Society of Genealogists

11/01/2026

New on YouTube
Looking into family history in Hampshire? Our free video shares useful tips and guidance to help you get started or develop your research further.

Watch here:

Are you researching ancestors in Hampshire?Don't miss this talk where you can connect with experts from the local genealogical society and local archives to ...

10/01/2026

Do you use Family Historian and sometimes wonder if you’re “doing it right”?
No question is a silly question — if you’ve wondered it, others probably have too.

Join John Hanson for an informal, practical Q&A session on getting the most from Family Historian by Calico Pie. Bring your questions, big or small, and learn from both the answers and the discussion.

🗓 10 January | Online
🎟 Included for Gold Members | £10 with recording

Book your place: https://portal.sog.org.uk/Event/view/1759269

09/01/2026

🎙 January Speaker Spotlight on Mark Bayley, Head of Online Development at The Genealogist and Director of S&N British Data Archive

Best Dr Who - David Tennant

Favourite genealogy source - I'm biased, TheGenealogist!

What got you into genealogy - I inherited the bug from my father from a very young age

Favourite food/drink - I'll always pick the menu option I've never had before

Qualifications - BSc (Hons) in Computer Science

Favourite school subject - Computing

Decade you would like to live in - I think now is an exciting time to be alive for both Genealogy and Technology!

Number of children/descendants - 2

Previous career - I've always been working in Genealogy

Join us online 10 January 2026, 14:00–15:00 to hear Mark talk to us about “What’s New at TheGenealogist? Smarter Search Strategies and Latest Launches”. Full details at https://portal.sog.org.uk/Event/view/1669296

08/01/2026

New year, new skills.
Make 2026 the year you build strong foundations in family history.

The Family History Skills Course – Stage 1 is a comprehensive 12-week online course for beginners, self-taught researchers seeking structure, or those considering professional practice. Learn how to research confidently, assess evidence, and use the key records that underpin UK family history.

✔ Expert-led weekly sessions
✔ Recordings, handouts & Q&A
✔ Access to our learner Facebook group

🗓 Starts 13 January | Online
🔗 Book your place: https://portal.sog.org.uk/Event/view/1319297

07/01/2026

"The course has opened another skill in my genealogy toolbox which I am certainly going to put into practice."
"The course was also fun."

If you’ve ever wanted to understand and confidently read early documents, our Beginners’ Palaeography course is the perfect place to start. Taught by expert palaeographer Dr Caroline Adams, this five-week online course takes you step by step through historical handwriting using documents genealogists actually use.

Online | January–February
📽 Recordings available to all who pre-book.

Find out more and book your place: https://portal.sog.org.uk/Event/view/1608861

06/01/2026

🎙 January Speaker Spotlight: Mark Bayley — Head of Online Development at The Genealogist and Director of S&N British Data Archive.

Join us online 10 January 2026, 14:00–15:00 to hear Mark talk to us about “What’s New at TheGenealogist? Smarter Search Strategies and Latest Launches”. Full details at https://portal.sog.org.uk/Event/view/1669296

⭐ Q&A with Mark:

• Favourite Doctor Who: David Tennant
• Favourite genealogy source: TheGenealogist
• What got you into genealogy: Inherited the bug from my father
• Favourite food choice: Always tries something new
• Favourite school subject: Computing
• Qualifications: BSc (Hons) Computer Science
• Previous career: Always worked in genealogy
• Children/descendants: 2
• best decade to live in: Now – an exciting time for genealogy & technology.

22/12/2025

Book Crime and Punishment for Family Historians by 31 December and receive three exclusive bonus talks—free.

From detectives to DNA, uncover extraordinary stories hidden in criminal records: https://portal.sog.org.uk/Event/view/1605161

21/12/2025

Stop reading your DNA results — start interpreting them.
Advancing Your DNA Skills helps you group matches, identify ancestors, and solve complex cases with confidence.
Early booking secures 2025 pricing and Gold membership: https://portal.sog.org.uk/Event/view/1574117

20/12/2025

Thinking about starting — or restarting — your family history research?

Family History Skills Stage 1 gives you structure, confidence, and expert support over 12 weeks.

Book by 31 December to secure the 2025 price plus extended course discounts: https://portal.sog.org.uk/Event/view/1319297

19/12/2025

Uncover the criminals, victims, and scandals in your family tree.

Crime & Punishment for Family Historians explores courts, prisons, newspapers, and shocking case studies—with bonus talks for early bookers.

Book by 31 Dec to secure the 2025 price: https://portal.sog.org.uk/Event/view/1605161

18/12/2025

Think you’re ready to go beyond DNA basics?

Test yourself with our free DNA Skills Quiz https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SG9WF6V and see if you’re ready for Advancing
Your DNA Skills—a 12-week expert-led course in confident DNA interpretation.

Book by 31 Dec to lock in 2025 prices: https://portal.sog.org.uk/Event/view/1574117

17/12/2025

“Wholeheartedly one of the best things I’ve done in many years.” — Paul, Skills Stages 1–3

Start your family history journey with confidence. Family History Skills Stage 1 gives you firm foundations, expert guidance, and practical skills you’ll use for life.

Paul who attended 1, 2 & 3 in 2025 told us: “I committed to doing all three stages of Family History Skills this year and I can say it was wholeheartedly one of the best things I’ve done in many years . It reinforced for me that I clearly knew what I was doing, I wasn’t such a bad researcher and each session has either given me food for thought, new and helpful hints or reignited my passion for genealogy. Thank you - I shall miss the sessions! Now back to researching and putting these skills to use.”

Book by 31 Dec for extended offers: https://portal.sog.org.uk/Event/view/1319297