NIFHS Branches
The NIFHS has ten Branches in the North of Ireland.
- More Details
- Ballymena
- Belfast
- Causeway Coast and Glens
- Foyle
- Killyleagh
- Larne
- Lisburn
- Newtownabbey
- South Tyrone
- Tyrone
Branch Year
The Branch Membership year runs for the 12 months from 1st September to 31st August. The majority of talks and outings arranged by Branches take place by mid June. The period from June to August may be regarded as the “low season”. Enrolment for the following Branch year usually opens in mid July. Online application and payment of the membership fee is recommended.
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Activities
In normal times each Branch generally meets once a month, from September to May, for a talk, a workshop or a visit to a record repository or other place of interest. Some Branches produce newsletters for their Members and many undertake projects – to transcribe and index records for example. They sometimes organise social events or summer outings. Most Branches have a presence on social media channels.
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Ballymena Branch Meetings
When?
Ballymena Branch usually meets on the last Thursday of the month at 7:15 p.m. from September to May.
Where?
Meetings are normally held in Michelin Arts Workshop, Braid Arts Centre, 1-29 Bridge Street, Ballymena, BT43 5EJ.
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Contact Email Address
- Branch Secretary: Ballymena@nifhs.org
Ballymena Membership Fees
for the year 1st September 202 to 31st August 2024
- £22 for Single Membership
- £33 for Joint Membership (2 people at the same address applying at the same time)
Join Branch or Renew Membership
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Events Programme
- Thursday, 26 October 2023 @ 7:15 pm - 8:45 pm BST
Wikitree – Anne Johnston | Ballymena Branch
- Thursday, 30 November 2023 @ 7:15 pm - 8:45 pm GMT
Emigration to Canada – Ray Fynes | Ballymena Branch
- Thursday, 18 January 2024 @ 7:15 pm - 8:45 pm GMT
[New Date] From Powdered Dandy to Old Bear – the Life of a Georgian Gentleman – Peter Carr | Ballymena Branch
- Thursday, 29 February 2024 @ 7:15 pm - 8:45 pm GMT
Northern Ireland Film Archive – Bronagh McAtasney | Ballymena Branch
- Thursday, 28 March 2024 @ 7:15 pm - 8:45 pm GMT
Visit to Broughshane Museum – Dr Tony Redmond | Ballymena Branch
- Thursday, 25 April 2024 @ 7:15 pm - 8:45 pm BST
The Workhouse System in Ireland – Dr Robyn Atcheson | Ballymena Branch
- Thursday, 30 May 2024 @ 7:15 pm - 8:45 pm BST
AGM & Estate Papers – Andrew Kane | Ballymena Branch
Social Media
Ballymena Branch has a Facebook Closed Group.
Belfast Branch Meetings
When?
Belfast Branch monthly branch meeting are usually held on the fourth Tuesday of each month via the media of Zoom.
Belfast Branch members will receive the link by email in advance of each meeting – anyone else interested in attending a talk can request the link from the Branch Secretary.
The talks will be recorded and made available for a limited time for Belfast Branch Members in different time zones to watch at a more convenient time.
Other Physical meetings will be arranged throughout the year to allow Branch members to meet, interact and socialise together. These will consist of Workshops, Visits and Projects etc.
For further information please contact our Branch Secretary
Contact Email Address
- Branch Secretary: Belfast@nifhs.org
Social Media
Belfast Branch has a Facebook Private Group. Over 700 participants from near and far. Someone in the Group may have an answer to your research question. For details see the About details on the Group Page.
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Belfast City Cemetery DNA Project
Sat 5 Aug 2023 10-13.30 Cemetery Open Day
Sun 10 Sept 2023 10-13.30 Cemetery Open Day
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Branch Initiatives
Branch volunteers have offered to provide help for Belfast Branch Members by:
• Mentoring beginners
• Looking up documents in PRONI or GRONI
• Photographing a building, grave or place
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Research Centre Open Days
Belfast Branch members will be in the C4 Research Centre Sat 7 Oct, Sat 10 Feb and Sat 4 May
Belfast Membership Fees
for the year 1st September 2023 to 31st August 2024
- £22 for Single Membership
- £33 for Joint Membership (2 people at the same address applying at the same time)
Join Branch or Renew Membership
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Events Programme
- Saturday, 7 October 2023
NIFHS Research Centre Open Day | Belfast Branch
- Tuesday, 24 October 2023 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm BST
Tracing Your County Tyrone Ancestors – Vincent Brogan | Belfast Branch Zoom
- Tuesday, 28 November 2023 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm GMT
Catherine O’Hare Schubert : From the Mournes to the Rockies – A Mourne Heroine – Donna Weir | Belfast Branch Zoom
- Tuesday, 12 December 2023 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm GMT
Christmas Party with Quiz | Belfast Branch
- Tuesday, 23 January 2024 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm GMT
The Merchant families of Belfast in Belfast City Cemetery – Richard Graham | Belfast Branch Zoom
- Saturday, 10 February 2024
NIFHS Research Centre Open Day | Belfast Branch
- Tuesday, 27 February 2024 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm GMT
Thomas Russell’s Belfast – Dr Jonathan Wright [TBC] | Belfast Branch Zoom
- Tuesday, 26 March 2024 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm GMT
Early Ulster/Scottish Migration – Dr William Roulston (Ulster Historical Foundation) | Belfast Branch Zoom
- Tuesday, 23 April 2024 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm BST
Workhouse Records – Gillian Doherty (PRONI) | Belfast Branch Zoom
- Saturday, 4 May 2024
NIFHS Research Centre Open Day | Belfast Branch
- Tuesday, 28 May 2024 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm BST
AGM & Talks by three Overseas Members | Belfast Branch Zoom
Causeway C&G Branch Meetings
When?
Meetings are usually held on the last Tuesday of the month at 7:30 pm from September to May.
Where?
Meetings are normally held in the Sandel Centre, Knocklynn Road, Coleraine.
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Contact Email Address
- Branch Secretary: Causeway@nifhs.org
Causeway C&G Branch website: www.causewayfhs.org.uk Branch webmaster: contact via Causeway@nifhs.org
Causeway Membership Fees
for the year 1st September 2023 to 31st August 2024
- £22 for Single Membership
- £33 for Joint Membership (2 people at the same address applying at the same time)
Join Branch or Renew Membership
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Events Programme
- Tuesday, 31 October 2023 @ 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm GMT
Townlands of the North Coast – Dr Niall Comer | Causeway C&G Branch
- Tuesday, 28 November 2023 @ 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm GMT
A Pictorial tour of Antrim & Down through the eyes of Lord Mark Kerr – Anne Casement | Causeway C&G Branch
- Tuesday, 30 January 2024 @ 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm GMT
Getting the Most out of the Irish census – Natalie Bodle | Causeway C&G Branch
- Tuesday, 27 February 2024 @ 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm GMT
Members Workshop | Causeway Coast & Glens Branch
- Tuesday, 26 March 2024 @ 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm GMT
The History of the Royal Irish Constabulary (RIC) – Roy Black | Causeway C&G Branch
- Tuesday, 30 April 2024 @ 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm BST
The Ordnance Survey Memoirs and their use for genealogy – Dr William Roulston | Causeway C&G Branch
- Tuesday, 28 May 2024 @ 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm BST
The Stuart family of Ballyhivistock near Dervock, Co Antrim – Bruce Clark | Causeway C&G Branch
- Saturday, 1 June 2024 @ 11:00 am - Sunday, 30 June 2024 @ 5:00 pm BST
June Outing | Causeway C&G Branch
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Social Media
Causeway Branch hosts a Facebook Page and a Closed Facebook Group.
Foyle Branch Meetings
When?
Foyle Branch usually meets on the first available Monday of the month at 7:00 p.m. from October to May.
Where?
Meetings are normally held in the Lecture Room of Derry City’s Central Library, 35 Foyle Street, Londonderry, BT48 6AL.
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Contact Email Address
- Branch Secretary: Foyle@nifhs.org
Foyle Membership Fees
for the year 1st September 2023 to 31st August 2024
- £22 for Single Membership
- £33 for Joint Membership (2 people at the same address applying at the same time)
Join Branch or Renew Membership
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Events Programme
- Monday, 2 October 2023 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm BST
*Delayed September Meeting* Historic Houses of the North West and their Secrets – Ken McCormack | Foyle Branch
- Thursday, 19 October 2023
Visit to Public Record Office (PRONI) Belfast | Foyle Branch
- Monday, 23 October 2023 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm BST
*Moved* October meeting – TBC | Foyle Branch
- Monday, 6 November 2023 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm GMT
November Meeting – TBC | Foyle Branch
- Monday, 4 December 2023 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm GMT
December Meeting – TBC | Foyle Branch
- Monday, 15 January 2024 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm GMT
January Meeting – TBC Zoom only | Foyle Branch
- Monday, 5 February 2024 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm GMT
February Meeting – TBC | Foyle Branch
- Saturday, 24 February 2024
Visit NIFHS Research Centre – TBC | Foyle Branch
- Monday, 4 March 2024 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm GMT
March Meeting – TBC | Foyle Branch
- Friday, 15 March 2024
Visit to Public Record Office (PRONI) Belfast | Foyle Branch
- Monday, 8 April 2024 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm BST
April Meeting – TBC | Foyle Branch
- Monday, 20 May 2024 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm BST
AGM & Talk – TBC | Foyle Branch
- Saturday, 8 June 2024
Summer Outing – TBC | Foyle Branch
Killyleagh Branch Meetings
When?
Killyleagh Branch usually meets on the first Monday of the month at 7:30 p.m. from October to May (please note the change of time!). The September meeting takes the form of an Outing.
Where?
Meetings are usually held in the Killyleagh Masonic Hall, 50 High Street, Killyleagh, BT30 9QF.
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Contact Email Address
- Branch Secretary: Killyleagh@nifhs.org
Publications
The Branch has produced a book based on its research activities: The McIlrath Letters which is available to buy:
- Locally – see the sales points listed in the product description
- Online through the Shop.
Killyleagh Membership Fees
for the year 1st September 2023 to 31st August 2024
- £22 for Single Membership
- £33 for Joint Membership (2 people at the same address applying at the same time)
Join Branch or Renew Membership
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Events Programme
- Monday, 2 October 2023 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm BST
My Family Tree – Anne Morrisey | Killyleagh Branch
- Monday, 6 November 2023 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm GMT
The Reas of Annacloy – Eddie Rea | Killyleagh Branch
- Monday, 4 December 2023 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm GMT
Member’s Night | Killyleagh Branch
- Monday, 1 January 2024 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm GMT
Researching Old Photographs – Alison Tait | Killyleagh Branch
- Monday, 5 February 2024 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm GMT
History of Shrigley – Chris Hagan | Killyleagh Branch
- Monday, 4 March 2024 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm GMT
Branch Project Night & DNA update – Martin McDowell | Killyleagh Branch
- Monday, 1 April 2024 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm BST
Seaforde Scrap Metals : A History of the Company | Killyleagh Branch
- Monday, 6 May 2024 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm BST
Branch AGM and TBA | Killyleagh Branch
Social Media
The Branch has a Facebook Page.
Larne Branch Meetings
When?
Larne Branch usually meets on the third Monday of the month at 7:15 p.m. from September to May.
Where?
Meetings in the 2023-24 year are held in Larne Museum and Arts Centre, 2 Victoria Road, Larne, BT40 1RN.
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Contact Email Address
- Branch Secretary: Larne@nifhs.org
Publications
Larne Branch has produced a publication based on its research activities:
It is usually available to buy:
- Locally at The Book Nook, 96 Main Street, Larne.
- Online through the Shop.
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Larne Membership Fees
for the year 1st September 2023 to 31st August 2024
- £22 for Single Membership
- £33 for Joint Membership (2 people at the same address applying at the same time)
Join Branch or Renew Membership
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Events Programme
- Wednesday, 25 October 2023 @ 7:15 pm - 9:00 pm BST
Discover Your Scottish Ancestors – Chris Paton | Larne Branch
- Monday, 20 November 2023 @ 7:15 pm - 9:00 pm GMT
Frances Anne Vane Tempest, Lady Londonderry : 19th Century Entrepreneur, Industrialist & Influencer – Mary Watson | Larne Branch
- Monday, 15 January 2024 @ 7:15 pm - 9:00 pm GMT
Cairncastle Through The Ages – Robert Stewart | Larne Branch
- Monday, 19 February 2024 @ 7:15 pm - 9:00 pm GMT
19th Century Will, in Relation to Larne Town & Hinterland – Des McCabe | Larne Branch
- Monday, 18 March 2024 @ 7:15 pm - 9:00 pm GMT
Ordnance Survey Memoirs – Dr David Hume | Larne Branch
- Monday, 15 April 2024 @ 7:15 pm - 9:00 pm BST
Lighthouse Talk – Richard Kelly | Larne Branch
- Monday, 20 May 2024 @ 7:15 pm - 9:00 pm BST
Branch AGM – Update on Ballycarry & Islandmagee DNA Projects – Martin McDowell & Anne Johnston | Larne Branch
- Monday, 17 June 2024 @ 7:15 pm - 9:00 pm BST
Donaghadee Lifeboats and the Men Who Served – Shirley Cochrane | Larne Branch
Lisburn Branch Meetings
When?
Lisburn Branch meetings take place on the second Tuesday of the month at 7:30 p.m. from September to May.
Research sessions, visits and meet ups may also be organised for members during the season.
Where?
Meetings are normally held in the Bridge Community Centre, Railway Street, Lisburn BT28 1XP.
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Contact Email Address
- Branch Secretary: Lisburn@nifhs.org
Social Media
Lisburn Branch has a Facebook Page. Have a look at it to see what’s happening there.
Publications
Lisburn Branch has produced some publications based on its research activities:
- These Hallowed Grounds Volume 1 (Kilrush and St Patrick’s burial grounds)
- These Hallowed Grounds Volume 2 (Christ Church Cathedral and Friends burial grounds)
- Lisburn Parish of Blaris (a booklet in the “Researching Your Ancestors” series)
These are available to buy:
- Locally in the Branch
- At the Research Centre C4
- Online through the Shop
Lisburn Branch has photographed and transcribed existing headstones in Blaris Old Burial Ground. For lookups from this graveyard contact lisburn@nifhs.org or lookups@nifhs.org
Lisburn Branch Photo Gallery
Lisburn Membership Fees
for the year 1st September 2023 to 31st August 2024
- £22 for Single Membership
- £33 for Joint Membership (2 people at the same address applying at the same time)
Join Branch or Renew Membership
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Events Programme
- Tuesday, 10 October 2023 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm BST
Manuscripts and Monuments: Traces From The Lisburn Area, 1100 – 1800 – Dr Glynn Kelso | Lisburn Branch
- Tuesday, 14 November 2023 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm GMT
The Importance Of Townlands – Roddy Hegarty | Lisburn Branch
- Tuesday, 12 December 2023 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm GMT
Christmas in Lisburn Through The Years – Aaron McIntyre | Lisburn Branch
- Friday, 19 January 2024 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm GMT
There Will Be A Record Kept: Find Scottish Ancestors Before 1855 – Alison Spring (Zoom Only) | Lisburn Branch
- Tuesday, 13 February 2024 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm GMT
Using Military Records And Photographs In Family History Research – Tommy McClimmonds | Lisburn Branch
- Tuesday, 12 March 2024 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm GMT
The Future Of Family History – Dr Nick Barrett (Zoom Only) | Lisburn Branch
- Tuesday, 9 April 2024 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm BST
Bad Bridget: Mayhem and the Lives of Irish Emigrant Women – E. Farrell & L. McCormick | Lisburn Branch
- Tuesday, 14 May 2024 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm BST
AGM & Members Night & The Ancestor I Would Most Like To Meet – Member | Lisburn Branch
Newtownabbey Branch Meetings
When?
Newtownabbey Branch usually meets on the second Monday of the month at 7:00 p.m. from September to May.
Where?
New season, new venue!
At NIFHS Newtownabbey Branch, our new season of talks will start on 11 September. We meet in the Spinning Room at the historic Mossley Mill. We are looking forward to regular in-person meetings and are also retaining the hybrid option so members can join in from wherever they are – see you soon!
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Contact Email Address
- Branch Secretary: Newtownabbey@nifhs.org
Publications
There are several publications based on research activities in the locality:
- The Hidden Graveyard, Carnmoney (Book)
- The Corner Graveyard, Carnmoney (PDF CD)
- Carved in Stone, Carnmoney (PDF CD)
- Mallusk Memorials (Book) (Belfast Branch)
These items are available to buy:
- Online through the Shop.
Newtownabbey Membership Fees
for the year 1st September 2023 to 31st August 2024
- £22 for Single Membership
- £33 for Joint Membership (2 people at the same address applying at the same time)
Join Branch or Renew Membership
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Events Programme
- Monday, 9 October 2023 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm BST
Surnames of County Antrim – Dr Brian Turner | Newtownabbey Branch
- Monday, 13 November 2023 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm GMT
GRONI – Own Family History – Kathie Walker | Newtownabbey Branch
- Monday, 11 December 2023 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm GMT
Christmas Social – Members | Newtownabbey Branch
- Monday, 8 January 2024 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm GMT
Escape to Canada during the Famine – Jenning Cumming | Newtownabbey Branch
- Monday, 12 February 2024 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm GMT
Andrew Jackson Cottage and the US Army Rangers Museum – George McGrand | Newtownabbey Branch
- Monday, 11 March 2024 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm GMT
Ordnance Survey S200 Mapping project – Dr Catherine Porter | Newtownabbey Branch
- Monday, 8 April 2024 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm BST
Family Journals – Lorna Doherty | Newtownabbey Branch
- Monday, 13 May 2024 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm BST
AGM & Update on the Ballyeaston Project – Matthew Gilbert | Newtownabbey Branch
- Monday, 10 June 2024 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm BST
Ulster Scots Songs and Poetry – Matthew Warwick | Newtownabbey Branch
South Tyrone Branch Meetings
When?
This Branch normally meets on the third Tuesday of the month at 8:00 pm from September to May.
Where?
Meetings are normally held in the Killymaddy Centre, 190 Ballygawley Road, Dungannon BT70 1TF.
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Contact Email Address
- Branch Secretary: SouthTyrone@nifhs.org
South Tyrone Membership Fees
for the year 1st September 2023 to 31st August 2024
- £22 for Single Membership
- £33 for Joint Membership (2 people at the same address applying at the same time)
Join Branch or Renew Membership
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Events Programme
Social Media
South Tyrone Branch has a Facebook Page.
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Around the Heather’s Edge
A GEDmatch Project The Co. Tyrone DNA Genealogy Project Around the Heather’s Edge uses DNA genealogy, local knowledge and family tree to build archives of family history research. The project can be joined via GEDmatch ancestor projects. And, while we are primarily interested in the DNA genealogy of the area known historically as The Heather’s Edge, we welcome anyone whose ancestors are known to have come from Co Tyrone. A sense of place is created through our weekly Friday Zoom meetings whereby members are invited to share their stories. See Around the Heather’s Edge on Facebook.
Tyrone Branch meetings
When?
The Branch now meets on the first Tuesday or Wednesday of the month at 7:30pm from September to May. See the Programme for details of Branch Meetings.
Where?
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Contact Email Address
- Branch Secretary: Tyrone@nifhs.org
Social Media
Tyrone Branch has a Facebook Closed Group at www.facebook.com/groups/omaghfhs/
Publications
Tyrone Branch has produced two publications based on its research activities:
- Tombstones of the Omey – Second Edition 2022
- Hatches, Matches & Dispatches
which are available to buy locally from the Branch or online through the Shop.
Tyrone Membership Fees
for the year 1st September 2023 to 31st August 2024
- £22 for Single Membership
- £33 for Joint Membership (2 people at the same address applying at the same time)
Join Branch or Renew Membership
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Events Programme
- Tuesday, 10 October 2023 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm BST
Searching for Sgt Dorris – Ralph Freeman | Tyrone Branch
- Tuesday, 14 November 2023 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm GMT
November meeting TBC | Tyrone Branch
Joining
To join a Branch, please check our Membership page for further details.
Enrolment for the new Branch Year starting in September normally opens in mid July.