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

30 Nov 2025

Stone Family Photo Album


Stone Family Photo Album Added a page to our collection of Family files for the Stone family, based on a photo album donated to us...

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11 Nov 2025

Charlie Taylor Bequest


There are now 45 family trees available for members to explore under other resources.

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30 Oct 2025

Journal 159 is now available


The latest Journal, No 159, November 2025, is now available to members (only) as a PDF from the website.Printed copies are being despatched by post.All...

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Next Meetings

2 Feb 2026

A talk on Cowes


Geoff Banks will give us a talk on Cowes. Doors open 1.30 pm; talk at 2.00 pm Teas, coffees and  biscuits provided.

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2 Mar 2026

Isle of Wight Bus and Coach Museum


Andrew Morris will describe the work, vehicles and people of the Isle of Wight Bus Museum Doors open 1.30 pm; talk at 2.00 pm Teas,...

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13 Apr 2026

The Big Class - Racing in the Thirties


Rosemary Joy of the Classic Boat Museum in Cowes will present and narrate a film about "The Big Class - Racing in the Thirties", especially...

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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)