Family history

In the Local Studies Library, visitors can see printed and published materials.  These include books and pamphlets, newspapers and periodicals, parish registers on microfilm, directories, theses, maps, photographs, a range of CD-ROMS and access the internet.  You can use the Ancestry and findmypast.co.uk websites for free in all Hertfordshire libaries.


Your family history - get started!

step one: talk to your family

Make a note of everything you know about your immediate family - names, dates of birth, marriage and death, where they lived and so on.  Talk to as many older relatives as possible.

step two: look for clues

Are there any family heirlooms, such as photographs, personal letters or official documents?  These items can provide important clues - for example, family bibles often have details of family events such as christenings.

step three: build your family tree

Your family tree is a way of organising what you know and what you need to find out.  For help with drawing up your tree, visit the BBC's family history pages.

NEW! Hertfordshire parish registers are available to search on findmypast.co.uk. For more information about the coverage of registers available online, visit this findmypast.co.uk page.

 
Family History Surgeries Are you stuck with your family history research?  This one hour session with a Hertfordshire Archives expert will guide you through the resources you need for the next steps in your search

• One hour pre-booked session 10.00 - 15.30
• Available Tuesday to Friday
• Cost £5
• Booking essential

Please note that due to high demand, there is a delay in scheduling surgeries at present. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.