Road Sully, Vale of Glamorgan CF64 5TG UK Email: [mailto:sully@glamfhs.org.uk sully@glamfhs.org.uk]

Email: [mailto:secretary@glamfhs.org.uk secretary@glamfhs.org.uk] Website: Glamorgan Family History Society


 * The Glamorgan Family History Society acts as a focal point for anyone who may be interested in Family History and Genealogy, not just those whose roots are in Glamorgan. Many members live within the historic county, but equally, many live far beyond its boundaries.

Glamorgan History Society (Cymdeithas Hanes Morgannwg) Tondu Methodist Church 44 Maesteg Rd Tondu, Bridgend CF32 9BT UK Telephone: 01792 205888 Email: [mailto:paulreynolds44@googlemail.com paulreynolds44@googlemail.com] Website: Glamorgan History Society


 * The Glamorgan History Society was founded in 1950 with the aim of promoting and encouraging the study of the history of the old county of Glamorgan. Originally named the Glamorgan Local History Society, it adopted its present title in 1966. From its earliest beginnings, the Society has encouraged original research by professional and amateur historians alike. The results often provide the main feature articles in Morgannwg, the Society's journal.

Glynneath & Cwmgwrach Historical Society (Cymdeithas Hanesyddol Glynnedd a Cwmgwrach) Glynneath Training Centre Oddfellows St Glynneath, Neath SA11 5DB UK Telehone: 01639 722105 Email: [mailto:grahamghs@aol.com grahamghs@aol.com] Website: Glynneath & Cwmgwrach Historical Society


 * Founded in 1974 Glynneath & Cwmgwrach Historical Society exists to encourage and promote local participation in activities related to the study of history.

The Gower Society Sketty Parish Centre de la Beche Road Sketty, Swansea SA2 9AR UK Email: [mailto:contact@thegowersociety.org.uk contact@thegowersociety.org.uk] Website: The Gower Society


 * The Gower Society’s aims are to encourage an appreciation of the unique qualities of Gower in the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and in the whole of the lordship of Gower; to protect the heritage of Gower, its landscape, its historical and its built environment; to protect and enhance its diverse wildlife habitats, encouraging its rich animal and plant life; to safeguard its rights of way and open spaces; to ensure that its common land is kept free of encroachments; to work with young people, adults, local communities and organisations in Gower; and to lobby for support for Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, including Gower.

Gowerton Library Historical Society Gowerton Library Mansel St Gowerton, Swansea SA4 3BU UK Website: Gowerton Library Historical Society


 * We are a group of local residents with a keen interest in recording, collating, and preserving the local history of Gowerton and surrounding areas. from the earliest recording to the present day.

Grangetown Local History Society Llynfi Room Glamorgan Archives Leckwith, Cardiff CF11 8AB UK Email: [mailto:grcarinfo@yahoo.co.uk grcarinfo@yahoo.co.uk] Website: Grangetown Local History Society


 * We are a group of people interested in local history, many Grangetown born and bred, but others who have come to live in the area. We also welcome visitors, including people from overseas on a visit back to their roots!

Historical Association Swansea Branch National Waterfront Museum Oystermouth Rd Swansea SA1 3RD UK Telephone: 07971 665594 Email: [mailto:haswansea@ymail.com haswansea@ymail.com] Website: Historical Association Swansea Branch Website #2: Historical Association Swansea Branch


 * The Historical Association is a national organisation which supports the study and appreciation of History at all levels, without chronological or geographical limitations. The ‘catchment area’ of the Swansea Branch is south-west Wales (anywhere that has an SA postcode, in fact, and sometimes a little beyond), and our aim is to bring together people who share an interest in, and love for History.

The Kenfig Society (Cymdeithas Cynffig) Pyle Parish Hall Next to the Vicarage Pyle Road Pyle, Bridgend CF33 6AE UK Email: [mailto:publications@kenfigsociety.org publications@kenfigsociety.org] Website: The Kenfig Society


 * ​The Kenfig Society's aim is to advance the education of the public in the history of Kenfig and the surrounding district.

Lisvane Historical Society Main Hall Old School Lisvane, Cardiff CF14 0SQ UK Website: Lisvane Historical Society


 * Lisvane Historical Society was established in January 2006 with the aim of undertaking research into the history of the village and to preserve current information.

Llafur: The Welsh People’s History Society South Wales Miners’ Library Swansea University Hendrefoilan Campus Gower Road Swansea SA2 7NB UK Telephone: 01792 518693 Email: [mailto:editor@llafur.org editor@llafur.org] Website: Llafur: The Welsh People’s History Society


 * Llafur was formed in 1970 to promote and popularise the knowledge and study of all aspects of people’s history in Wales.

Llancarfan Society Llancarfan Community Hall Llancarfan, Vale of Glamorgan CF62 3AD UK Email: [mailto:llancarfansoc@gmail.com llancarfansoc@gmail.com] Website: Llancarfan Society


 * The Llancarfan Society is a forum for those who are resident in the Community Area of Llancarfan and those who have a general interest, previously resided, or have family relationships in the area. The Society publishes newsletters on a regular basis which is devoted to matters of local interest, including current affairs, history, wildlife, members writings, and similar material.

Llanishen Local History Society Coed Glas School Ty Glas Avenue Llanishen, Cardiff CF14 5DW UK Website: Llanishen Local History Society Website #2: Llanishen Local History Society


 * Our society was founded by a number of Llanishen residents in 1990. Their aim was to share their knowledge of the history of this beautiful part of north Cardiff with others.

Llansamlet Historical Society (Cymdeithas Hanesyddol Llansamlet) Trallwn Community Centre Pontypridd, Rhondda Cynon Taf CF37 4RS UK Telephone: 01792 843756 Email: [mailto:llansamlethistory@gmail.com llansamlethistory@gmail.com] Website: Llansamlet Historical Society


 * The society was originally formed by a small group of people connected to Ebenezer Chapel, Llwynbrwydrau. A photographic exhibition was held in the chapel and more than 200 people attended and signed the visitors’ book. This encouraged the organisers to form the Llansamlet Historical Society.

Llantrisant & District Local History Society Pontyclun Community Hall 29 Heol Yr Orsaf Pontyclun, Rhondda Cynon Taf CF72 9TY UK Email: [mailto:llantrisantlhs@gmail.com llantrisantlhs@gmail.com] Website: Llantrisant & District Local History Society


 * Membership is open to all with an interest in the history of the ancient Borough, the even more ancient Parish, and all those adjacent parishes that were, historically, part of the southern half of the Welsh lordships of Meisgyn and Glynrhondda. This wide interest involves an overlap of membership with the neighbouring historical societies of Pontypridd and Pentyrch. Also, due to work that has been done on local families for the 17th and 18th centuries, there is an overlap with the Glamorgan Family History Society. Members are also encouraged to join the Glamorgan History Society.


 * Our aim is to celebrate the people and places of the ancient lordships of Meisgyn and Glynrhondda. This is achieved by research and publications, talks given to members by visiting lecturers, and visits to places of historical interest.

Llantwit Major Local History Society Llantonian Hall Boverton Rd Llantwit Major, Vale of Glamorgan CF61 UK Telephone: 01446 796173 Email: [mailto:nglwil@aol.com nglwil@aol.com] Website: Llantwit Major Local History Society Website #2: Llantwit Major Local History Society


 * Founded in 1967, the Society seeks to preserve and promote the great heritage and 1500 year history of the settlement at Llaniltud Fawr (St Illtud’s great church) and the surrounding area.

Llynfi Valley Historical Society St. David's Church Castle St Maesteg, Bridgend CF34 9BL UK Telephone: 07977 831317 Website: Llynfi Valley Historical Society Website #2: Llynfi Valley Historical Society


 * The Society's objective is to foster an interest in local history in the valley and Wales in general through visits and discussions and in providing a series of varied and entertaining educational talks presented by acknowledged authorities in their particular fields.

Merthyr Tydfil Historical Society Trehafod Community Village Hall Ivor Street Trehafod, Pontypridd CF37 2NF UK Telephone: 01685 376792 Email: [mailto:carlllewellyn@btinternet.com carlllewellyn@btinternet.com] Website: Merthyr Tydfil Historical Society


 * The Society's aim is to advance the education of the public by promoting the study of the local history and architecture of Merthyr Tydfil.

Merthyr Tydfil Museum and Heritage Group Trehafod Community Village Hall Ivor Street Trehafod, Pontypridd CF37 2NF UK Email: [mailto:h.williams@weasouthwales.org.uk h.williams@weasouthwales.org.uk] Website: Merthyr Tydfil Museum and Heritage Group


 * The Groupy's aim is to advance the education of the public by the promotion, support, and improvement of the Heritage of Merthyr Tydfil and its Museums.

Neath Antiquarian Society Old Town Hall 2 Church Place Neath SA11 3LL UK (monthly meetings) Neath Mechanics' Institute 4 Church Place Neath SA11 3LL UK (Society Archives) Telephone: 01639 620139 (Monday and Thursday only) Website: Neath Antiquarian Society Website #2: Neath Antiquarian Society Archives


 * Formed in 1923 the Neath Antiquarian Society has taken a leading role in recording, preserving, and safeguarding Neath's historical heritage. Therefore, the Society began to collect archives relating to the local area and further afield.

Ogmore Valley Local History Society Ogmore Vale Constitutional Club 59 High St Ogmore Vale Bridgend CF32 7AG UK Email: [mailto:ovlhs@ovlhs.co.uk ovlhs@ovlhs.co.uk] Website: Ogmore Valley Local History Society


 * The Society was formed in 1999 to carry out research into the history of the Ogmore Valley, to collect and collate documents, photographs, and other historical evidence relating to the Ogmore Valley. For the purposes of the Society, the “Ogmore Valley” is deemed to include the habitations of Blackmill, Glyn Llan, Glynogwr, Lewistown, Nantymoel, Pricetown, Ogmore Vale, Pant-yr-Awel, and Wyndham, together with their environs. These districts fall within the ancient parishes of Llandyfodwg and Llangeinor.

Oxford House Industrial History Society Risca Industrial History Museum Colliers Institute Grove Rd Risca, Newport NP11 6GN UK Email: [mailto:info@riscamuseum.org.uk info@riscamuseum.org.uk] Website: Oxford House Industrial History Society Website #2: Risca Industrial History Museum


 * The Society consists of the people behind the Risca Industrial History Museum which displays its collection of artefacts, memorabilia, and photographs illustrating some of the industrial history of the area: coal mining, the iron industry, tram roads, railways, etc.

Oystermouth Historical Association Ostreme Centre Castle Avenue Mumbles, Swansea SA3 4BA UK Telephone: 01792 361466 Website: Oystermouth Historical Association


 * The Association welcomes everyone interested in the history of the village of Mumbles, the Parish of Oystermouth, and the surrounding area.

Pen Y Graig and District Historical Society c/o Soar Centre Pen Y Graig, Rhondda Cynon Taf CF40 1LD UK Telephone: 01443 432778 Email: [mailto:creightonsims@btinternet.com creightonsims@btinternet.com] Website: Pen Y Graig and District Historical Society

Penarth Local History Society All Saints Lesser Hall Victoria Square Penarth, Vale of Glamorgan CF64 3EH UK Telephone: 02920 702901 Website: Penarth Local History Society

Penderyn Community Historical Society (Cymdeithas Hanesyddol Gymunedol Penderyn) Penderyn Community Centre Pontpren Aberdare, Rhondda Cynon Taf CF44 9UX UK Website: Penderyn Community Historical Society


 * Three aims of the Society are to encourage awareness and interest in the locality, to celebrate the rich and varied traditions associated with the locality, and to provide a means of contact for people world-wide with an interest in the Penderyn locality to pursue their research.

Pentyrch & District Local History Society (Cymdeithas Hanes Lleol Pentyrch a’r Cylch) Pentyrch Village Hall Heol-Y-Bryn Pentyrch, Cardiff CF15 9PY UK Email: [mailto:pentyrchistory@gmail.com pentyrchistory@gmail.com] Website: Pentyrch & District Local History Society


 * Pentyrch and District Local History Society was formed to record for posterity what is known about local life in past times. We hold census records for the parish from 1841 to 1911 and parish records for St Catwg’s Church back to 1695.  We are happy to respond to requests for reasonable levels of family history research in these records.

Pontypridd Historical Society Lower Room Pontypridd Museum Bridge St Pontypridd, Rhondda Cynon Taf CF37 4PE UK Website: Pontypridd Historical Society


 * Pontypridd Historical Society exists to foster the continuing interest in the history of Pontypridd and the surrounding area as well as Wales in general and all things with a Welsh connection worldwide.

Port Talbot Historical Society Carmel Chapel Vestry Riverside Glan-yr-Afon Port Talbot, Neath SA13 1PQ UK Email: [mailto:admin@historicalporttalbot.co.uk admin@historicalporttalbot.co.uk] Website: Port Talbot Historical Society

Porthcawl Museum & Historical Society Porthcawl Museum The Old Police Station John St. Porthcawl, Brtidgend CF36 5DT UK Telephone: 01656 788853 Email: [mailto:porthcawlmuseum@hotmail.co.uk porthcawlmuseum@hotmail.co.uk] Website: Porthcawl Museum & Historical Society

Radyr and Morganstown Local History Society Old Church Rooms Park Road Radyr, Cardiff CF15 8DF UK Telephone: 02920 843176 Email: [mailto:cookatradyr222@gmail.com cookatradyr222@gmail.com] Website: Radyr and Morganstown Local History Society

Resolfen History Society (Cymdeithas Hanes Resolfen) Website: Resolfen History Society

Rhondda Historical Society (Cymdeithas Hanes y Rhondda) Trehafod Community Hall Ivor St Trehafod Cilfynydd, Pontypridd CF37 2NF UK Telephone: 07810277048 Email: [mailto:rhonddahs@yahoo.com rhonddahs@yahoo.com] Website: Rhondda Historical Society Website #2: Rhondda Historical Society Website #3: Rhondda Historical Society


 * The Society's aims and objectives are to research the history of the Rhondda Valleys and links with other areas of South Wales through the development of the coal industry and the community that developed with industry by preserving memories, stories, and archives as resources of information.

Roath Local History Society The Church Hall St. Andrews United Reformed Church Pen-y-Lan Road Roath, Cardiff CF24 3PB UK Website: Roath Local History Society


 * Our main unit of study was the ancient parish of Roath and the researching and recording of its history. Today the object of the Society is to promote, encourage, and maintain an active interest in, and research into, the local history on any area or subject, but with particular reference to the Ecclesiastical Parish of Roath.

Royal Institution of South Wales Swansea Museum Victoria Rd Swansea SA1 1SN UK Telephone: 01792 653763 Email: [mailto:secretary@risw.org secretary@risw.org] Website: Royal Institution of South Wales


 * It was founded in 1835 by an outstanding group of scientists, technologists, and historians who wanted to share and extend their knowledge. Among other things they founded and built what is now Swansea Museum. Today the RISW combines several roles: We share knowledge across all fields, including history, current issues, and science & technology; We have a special focus on Swansea and its area, especially its local history; and We act as the official Friends of the Swansea Museum.

Rumney and District Local History Society Email: [mailto:sylvia@rumneyhistory.org.uk sylvia@rumneyhistory.org.uk] Website: Rumney and District Local History Society


 * Rumney and District Local History Society, originally known as the Friends of Rumney Village, evolved from a 1990 idea of Ray Herrick who saw the need to provide an interest for active retired people. A successful public meeting was held which resulted in the formation of our Society. By 1992 an archive including old postcards and copies of photographs provided by Miss Betty Fish enabled the Society to produce a pictorial calendar. This was repeated for several years and proved to be our first successful venture.  Increasing membership and interest in the Society resulted in a growing archive of local interest with exhibitions held at the annual St. Mellons Show and in St David’s Hall.  Our future projects will include local and family history archives in the libraries of Rumney and St. Mellons.