Local History Societies have been in existence for many years and they form an important role in whether they are covering a village or an area of a now larger conurbation.

 

Kent has many such Local History Societies, many working away and producing a vast resource that is also of interest to Family Historians. As Family Historians have increasingly looked to details of their families, how and where they lived what factors in their lives developed their character or why they may have left a village or town and Local Historians are producing more details about records of the inhabitants of their area it is clear that there is a great overlap of interest.

 

If you have ancestors and family from Kent it is worthwhile checking out a Local History Society to see what information that they have. Some Village LHS have carried out 'Village' projects effectively producing records not only of the history of the Village but the inhabitants as well.  

 

Some well known examples are the Farninham and Eynsford LHS the Marden History Group which has information free on its website as well as further information that can be obtained for a comparatively small amount of money. Many such as the Plaxtol Local History Society the  Wrotham LHS  the Margate LHS The Brenchley and Matfield FHS also have early photographs of the Area.

 

Nearly all LHS produce publications about their area which can be purchased for a reasonable amount. Joining a LHS can provide many benefits such as access to more records or histories and to be able to attend talks about the village.

 

Some have limited presence on the web, but are well worth investigating. A list of Kent Local History Society with contact details and much more can be found at localhistoryonline

 

North West Kent Family History Society's Free Family History afternoon on 10th November 2012 at Dartford, Kent is fast approaching. It is open to all who are in the early days or would like some advice on how to further their research. Some one to one sessions are also available, if booked in advance  on a first come basis. There will be experienced family historians on hand to help.

 

It is entirely free, as part of the Society’s aims and objectives in promoting the study of family history. Both members of the Society and non-members are welcome to attend. You will have the opportunity to discover what records can help you and how to access them.

 

Pre booking is essential. More details and how to book can be found at NWKFHS Free FH Afternoon.