Dumfriesshire 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.

Regional Societies
Dumfries & Galloway Family History Society 9 Glasgow St Dumfries DG2 9AF UK Telephone: 1387 248093 Email: [mailto:secretary@dgfhs.org.uk secretary@dgfhs.org.uk] Website: Dumfries & Galloway Family History Society


 * Dumfries & Galloway Family History Society covers the three counties of South West Scotland – Dumfriesshire, Kirkcudbrightshire, and Wigtownshire. Our aim is to promote the study of family history and is run by volunteers. We do not contract to do research for others, we simply act as facilitators for researchers visiting our area who are doing their own research.

Dumfriesshire and Galloway Natural History and Antiquarian Society Castle Douglas Parish Church Hall Queen St Castle Douglas, Kirkcudbrightshire DG7 1EG UK Telephone: 01387 710274 Email: [mailto:john.l.l.williams@btinternet.com john.l.l.williams@btinternet.com] Website: Dumfriesshire and Galloway Natural History and Antiquarian Society


 * The objects of the Society shall be to collect and publish the best information on the natural sciences and antiquities (including history, records, genealogy, customs, and heraldry) of the three counties of Dumfries, Kirkcudbright, and Wigtown; to procure the preservation of objects of natural science and antiquities relative to the district; to encourage local research and field activities in natural science and excavations by private individuals or public bodies and afford them suggestions and co-operation; to prevent, as far as possible, any injury to ancient monuments and records, etc.; and to collect photographs, drawings and descriptions, and transcripts of the same.

Local Societies
Auchencairn History Society Mahwood Shore Road Auchencairn Castle Douglas, Kirkcudbrightshire DG7 1QZ UK Telephone: 01556 640307 Email: [mailto:enquiries@auchencairn-history-society.org.uk enquiries@auchencairn-history-society.org.uk] Website: Auchencairn History Society


 * The Society was formed in 2000 by a small group of enthusiasts to delve into and make available the past history of Auchencairn and its environs for the benefit of all who have an interest in the village and surrounding area.

Carsphairn Heritage Group The Heritage Centre Carsphairn Castle Douglas, Kirkcudbrightshire DG7 3TQ UK Telephone: 01644 460653 Email: [mailto:carsphairnheritagegroup@gmail.com carsphairnheritagegroup@gmail.com] Website: Carsphairn Heritage Group Website #2: Carsphairn Heritage Group


 * The Group was formed in 1987 since when it has amassed a collection of family history records, photographs and slides as well as numerous items of local interest. The Heritage & Craft Centre was built in 1992 and is run by the Heritage Group which is made up of local residents and others further afield who are interested in the history of this small community.

Glencairn History Group Institute Committee Room Glencairn Memorial Institute Chapel Street Moniaive DG3 4EJ UK Telephone: 07772 877 443 Email: [mailto:bob23martin@yahoo.com bob23martin@yahoo.com] Website: Glencairn History Group Website #2: Glencairn History Group


 * The History Group was set up to research the history and heritage of our Parish and make this available to anyone with an interest in Glencairn. The aim is create a local resource for storing and presenting documents and artefacts. We are interested in all aspects of the Parish’s past, from the more distant to the most recent, from the marvellous to the mundane.

Langholm Archive Group 93 High Street Langholm UK Email: [mailto:enquiries@langholmpicturearchive.com enquiries@langholmpicturearchive.com] Website: Langholm Archive Group


 * The Group has collected and received a great variety of objects and documents relating to Langholm and its district, from wills and shoes patterns to old guide books and engravings. It also holds an extensive collection of photographs, some of which are available on DVD. The Group have also produced Langholm Through the Ages, a booklet detailing the history of the town and its surrounding district, and are indexing the local newspaper, the Eskdale and Liddesdale Advertiser, which was first published in 1848.

Middlebie Parish History Group Telephone: 01576 300095 Website: Middlebie Parish History Group


 * Our aim is to collect, collate, and preserve historical information relating to our local area. Results of the Group's findings will be made available to the community. We intend to share freely, especially with the primary school children, and visitors to the area, many of whom come because of family connections to this parish.

Royal Burgh of Sanquhar Heritage Society St Brides Church Hall St Mary's Street Sanquhar, Dumfriesshire DG4 6BZ UK Telephone: 01659 50596 Email: [mailto:dunruth@btinternet.com dunruth@btinternet.com] Website: Royal Burgh of Sanquhar Heritage Society


 * The preservation and protection of all local artefacts, and research into the history of Sanquhar. Provides local family history, and is in contact with local schools.