HGS Conference Programme 2019

Roz will talk about the fate of the Irish poor, both in England and in Ireland, paying attention to causes, treatment & public attitudes.   In addition to exploring the Poor Law records in Britain, she will include an examination of Irish Poor Law records, how they differ from the English records, what records exist in Ireland and where to find them.

Ros is a Fellow and Vice President of the Irish Genealogical Research Society which maintains its library in London and has edited the Society’s biannual newsletter since 1991.   She has lectured extensively in the UK and Ireland, including regular appearances at the annual “Who Do You Think You Are” event, presented a paper at RootsTech conference in Salt Lake City and gives live webinars to societies overseas.

The National Archives love it or loathe it: at some stage in your family history research you are probably going to have to use it.   Whether it is the online resources or through paying a visit.  All this can be very daunting, even for the expert.   However, in this presentation Simon Fowler will endeavour to demystify the Archives.   Whether you are confused by the catalogue or puzzled about parking then this session will be for you.  Based on his experience of being a researcher there for over forty years and having worked there on and off for nearly thirty he will provide tips and shortcuts that even the staff don’t know about.

Simon is one of Britain’s most experienced family history teachers, writers and researchers.   He worked for The National Archives on and off for over thirty years and has also edited Family History Monthly and Ancestors Magazines.   Simon sites on the council of AGRA and teaches at Dundee University, runs courses for Pharos Tutors and is a regular lecturer at the Society of Genealogists.

Nick reflects on the impact of the media and online access to datasets on the way we research: the rise of genetic genealogy and global connectivity; and the potential for genealogy to help people in all walks of life, including research that shows it could be part of a package of lifestyle activities that can help prevent certain forms of dementia.

Dr Nick Barratt is an author and broadcaster and historian best known for his work on BBC’s Who Do You Think You Are.   He is an honorary associate professor of public history at the University of Nottingham, the Direct of Senate House Library (University of London), a teaching fellow at the University of Dundee and a fellow of the Royal Historical Society.   He is currently the President of the Federation of Family History Societies and sits on the Executive Committee of the Community Archives and Heritage Group.