Organised Support for your Ancestor Search

The following organizations provide help and support for ancestor research:

Society of Genealogists

www.sog.org.uk

This society has its own archives of records that can be accessed at their office in London and offers a unique combination of research material, guidance and support. It is a charity whose objects are to 'promote, encourage and foster the study, science and knowledge of genealogy'.

Federation of Family History Societies

www.ffhs.org.uk

This is the umbrella organisation of the local Family History Societies already referred to. It has affiliation with societies and organisations around the world, organises conferences and runs national family history projects. From the FFHS website you can find the contact details of your local Family History Society - see 'Contacting our Members'.

Guild of One Name Studies

www.one-name.org

A one-name study is a project researching all occurrences of a surname as opposed to a particular pedigree (the ancestors of one person) or descendency (the descendents of a person or couple). A true one name study covers the whole world, although some are limited perhaps to one or more countries. The Guild of One Name Studies invites membership from people doing worldwide research, and this is a good way to

register your interest in a name and share information. As you will imagine, most names are uncommon, or certainly not the most common, although any name is eligible provided a person can show they intend to research worldwide. A website name search will reveal whether your own name, or one you want to research, is currently being studied by a guild member.

The Journal of One Name Studies is published quarterly and includes information, ideas and articles for members. A register of one name studies is held and there is a Guild email forum offering a permanent email address with your name followed by @one-name.org. Many names are also associated with one name societies and produce a periodical newsletter. Doing your own family research may be lonely until you meet people covering similar territory, so in this way you can quickly establish like-minded people when researching present names world wide. The Guild holds meetings and arranges speakers around the country.