The Wakefield & District Family History Society was formed in 1997 by a small group of people in order to further their interest in family history. We have since grown to a membership of around 500 from around the world.
The objective of the Society is to advance public education in Family History and Genealogy for the benefit of anyone living in the area of the Wakefield Metropolitan District Council or with interests or family in that area.
To fulfil this aim we organise regular monthly meetings with speakers on a variety of topics, training courses and visits to places of interest to family historians. All members receive a quarterly journal, “The Wakefield Kinsman”.
We also transcribe and publish a wide range of records from parishes, censuses, trade directories, newspapers and other sources which provide invaluable information for those researching their family.
Click here to view a map of the area covered.
Society Monthly Meeting
The meeting for June 5th with guest speaker Deborah Scriven. Her topic, ‘ The Wakefield Industrial and Fine Art Exhibition.’ This took place in 1865. It attracted 189,000 visitors in 40 days. It was held to encourage the industries of Wakefield. A purpose-built hall was erected on Wood St on the site that was later used for a new Town Hall. Wakefield’s industrial and commercial businesses contributed as did many local individuals.
The meeting will start at 10.30am by Zoom.
NB Members of Wakefield Libraries can access for free Ancestry Library Edition which has been extended until June 2021. Log on to Wakefield Library; enter your card number and pin number then click on Digital library to access the relevant websites. Good luck!