Staffordshire 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
Birmingham and Midland Society for Genealogy and Heraldry (BMSGH) 5 Sanderling Court Kidderminster, Worcestershire DY10 4TS UK Telephone: 01562 743912 Email: [mailto:gensec@bmsgh.org gensec@bmsgh.org] Website: Birmingham and Midland Society


 * The Birmingham and Midland Society for Genealogy and Heraldry is the principal family history society for the counties of Staffordshire, Warwickshire, and Worcestershire. The modern metropolitan boroughs of Birmingham, Coventry, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull, Walsall, and Wolverhampton (collectively known as the West  Midlands) are within our area.  The metropolitan boroughs of Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall, and Wolverhampton are also sometimes collectively referred to as "The Black Country."


 * BMSGH has been restyled as Midland Ancestors. The new name reflects the changing needs in the family history market and is part of a wide-ranging revamp to create a family history society for the 21st century.

The Black Country Society The Dudley Canal Trust Portal Birmingham Road Dudley, West Midlands DY1 4SB UK Email; [mailto:info@blackcountrysociety.co.uk info@blackcountrysociety.co.uk] Website: The Black Country Society


 * The Black Country Society believes the original Black Country to be that area of South Staffordshire and North Worcestershire (excluding Birmingham) which was on the famous 30 foot seam of coal.

Midland Catholic History Society 16 Brandhall Court Wolverhampton Road Oldbury, West Midlands B68 8DE UK Telephone: 0121 422 1573 Website: Midland Catholic History Society


 * The Midland Catholic History Society was formed in 1996 by the merger of the Staffordshire Catholic History Society and the Worcestershire Catholic History Society. Staffordshire was founded in 1960 and Worcestershire in 1962 (amalgamated with the Federated Western Marches Recusant Society in 1981).  Both Staffordshire and Worcestershire were included in the Midland Vicariate Apostolic (1688-1840), and the Central Vicariate (1840-50) and the Diocese, later Archdiocese, of Birmingham (1850-).  The journals of the two societies were merged in 1991 and this allowed the regular appearance of a well produced publication drawing on material from all over the Midlands. The Worcestershire journal, Worcester Recusant, had long included material from Warwickshire, Herefordshire and Shropshire.

Ranulf Higden Society The John Rylands Library (University of Manchester Library) Oxford Rd Manchester, Lancashire M13 9PP UK Email: [mailto:ranulfhigden@gmail.com ranulfhigden@gmail.com] Website: Ranulf Higden Society


 * The Ranulf Higden Society transcribes and translates medieval Latin documents associated with Lancashire, Cheshire, Staffordshire, and Derbyshire.  Some people for their own purposes need to read and understand medieval records written in Latin or Anglo-Norman but do not have the benefit of the kind of support normally provided by postgraduate courses in universities.  The Society was formed to provide a means by which they might receive continuing instruction in various relevant fields and encourage and support.

Wesley Historical Society - West Midlands Methodist History Society Telephone: 0121 749 2986 Email: [mailto:westmidlands@wesleyhistoricalsociety.org.uk westmidlands@wesleyhistoricalsociety.org.uk] Website: Wesley Historical Society - West Midlands Methodist History Society


 * The aims of the Society laid down in 1893 were to promote the study of the history and literature of early Methodism, research into the Wesley's, and investigation into the beginnings and development of Methodism. To study and promote the history of all branches of Methodist history in the West Midlands area.  Area: The Birmingham and Wolverhampton and Shrewsbury Methodist Districts.

Wolverhampton Civic and Historical Society c/o ﻿The Old School 73 Dudley Road Wolverhampton, West Milands WV2 3BY UK Telephone: 01902 504741 Email: [mailto:wchs@mail.com wchs@mail.com] Website: Wolverhampton Civic and Historical Society


 * The Wolverhampton Civic Society was founded in 1960 and in 2010 it merged with the Wolverhampton History and Heritage Society to become the Wolverhampton Civic and Historical Society. Our aims are to promote the city through talks by expert speakers on various topics relating to Wolverhampton, the promotion of local history research, the erection of blue plaques and the scrutinising of planning applications. We are dedicated to promoting the history and heritage of Wolverhampton and ensuring that any new buildings and developments do not adversely affect the character and image of our great city!

Wolverhampton History and Heritage Society Website: Wolverhampton History and Heritage Society


 * The Society's site contains material about Wolverhampton's history and heritage, and Black Country towns. It is hoped that it will turn into an exercise in interactive co-operative writing and become a focus for those who know something about, or are finding out something about Wolverhampton and the surrounding area's history and heritage.

Staffordshire Societies
Aldridge Local History Society St. Mary's Church The Green Walsall, West Midlands WS9 8NH UK Email: [mailto:aldridgelhs@gmail.com aldridgelhs@gmail.com] Website: Aldridge Local History Society

Audley and District Family History Society St James Church Hall Audley, Staffordshire ST7 8HL UK Email: [mailto:famhist147@hotmail.co.uk famhist147@hotmail.co.uk] Website: Audley and District Family History Society


 * Audley Parish is situated in the rolling hills of North Staffordshire and has a long and interesting history, including farming and a period of intensive coal mining. Since 1986 the Audley and District Family History Society has been working to make records available for Audley and its adjoining parishes. Our records are based on the ancient ecclesiastical parish of Audley, which comprises of Audley Township, Bignall End, Halmer End, Knowle End, Park End, Eardley End and Talke. The adjoining area comprises of the ancient parishes of Barthomley and Church Lawton in Cheshire, and Wolstanton, Keele, Madeley and Betley in Staffordshire.

Berkswich History Society Walton Village Hall Green Gore Lane Walton-on-the-Hill Stafford, Staffordshire ST17 0LD UK Telephone: 01785 664613 Email: [mailto:bob@trentvalley.plus.com bob@trentvalley.plus.com] Website: Berkswich History Society


 * Aims to promote the heritage of the ancient parish of Berkswich to the local residents of the district.

Betley Local History Society The Beeches Main Road Betley Crewe, Staffordshire CW3 9AB UK Email: [mailto:betley.history@gmail.com betley.history@gmail.com] Website: Betley Local History Society


 * The regular monthly meetings are devoted to a programme of talks on topics of local historical interest or on wider issues which relate to such events in the village; visits to local and distant sites, landscapes, properties, buildings, record offices, archives, etc.; meetings at which local research is planned and carried out; and the experiences of growing up in the village and family life in the 20th century and before.

Biddulph & District Genealogy & Historical Society Biddulph Library Tunstall Rd Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire ST8 6HH UK Email: [mailto:djouthwaite@hotmail.com djouthwaite@hotmail.com] Website: Biddulph & District Genealogy & Historical Society


 * The aim of the Society is to promote genealogy and local history particularly pertaining to the Biddulph area.

Burntwood Family History Group Old Mining College Centre Queen St Chasetown Burntwood, Staffordshire WS7 4QH UK Telephone: 01543 448987 Email: [mailto:enquiries@bfhg.org.uk enquiries@bfhg.org.uk] Website: Burntwood Family History Group


 * The aim of the Burntwood Family History Group continues to bring together those who are interested in the research of their family history.

Cannock Chase Mining Historical Society Email: [mailto:enquiries@ccmhs.co.uk enquiries@ccmhs.co.uk] Website: Cannock Chase Mining Historical Society


 * The Society has an interest in the Coal Mining Heritage of the Cannock Chase Coalfield. It is researching and  writing the history of various Colliery Companies and Collieries and, of course, the Cannock Chase Coalfield.

Cheslyn Hay & District Local History Society Salem Chapel 15 High Street Cheslyn Hay, Staffordshire WS6 7AB UK ​Telephone: ​01922 410021 Mobile: ​07794418295 Email: [mailto:​malcolm.podmore@yahoo.co.uk malcolm.podmore@yahoo.co.uk] Website: Cheslyn Hay & District Local History Society


 * Aims are to broaden the understanding of Cheslyn Hay social and local history, together with supplying help and knowledge for people who have Cheslyn Hay ancestors who need guidance and support to answer their many historical questions.

Codsall & Bilbrook History Society Codsall Village Hall Wolverhampton Rd Codsall Wolverhampton, West Midlands WV8 1PW UK] Email: [mailto:judy.davies7@gmail.com judy.davies7@gmail.com] Website: Codsall & Bilbrook History Society


 * The website provides information about Codsall & Bilbrook History Society, its activities and meetings. The Society has also published some archive material on the site. There are 100 A4-sized pages of text and pictures which include residents' memories from the early part of the 20th Century, the struggle to get Codsall a village hall of its own, an archive postcard collection, and extracts from our History Trails to help walkers explore the area on foot.

Colton History Society Website: Colton History Society


 * Colton is a small village in Staffordshire, a mile North of Rugeley. It boasts a long and vibrant history, with many people, traditions and buildings of historic merit.

Eccleshall Historical Society Eccleshall Community Centre Shaws Lane Eccleshall Stafford, Staffordshire ST21 6AU UK Telephone: 01630 673153 Email: [mailto:apchamberlain6@aol.com apchamberlain6@aol.com] ​Website: Eccleshall Historical Society


 * Eccleshall Historical Society arranges informal meetings for people with an interest in history in general and local history in particular. ​Visits to places of historical interest are included in each years’ programme.

Hixon Local History Society Hixon Memorial Hall High Street Hixon Stafford, Staffordshire ST18 0QF Telephone: 01889 270924 Email: [mailto:k.j.tooth@talk21.com k.j.tooth@talk21.com] Website: Hixon Local History Society


 * Aims to make people aware of the Heritage of Hixon and the local area.

Kinver Historical Society Kinver Senior Citizens Club The Edward Marsh Centre Sterrymere Gardens Kinver Stourbridge, South Staffordshire DY7 6ET UK Telephone: 01384 872117

Landor Local History Society 1 Bilberry Close Rugeley, Staffordshire WS15 2SH UK Telephone: 01889 576674 Email: [mailto:markettle@btinternet.co.uk markettle@btinternet.co.uk] Website: Landor Local History Society


 * The Society is a focus for those who wish to learn more about the history of Rugeley (Staffordshire) and its surrounding parishes. It serves Rugeley, Staffordshire, and the neighbouring parishes.  We care about the heritage of the town of Rugeley and its surrounding area.

The Leek & District Historical Society Dove Room Moorlands House Stockwell Street Leek, Staffordshire ST13 9SG UK Email: [mailto:wcathryn@hotmail.com wcathryn@hotmail.com] Website: The Leek & District Historical Society


 * The Society is actively involved in promoting research into the history of the town of Leek and surrounding villages in the Staffordshire Moorlands. It aims to give local historians opportunities to display their findings and explain their discoveries to as wide an audience as possible.

Northern Mine Research Society Website: Northern Mine Research Society


 * We are a group of people dedicated to the preservation and recording of mining history, Northern referring to the our administrative base rather than our field of interest.

The Old Nortonian Society Email: [mailto:secretary@oldnortoniansociety.org.uk secretary@oldnortoniansociety.org.uk] Website: The Old Nortonian Society


 * We promote, maintain, and encourage the growth and development of interests in local and family history of the Village and Parish of Norton in the Moors in North Staffordshire. It is also our goal to preserve Records and Photographs of the Village and Parish (including transcriptions and publications).

Ridware History Society Village Hall Uttoxeter Road Hill Ridware Rugeley, Staffordshire WS15 3QR UK Email: [mailto:david.gordon.smith@care4free.net david.gordon.smith@care4free.net] Website: Ridware History Society


 * Three ancient parishes. Hamstall Ridware;  Mavesyn Ridware and Pipe Ridware are in the County of Staffordshire in the English Midlands.  The Parish of Mavesyn Ridware includes Hill Ridware and Blithbury: Hamstall Ridware includes Nethertown.  This society is dedicated to the history of these parishes.

Sedgley Local History Society St. Andrew’s Church Bilston Street Sedgley Dudley, West Midlands DY3 1JB UK Email: [mailto:sedgleylhs@hotmail.com sedgleylhs@hotmail.com] Website: Sedgley Local History Society


 * Sedgley Local History Society [SLHS] is a Black Country group based in the village of Sedgley. Here, the heritage of the Manor of Sedgley in south Staffordshire, is focused through its nine villages - Sedgley, Gospel End, Cotwall End, Upper Gornal, Lower Gornal, Woodsetton, Coseley, Ettingshall, and Brierley - on a history of people, places and events.

Smethwick Local History Society Bearwood Baptist Church corner of Rawlings Road/Bearwood Road Smethwick, Sandwell, West Midlands B66 4HA UK Telephone: 0121 429 4623 Email: [mailto:smethwicklocalhistory@hotmail.co.uk smethwicklocalhistory@hotmail.co.uk] Website: Smethwick Local History Society


 * Our aim is to bring to people's attention the history which surrounds them and encourage the research, recording and preserving of many different aspects of our local heritage.

Stafford and Mid-Staffs Archaeological Society St Bertelin's Church 68 Holmcroft Road Stafford, Staffordshire ST16 1JB UK Telephone: 01785 246565 Email: [mailto:richardhinton@nasuwt.net richardhinton@nasuwt.net] Website: Stafford and Mid-Staffs Archaeological Society Website #2: Stafford and Mid-Staffs Archaeological Society

Stafford Historical & Civic Society 59 Burton Bank Lane Stafford, Staffordshire ST17 9JJ UK Telephone: 01785 255552 Email: [mailto:william.read@dunelm.org.uk william.read@dunelm.org.uk] Website: Stafford Historical & Civic Society


 * The objects of the Society shall be to be concerned with, and have regard for the history, archaeology, character, beauty and sociology of Stafford and its surrounding area; to collect, collate and record printed, graphic or other material of historic, archaeological, scientific or other interest; to encourage high standards of architecture, town planning and such other activities as these affect the character of Stafford and area; to stimulate public interest in, and care for the history, the beauty and character of Stafford and locality; to encourage the preservation, development, and improvement of features of historic interest or public amenity; and to pursue these ends by meetings, exhibitions, lectures, visits to places of interest, publications, other forms of instruction and publicity, and the promotion of schemes of a charitable nature.

Staffordshire Archaeological & Historical Society The Guildhall Bore St Lichfield, Staffordshire WS13 6LU UK Telephone: 01543 491830 Email: [mailto:sahs@sahs.uk.net sahs@sahs.uk.net] Website: Staffordshire Archaeological & Historical Society Website #2: Staffordshire Archaeological & Historical Society


 * The society was established in the late 1950s, and became Staffordshire Archaeological and Historical Society in 1995, reflecting its county-wide activities and its publication of original research papers.

Staffordshire Heritage Group Telephone: 01785 247202 Email: [mailto:mhartwell@staffordbc.gov.uk mhartwell@staffordbc.gov.uk] Website: Staffordshire Heritage Group Website #2: Staffordshire Heritage Group


 * Staffordshire Heritage Group (formerly Stafford Borough Heritage Group) acts as a hub for all local history, genealogy, archive, and archaeology groups and societies within the county of Staffordshire who have interests and activities in various aspects of our local Heritage.

Staffordshire History Group Telephone: 01889 882472 Email: [mailto:ma.george@btconnect.com ma.george@btconnect.com] Website: Staffordshire History Group


 * Aims are to expand the group’s knowledge of the local history of Staffordshire through a series of historic walks, visits, and talks mostly compiled by original research or with added input from local historians.

Staffordshire Industrial Archaeology Society Village Hall 2 Ivy Cottages Tixall Stafford, Staffordshire ST18 0XT UK Telephone: 01785-246101 Email: [mailto:tixandrews@hotmail.co.uk tixandrews@hotmail.co.uk] Website: Staffordshire Industrial Archaeology Society


 * Are you interested in Mills, Canals, Steam Engines, iron works, mines, transport, social history, etc.? Why not explore our fascinating industrial past with the Staffordshire Industrial Archaeology Society?

Staffordshire Parish Register Society Haling Dene Centre Cannock Road Penkridge Stafford, Staffordshire ST19 5DT UK Email: [mailto:sec@sprs.org.uk sec@sprs.org.uk] Website: Staffordshire Parish Register Society


 * The Society has an enviable record in the field of publication of parish registers and it is now one of the few in existence still regularly printing parish registers in book form.  We are making a special appeal for new members to support us in our work and are particularly looking for members who would be interested in undertaking some transcribing.  The aim of the Society is to print volumes of registers as often as funds allow and we can find the skilled volunteers to do the transcribing.  Each member receives a free copy of a register as soon as it is published.

Staffordshire Record Society The William Salt Library Eastgate Street Stafford, Staffordshire ST16 2LZ UK Telephone: 01785 278372 Email: [mailto:matthew.blake@btinternet.com matthew.blake@btinternet.com] Website: Staffordshire Record Society


 * The purpose of the society has always been the publication of documents, both local and national, relating to the history of Staffordshire, although articles and monographs have also been included.

Stoke-on-Trent Museum Archaeological Society c/o The Potteries Museum and Art Gallery Bethesda Street Hanley Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire ST1 3DW UK Email: [mailto:contact.sotmas@yahoo.co.uk contact.sotmas@yahoo.co.uk] Website: Stoke-on-Trent Museum Archaeological Society


 * Stoke-on-Trent Museum Archaeological Society (SOTMAS) was founded in 1959 and our stated aim is “to promote and encourage archaeological research, especially the examination, recording and preservation of the antiquities of North Staffordshire."

Stone Historical & Civic Society St Michael’s Community Hall Lichfield St Stone, Staffordshire ST15 8BB UK Telephone: 01785 748960 Email: [mailto:stevebooth46@hotmail.com stevebooth46@hotmail.com] Website: Stone Historical & Civic Society


 * The aim of the Society is to promote the history of Stone.

Tean & Checkley Historical Society Checkley Community Centre Uttoxeter Rd Checkley Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire ST10 4NB UK Telephone: 01538 723303 Website: Tean & Checkley Historical Society

Tipton & Wednesbury Family History Society 18 Hobs Road Wood Green Wednesbury, West Midlands WS10 9BD UK Website: Tipton & Wednesbury Family History Society


 * The aims of the Society are o promote and encourage the public study of British Family History, genealogy, heraldry and allied subjects with particular reference to the ancient Towns of Tipton and Wednesbury.

Walsall Family History Group St. Matthews Community Centre St Matthews Close Walsall, West Midlands WS1 3DG UK Telephone: 01922 454430 Website: Walsall Family History Group


 * W.F.H.G. is a small group of enthusiastic genealogists based in the market town of Walsall in the county of West Midlands, but still refers to the old county name of Staffordshire whenever genealogy is discussed.

West Bromwich Local History Society All Saints Church Hall All Saints Way West Bromwich Sandwell, West Midlands B71 1RU UK Email: [mailto:paulinelawley@talktalk.net paulinelawley@talktalk.net] Website: West Bromwich Local History Society


 * We have a range of speakers with presentations from a broad range of history and also to reflect interest in local trends. We have been involved in a number of projects in the past – for example, working with the West Bromwich Paupers Memorial Committee to help establish a lasting memorial in Heath Lane Cemetery with related educational work, and creating a Paupers Memorial Trail in West Bromwich.

Willenhall History Society Willenhall Community and Youth Foundation (aka The CHART Centre) Gomer Street Willenhall, West Midlands WV13 2DR UK Telephone: 01902 606369 Email: [mailto:willenhallhistory@gmail.com willenhallhistory@gmail.com] Website: Willenhall History Society


 * The monthly meetings have been the main regular feature of Willenhall History Society. There have been a lot of interesting talks about different aspects of the history of the town. There have also been many talks about other historical matters from country houses to fairgrounds and canal tunnels to Churches.

Wolverhampton Archaeology Group The Conference Suite Wolverhampton College Paget Road Wolverhampton, Staffordshire WV6 0DU UK Telephone: 07790 837096/01902 562568 Email: [mailto:thewestwoods123@btinternet.com thewestwoods123@btinternet.com] Website: Wolverhampton Archaeology Group


 * The Wolverhampton Archaeology Group aims to support and encourage the practice of archaeology in and around the City of Wolverhampton.

Wombourne History Group The Youth Room Wombourne Library Church Road Wombourne, Staffordshire WV5 9EZ UK Email: [mailto:tracemytree@hotmail.co.uk tracemytree@hotmail.co.uk] Website: Wombourne History Group


 * Our aims are to research, record, publish, and publicise material on all aspects of the local history of Wombourne & the surrounding area and to make that history available to others.