About The Family History Section
Please note this page is under review
The Yorkshire Archaeological and Historical Society (YAHS) was founded in 1863, to preserve and conserve the history and archaeology of the historic county of Yorkshire. It has several SPECIALIST SECTIONS, the largest being the Family History Section, which may be joined separately or in addition to the main Society. You can find out more about the YAS and its Sections by going to http://www.yahs.org.uk
The Section
The Family History Section of the Society was founded in 1973 and has several hundred members world wide. Family history has been a fast growing subject for over three decades, with interest ranging from who our ancestors were, where they lived and worked, and the social history of the period. The aim of the Section is to promote these interests and assist members in their research. Although we are unable to undertake any individual research, we do aim to help our members with advice on tracing ancestors and the sources available to take researches forward
Lectures
A programme of lectures takes place throughout the year, normally at monthly intervals. These are held ar present on Saturdays online using the Zoom meeting facility. Live meetings may recommence at the Swarthmore Education Centre, Woodhouse Square, Leeds at some date to be advised..
Typically there will be a guest speaker talking on a family history or social history related subject.
Library
The YAHS various specialist Sections hold large and comprehensive collections of historical materials on the ancient county of Yorkshire, including printed parish registers etc. that are available for public access and are now located at the University of Leeds Library with more frequently consulted materials at the Leeds Central Library.
Members' Interests
On joining the Section, members receive a form to submit their interests. These are printed in the journal and subsequently in our Members' Interests Publications. Members can request a search of the databases.
Link Scheme
Under this scheme, if you need information from a distant Library, Record Office or Archive to which you are unable to travel, we have contact with a number volunteers who may be able visit these sources on your behalf to look at specified items. Such visits will be by private arrangements as to expenses etc.
Journal
Members receive a copy of our three times per year journal The Yorkshire Family Historian which has articles of general genealogical interest, "New Members' list", "Members' Interests" and news of forthcoming events.
Exchange Journals
The Section also has access to Magazines and Journals published by other Family History societies. An increasing number of these are now in electronic formats only. Members can accesss copies of these journals by request