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History of the Society: It all started in 1979…
The North of Ireland Family History Society (NIFHS) was founded in 1979 and now has nine Branches, worldwide Membership and an excellent Research Centre.
It began as a family history group in Bangor with 51 members, chaired by (John) Aiken McClelland d1981 (the Librarian/Archivist at the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum). He was followed by (George) Brendan Adams d1982 (a dialectologist at the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum) and then David Honneyman (a lecturer at Stranmillis College).
Over time, further Branches were formed. Some came and went, ultimately leading to the nine Branches we have today.
- Killyleagh in 1982
- Belfast in 1983
- Larne in 1985
- Omagh, now Tyrone in 1988
- Ballymena in 1989
- Newtownabbey,now Antrim and Newtownabbey, in 1995
- Coleraine, now Causeway Coast and Glens in 1996
- Foyle in 2009
As interest in family history grew at home and abroad, the branches united to form the Society we know today. Since then, we have kept the same aims and objectives first set out in 1979. Specifically, we promote and encourage both public and personal study of family history, genealogy, heraldry, and local history worldwide, with a special focus on the North of Ireland.
The Society has had a series of premises for its Office and Research Centre and in 2012 it moved from 45 Park Avenue, Belfast to the Valley Business Centre in Newtownabbey, from where it operates today.
Continuing to develop
Over the years, various initiatives and services have been introduced and developed for the benefit of all Members.
- The Research Centre has grown into a hugely valuable resource with many transcriptions and records not found elsewhere.
- A free look up service is very popular for Members who cannot visit in person.
- The collection of publications provided by the Society continues to expand, providing a wealth of information and news.
- As DNA testing has grown to be an important part of family history research, the Society now includes a valued and respected DNA team offering expert support through courses, innovative DNA projects, and ongoing guidance to Members.
Many members have worked hard to develop the Society under the leadership of a succession of dedicated Presidents:
- The late Dr David Honneyman (1982-1983 and 1992-1994)
- The late Rev Dr Hugh Hezlett (1983-1984)
- The late Mr Samuel Bracegirdle (1994-1997)
- Mr John Bassett (1997-2002)
- The late Mr Randal Gill (1984-1992 and 2002-2012)
- Miss Rosemary Sibbett (2012-2016)
- Miss Ann Robinson (2016- )