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

5 Mar 2024

War Memorials Index added


We are adding more information about National and International War Memorials where Isle of Wight men and women are commemorated. This is the next stage...

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1 Feb 2024

Journal 152 now available


The current (No 152, February 2024) Journal is now available to members as a PDF from the website, and printed copies are being despatched. Members...

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6 Dec 2023

The Di Harding Awards for 2023


We now have the results of the Di Harding Awards for 2023 All the prizewinners have been notified and the results can be found at...

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Next Meetings

27 Mar 2024

IWFHS Workshop Session - Commemorating the War Service of Islanders internationally and nationally


Geoff Allan will lead a session on the many Island, national and international war memorials and cemeteries where Islanders are commemorated or buried, having served...

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8 Apr 2024

From the Isle of Wight to the U.S.A. - Lavers emigrants


Anthony Lavers will outline some of his ancestors' journeys from the Isle of Wight to the U.S.A. This is part of a series on the...

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16 Apr 2024

IWFHS Workshop Event - making the most of the Resource Centre


Sharon Beddard and other members of the Committee, and a few Volunteers, will lead a workshop session at the Heritage Resource Centre.  This will give...

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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:

  • 4x 64 page information packed 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)