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

FindmyPast Getting started

Ancestry Getting started

FamilySearch Getting started

The National Archives Research Guides

 

 

Tree

News

21 Nov 2024

Winter closure 2024-5


Heritage Resource Centre Winter Closure Please note that we shall be closed as from 19th Dec 2024 to 6th Jan 2025 Last day of opening...

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12 Nov 2024

Plymouth Royal Naval Memorial - images added for names recorded


We have now visited and photographed the Plymouth Royal Naval Memorial and detailed photographs of the names of those men with Isle of Wight connections...

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22 Aug 2024

RN Personnel records now implemented


We have now completed the first phase of implementing this database Over 5000 Isle of Wight men served in the Victorian Navy in the period...

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Next Meetings

6 Jan 2025

A Gentleman's Tour of the Isle of Wight


Sheila Caws will give an account of one Gentleman's Tour of the Isle of Wight more details to come DOORS OPEN 1.30 PM, SPEAKER AT...

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3 Feb 2025

Isle of Wight Railways


Cara Trevor will give a talk on Isle of Wight Railways more details to come DOORS OPEN 1.30 PM, SPEAKER AT 2 PM Refreshments provided

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3 Mar 2025

Apprentices from the Workhouse


Jean Thompson will give a talk on the Apprentices from the Workhouse more details to come DOORS OPEN 1.30 PM, SPEAKER AT 2 PM Refreshments...

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Databases

Become a Member
for just
£8 per year

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)