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

1 May 2026

AGM 2026 Voting


AGM 2026Voting is now open at https://mhstpauls.me.uk/FHS/fhsvote/ Voting is open until Sunday 31st May. 

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28 Apr 2026

Journal 161 is now available


The latest Journal, No 161, May 2026, is now available to members (only) as a PDF from the website.Printed copies are being despatched by post.All...

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31 Jan 2026

Journal 160 is now available


The latest Journal, No 160, February 2026, is now available to members (only) as a PDF from the website.Printed copies are being despatched by post.All...

Read more...

Next Meetings

3 Aug 2026

No Meeting this month


As this is the holiday season, we do not hold any meetings in August

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5 Sep 2026

2026 One Day Conference


HOLD THE DATE ! We are planning to hold our Conference in 2026 on Saturday 5th September, the date now having been confirmed with the...

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5 Oct 2026

Rogues, Rotters and Rascals


Rogues, Rotters and Rascals The ever-popular Mark Earp will present a talk on Rogues, Rotters and Rascals - who knows if you have a skeleton...

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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)