The Isle of Wight Family History Society is for all those who want to research their ancestors.
Members include people with island ancestry who live on the UK mainland or elsewhere in the world as well as those who live on the Isle of Wight but whose families came from elsewhere. The experience and knowledge of our members range from those just starting their researches to those who have over 30 or 40 years experience - one of the aims of the Society is to share the experience to help those just starting.
If you are just starting your researches, then there are a number of sources for beginners. Many of these are subscription sites which offer free short term subscriptions before you commit. We do not have any commercial relationships with these organisations.
See
The National Archives Research Guides
News
30 Oct 2025
Journal 159 is now available
The latest Journal, No 159, November 2025, is now available to members (only) as a PDF from the website.Printed copies are being despatched by post.All...
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28 Oct 2025
Pedigree Index Update
Finally the Pedigree Index page is fully working. The database has been augmented with baptism and burial information, where available, and is searchable if you...
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21 Oct 2025
THE ISLE OF WIGHT COUNTY RECORD OFFICE IS CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
THE ISLE OF WIGHT COUNTY RECORD OFFICE IS CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE Message dated 21 Oct 2025: Due to building works, and repairs to the...
Read more...Next Meetings
1 Dec 2025
The Isle of Wight Women's Movement
Popular Island speaker, Mark Earp, will explore the theme of "The Isle of Wight Women's Movement" Doors open at 1.30 pm; Speaker at 2.00 pm...
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5 Jan 2026
Researching Island Schools - our next big Project
Following on from the Licensed Premises and Licensees Projects (which still continues), we propose to conduct a similar Project to research Island Schools. So this...
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2 Feb 2026
A talk on Cowes
Geoff Banks will give us a talk on Cowes. Doors open 1.30 pm; talk at 2.00 pm Teas, coffees and biscuits provided.
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Databases
for just
More details can be be found on our
'About the Society' web page.
The Society was formed in 1985 and offers members:
- 4 Journals per year (either printed or an eJournal, depending on type of membership)
- Monthly meetings with guest speakers (except May, June and August)
- A One Day Conference with guest speakers (in May)
- An organised visit to an Island place of historical interest (in June)
- A Members Area on the website which includes a number of databases and a Journal archive
- A way to connect with other family historians and those of your family name worldwide
- A Facebook group (which is also open to non-members)