There’s nothing more exciting than finding some photos or a document belonging or relating to one of your ancestors. The Society of Genealogists, with its extensive and ever growing collections, is helping many people make these discoveries.

The Society of Genealogists was founded in 1911. Ever since then its been collecting family history documents, long before the arrival of local record offices – even typewriters were new.

As the National Family History Centre, the Society is the UK-wide repository for family history documents and records. Its collections contain amazing items steeped in the UK’s rich and diverse cultural heritage. Photos, maps and documents relate to over 44,000 surnames – yours is probably included. Many documents are originals and some date back to the 15th century.

You can come in and browse, asking the staff and volunteers for help when you need it. Or you can book a place on a free Saturday tour.

There is a small fee, payable at reception, to access all its books, records and databases. Members have free access – it’s easy and good value to join.

Services

Some of the services offered include:

• Academic publications and resources
• Talks and courses – with frequent free talks on Wednesday afternoons
• Guided walks and visits to other heritage sites in London
• Guided tours to explore the library and archives
• Member of staff available with responsibility for education
• Object identification and/or written enquiry service
• Services for groups – booking necessary
• Public access to collections information
• Membership and/or Friends scheme offered
• Online shop
• Volunteering scheme

Facilities

• Library, online databases, map collections, microfiche records, free use of pay-per-view family history websites
• Meeting room available for other organisations to book and use
• Research facilities for academics
• Study facilities for students, especially social and local historians
• Wheelchair access to most public areas
• Induction loops in lecture room

Find out more

Society of Genealogists
14 Charterhouse Buildings, Goswell Road, EC1M 7BA
Website: www.sog.org.uk
Call: 020 7251 8799 or 020 7553 3290 for booking an event
Email: events@sog.org.uk to book an event

Tube: Barbican or Old Street
Bus: 4, 56, 55, 243

Access

Open: Tuesday 10 am to 6 pm | Wednesday 10 am to 6 pm | Thursday 10 am to 8 pm | Saturday 10 am to 6 pm.

Closed: Monday, Friday, Sunday