We meet monthly to discuss the opportunity to share, learn, exchange ideas and information, as well as to help us each further explore our family history projects. Why not come along and see for yourself? 

• You can attend meetings of any of our 14 active groups – our newest being Winchester! All groups meet in the evening with the exception of the Afternoon Group – see page via Groups Menu for details.
• Visit their pages via the Groups Menu to see their monthly programme of talks, news and articles.  Contact a Group Organiser using the form at the bottom of each Group’s page.
• Come and meet like-minded people. HGS Group Meetings are free to members and prospective members.
• They are a good way to gain some new insights on how to further explore your family history.
• Whether you are a beginner or an expert, with a family from within or outside of Hampshire, you will always be welcome and find someone who has something new and interesting to share.

HGS Group Locations

Click on a pin for the address and directions.

 

HGS Family History Group and Society Events for the next 3 months

• November 20, 2019 - Afternoon Group: Sentiments in Silk - Neil Littleales

  A journey of discovery, taking the audience through a brief history of the silk postcard and its heyday during the First World War. Utilizing Neil’s vast collection of postcards, individual items are selected to demonstrate how the research discovered the story behind the message sent and those to whom, a century ago, the card meant so much.

• November 20, 2019 - Ringwood Group: Thames Watermen - Pat Hibert
• November 21, 2019 - Winchester Group: Tracing my German Ancestors - Paul Pinhorne, Chairman HGS

  The challenges of researching in another country; especially if you don’t speak the language.

• November 27, 2019 - Basingstoke Group: Christmas Festivities - Members only Quiz and Buffet
• November 28, 2019 - Fareham Group: What the Butler Saw - Bob France, followed by an American Supper

  Stedman, Petworth's Georgian butler, shares his experiences and some things that he probably should not have seen! Explore the secrets of his wine cellar and the eccentricities of drinking and dining etiquette during Georgian times. From the deceits of make-up to promiscuous seating to chamber pots - nothing is concealed. Irreverent and highly entertaining but true!

• December 2, 2019 - Portsmouth Group: Bob France: The Butler’s Christmas (in Victorian Costume), followed by an American Supper

  John Dine, Petworth’s ancient butler, explores how dramatically Christmas changed from his Georgian youth to late Victorian times. Discover how our Christmas traditions developed. Why did Father Christmas change from green to red? Did the Georgians have Christmas trees, presents and turkeys? What were Mumpers and Hodlers? Why was Boxing Day so important? Plenty of insight and amusement - a joyful way to herald the festive season!

• December 2, 2019 - Romsey Group: Christmas Meeting: Pantomime and the role of the Dame – John Pitman

  John performed in Pantomime for 36 years and his talk is like a one-man Pantomime with audience participation and humour thrown in. This promises to be the ideal way to get us all into the Christmas spirit!

• December 10, 2019 - Fair Oak Group: Christmas Social
• December 11, 2019 - Gosport Group: Members’ Evening
• December 12, 2019 - Andover Group: Christmas Meeting
• December 12, 2019 - Fleet & Farnborough Group: Christmas Party
• December 13, 2019 - New Milton & Christchurch Group: On the move - Daphne Austin

  Whatever will Daphne challenge us with this time?

• December 16, 2019 - Southampton Group: Members’ Evening
• December 18, 2019 - Ringwood Group: Christmas Festivities
• December 19, 2019 - Winchester Group: Members' Evening - Christmas Festivities
• December 25, 2019 - Basingstoke Group: ** No meeting in December - Merry Christmas and best wishes for the New Year!
• December 26, 2019 - Fareham Group: No meeting in December - Merry Christmas and best wishes for the New Year!
• January 6, 2020 - Romsey Group: Winter Break - No Meeting
• January 8, 2020 - Gosport Group: Demystifying DNA - Neil Littleales
• January 14, 2020 - Fair Oak Group: Southampton Links to the Battle of Omdurman - David Marriott
• January 15, 2020 - Afternoon Group: Winter Break - No Meeting
• January 22, 2020 - Basingstoke Group: Members’ Presentations - Trades and Occupations in the Family
• January 23, 2020 - Fareham Group: Basic Research Techniques - Jane Fox

  Looking at basic research techniques, including citations vs sources.

• February 3, 2020 - Romsey Group: Members’ Evening – Website Update and a Look at Facebook + HGS Bookstall
• February 11, 2020 - Fair Oak Group: Searching for Ancestors When You’re Adopted - Penny Walters
• February 12, 2020 - Gosport Group: Members’ Evening
• February 19, 2020 - Afternoon Group: Winter Break - No Meeting
• February 26, 2020 - Basingstoke Group: Members’ Presentations - Emigration in the Family (not convicts)
• February 27, 2020 - Fareham Group: Members’ Evening – To be Arranged
• March 2, 2020 - Romsey Group: Brick Walls and Lost Ancestors: problem solving for family historians – David Annal
• March 10, 2020 - Fair Oak Group: Members’ Evening - to include demo of new website/social media - Elaine Boyes/Gwen Newland
• March 11, 2020 - Gosport Group: Murder, Desertion & Death - Mike Hobbs

  Mike's talk is the story of 4 merchant seamen from Southampton.

• March 25, 2020 - Basingstoke Group: My Ancestor was a Liar - Dave Annal
• April 6, 2020 - Romsey Group: The National Archives – Les Mitchinson
• April 8, 2020 - Gosport Group: The Excise at Work - Phoebe Merrick
• April 14, 2020 - Fair Oak Group: Who the Hell is Arthur? - Neil Littleales
• April 22, 2020 - Basingstoke Group: Moving Forward: How to bring your research up to date - Antony Marr