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
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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Officers & Trustees 2022-23
- Chairperson: Brian O’Hara
- Secretary: Patricia Cummings – Email: Ballymena@nifhs.org
- Treasurer: Alan Rosborough
Ballymena Membership Fees
for the year 1st September 2022 to 31st August 2023
- £25 for Single Membership
- £30 for Joint Membership
(2 people at the same address applying at the same time)
Join Branch or Renew Membership
Programme 2022-23
- Thursday, 27 April 2023 @ 7:15 pm - 8:45 pm BST
Emigration to Australia & New Zealand – Mike McKeag | Ballymena Branch | Hybrid
- Wednesday, 17 May 2023 @ 7:15 pm - 8:45 pm BST
*new date* AGM & Researching your WW1 Ancestors – Alan Rosborough | Ballymena Branch | Hybrid
Social Media
Ballymena Branch has a Facebook Closed Group.
Belfast Branch Meetings
When?
Belfast Branch usually meets on the fourth Tuesday of the month at 7:30 p.m. from September to May.
Where?
Meetings in the past have been held in the Holywood Arches Library, Belfast.
For the 2022-23 Year, the venue and format for each meeting will be published in the Events Calendar in due course.
Officers & Trustees 2022-23
- Chairperson: Arthur Macartney
- Secretary: Robert Ringrow – Email: Belfast@nifhs.org
- Treasurer: Margaret Armstrong
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.
Belfast Membership Fees
for the year 1st September 2022 to 31st August 2023
- £22 for Single Membership
- £30 for Joint Membership
(2 people at the same address applying at the same time)
Join Branch or Renew Membership
Programme 2022-23
- Tuesday, 25 April 2023 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm BST
WikiTree – Anne Johnston | Belfast Branch | Hybrid Meeting
- Tuesday, 23 May 2023 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm BST
Annual General Meeting & Short Talks by three Members | Belfast Branch | Hybrid Meeting
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Past Events
- Tuesday, 28 March 2023 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm BST
The People of Belfast – Aidan Campbell | Belfast Branch | Hybrid Meeting
- Tuesday, 28 February 2023 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm GMT
Emigration from the North of Ireland to the Canadian Maritimes – Dr Paddy Fitzgerald | Belfast Branch | On Zoom
- Tuesday, 24 January 2023 @ 7:30 am - 9:00 pm GMT
The Ballykinlar Hut Project – Mike King | Belfast Branch | On Zoom
- Tuesday, 13 December 2022 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm GMT
Members’ Experiences | Belfast Branch | On Site at St. Donard’s Hall Bloomfield
- Tuesday, 22 November 2022 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm GMT
Estate Records – Brett Irwin, PRONI | Belfast Branch | Hybrid Meeting with 7pm start
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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Officers & Trustees 2022-23
- Chairperson: Elwyn Soutter
- Secretary: Email: Causeway@nifhs.org
- Treasurer: Andrew Kane
Causeway C&G Branch website: www.causewayfhs.org.uk
Branch webmaster: contact via Causeway@nifhs.org
Causeway Membership Fees
for the year 1st September 2022 to 31st August 2023
- £20 for Single Membership
- £30 for Joint Membership
(2 people at the same address applying at the same time)
Join Branch or Renew Membership
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Programme 2022-23
- Tuesday, 25 April 2023 @ 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm BST
The Genealogy of Rathlin Island, Ballycastle and the Glens – Dr Nic Wright | Causeway C&G Branch | Hybrid Meeting
- Tuesday, 30 May 2023 @ 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm BST
The Workhouse System in Ireland – Dr Robyn Atcheson | Causeway C&G Branch | Hybrid Meeting
- Saturday, 17 June 2023
Annual 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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Officers & Trustees 2022-23
- Chairperson: Gerard Harvey
- Secretary: Nuala McGee – Email: Foyle@nifhs.org
- Treasurer: Elaine Doherty
Foyle Membership Fees
for the year 1st September 2022 to 31st August 2023
- £16 for Single Membership
- £22 for Joint Membership
(2 people at the same address applying at the same time)
Join Branch or Renew Membership
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Programme 2022-23
- Monday, 3 April 2023 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm BST
The Boundary Commission – John Dooher | Foyle Branch | Hybrid Meeting
- Monday, 15 May 2023 @ 7:00 pm BST
Hope & History – Paul McFadden | Foyle Branch | Hybrid Meeting
- Saturday, 10 June 2023
Summer Outing – tbc | Foyle Branch
Killyleagh Branch Meetings
When?
Killyleagh Branch usually meets on the first Monday of the month at 8:00 p.m. from October to May. 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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Officers & Trustees 2022-23
- Chairperson: Nigel Carse
- Secretary: Ken Tait – Email : Killyleagh@nifhs.org
- Treasurer: Vacant
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 2022 to 31st August 2023
- £16 for Single Membership
- £22 for Joint Membership
(2 people at the same address applying at the same time)
Join Branch or Renew Membership
Programme 2022-23
- Monday, 3 April 2023 @ 8:00 pm - 9:45 pm BST
The Names Have It – Moira Concannon | Killyleagh Branch
- Monday, 1 May 2023 @ 8:00 pm - 9:45 pm BST
AGM | 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 2022-23 year are held in Larne Museum and Arts Centre, 2 Victoria Road, Larne, BT40 1RN.
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Officers & Trustees 2022-23
- Chairperson: vacant
- Secretary: Glenyss Glass – Email: Larne@nifhs.org
- Treasurer: David Simms
Publications
Larne Branch has produced two publications based on its research activities:
These books are usually available to buy:
- Locally in Larne at The Book Nook.
- Online through the Shop.
Larne Membership Fees
for the year 1st September 2022 to 31st August 2023
- £22 for Single Membership
- £30 for Joint Membership
(2 people at the same address applying at the same time)
Join Branch or Renew Membership
Programme 2022-23
- Monday, 17 April 2023 @ 7:15 pm - 8:45 pm BST
Larne in the Northern Ireland Screen Archives – Northern Ireland Screen | Larne Branch | Hybrid Meeting
- Monday, 15 May 2023 @ 7:15 pm - 8:45 pm BST
AGM & Update on the Ballycarry & Islandmagee DNA Projects – Martin McDowell & Anne Johnston | Larne Branch | Hybrid Meeting
- Monday, 19 June 2023 @ 7:15 pm - 8:45 pm BST
Malone House – Alun Evans | Larne Branch | Hybrid Meeting
Social Media
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Lisburn Branch Meetings
When?
Lisburn Branch Zoom meetings take place on the second Tuesday of the month at 7:30 p.m. from September to May.
Where?
Meetings are normally held in the Bridge Community Centre, Railway Street, Lisburn BT28 1XP.
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Officers & Trustees 2022-23
- Chairperson:
- Secretary: – Email: Lisburn@nifhs.org
- Treasurer: Trevor Atchison
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
(Millbrook 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 Photo Gallery
Lisburn Membership Fees
for the year 1st September 2022 to 31st August 2023
- £25 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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Programme 2022-23
- Tuesday, 18 April 2023 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm BST
The Role Of The Land Agent In 19th Century Ulster – Anne Casement | Lisburn Branch
- Tuesday, 9 May 2023 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm BST
Branch AGM | Followed by The Londonderry Militia (1793-1816) – Al Bodkin | Lisburn Branch
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Past Events
- Tuesday, 14 March 2023 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm GMT
The Merchant, the Quakers and the Enslaved Boy – Dr. Jonathan Wright | Lisburn Branch | on Zoom
- Tuesday, 14 February 2023 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm GMT
Ethical Dilemmas in Genealogy – Dr. Penny Walters | Lisburn Branch | On Zoom
- Tuesday, 10 January 2023 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm GMT
Irish Service Women in the Great War – Barbara Walsh | Lisburn Branch | on Zoom
- Tuesday, 13 December 2022 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm GMT
Christmas In Lisburn Through The Years – Aaron McIntyre | Lisburn Branch
- Tuesday, 8 November 2022 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm GMT
Lost Meeting Houses of Belfast – Tom Hartley | Lisburn Branch
- Tuesday, 11 October 2022 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm BST
East Belfast Big Houses Vol 2 – Aidan Campbell | Lisburn Branch
- Tuesday, 13 September 2022 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm BST
Stories from Old Blaris Burying Ground – Elizabeth Scott | Lisburn Branch
- Tuesday, 14 June 2022 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm BST
Annual Branch Outing: to Robinson Library, Armagh | Lisburn Branch | “On Site” event
- Tuesday, 10 May 2022 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm BST
AGM & Members’ Night with a ‘Show and Tell’ | Lisburn Branch | “On Zoom” event
- Monday, 25 April 2022 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm BST
Family History Resources in Armagh Robinson Library | Thirza Mulder | 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?
Meeting formats and venues in the Branch Programme.
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Officers & Trustees 2022-23
- Chairperson: Kathleen Morrison
- Secretary: Imelda McVeigh – Email: Newtownabbey@nifhs.org
- Treasurer: Etta Mann
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 2022 to 31st August 2023
- £22 for Single Membership
- £30 for Joint Membership (2 people at the same address applying at the same time)
Join Branch or Renew Membership
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Programme 2022-23
- Monday, 10 April 2023 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm BST
Update on Finding Ethel – Monica Sheridan | Newtownabbey Branch | Hybrid Meeting
- Monday, 8 May 2023 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm BST
AGM | Tom Hartley | Newtownabbey Branch | Hybrid Meeting
- Monday, 12 June 2023 @ 10:00 am - 6:00 pm BST
Outing to Belfast City Cemetery | Newtownabbey Branch
Social Media
Newtownabbey Branch hosts a Facebook Page.
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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Officers & Trustees 2022-23
- Chairperson: Angela O’Connor
- Secretary: Sarah Robinson – Email: SouthTyrone@nifhs.org
- Treasurer: Leslie Kelly
South Tyrone Membership Fees
for the year 1st September 2022 to 31st August 2023
- £18 for Single Membership
- £26 for Joint Membership
(2 people at the same address applying at the same time)
Join Branch or Renew Membership
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Programme 2022-23
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Past Events
- Tuesday, 20 September 2022 @ 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm BST
Branch Open Evening @ Ranfurly House | South Tyrone Branch | On Site
- Tuesday, 21 June 2022 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm BST
AGM | South Tyrone Branch | “On Site” event
- Tuesday, 17 May 2022 @ 8:00 am - 5:00 pm BST
Sourcing Family Connections before 1800 | Roddy Hegarty | South Tyrone Branch | “On Zoom” event
- Tuesday, 19 April 2022 @ 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm BST
Branch Meeting | South Tyrone Branch
- Tuesday, 15 February 2022 @ 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm GMT
Branch Meeting on Zoom | South Tyrone Branch
- Tuesday, 18 January 2022 @ 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm GMT
Meeting on Zoom | South Tyrone Branch
- Tuesday, 14 December 2021 @ 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm GMT
Meeting on Zoom | South Tyrone Branch
- Tuesday, 16 November 2021 @ 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm GMT
Branch Meeting on Zoom | South Tyrone Branch
- Tuesday, 19 October 2021 @ 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm BST
From Dungannon to Dungannon : A Scots/Irish Journey | John Palmer | South Tyrone Branch
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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Officers & Trustees 2022-23
- Chairperson: Vincent Brogan
- Secretary: Sheena McClure – Email Tyrone@nifhs.org
- Treasurer:
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 2022 to 31st August 2023
- £20 for Single Membership
- £25 for Joint Membership
(2 people at the same address applying at the same time)
Join Branch or Renew Membership
Programme 2022-23
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Past Events
- Tuesday, 13 September 2022 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm BST
Branch Meeting | Tyrone Branch
- Tuesday, 12 April 2022 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm BST
Branch Meeting | tba | Tyrone Branch
- Tuesday, 8 March 2022 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm GMT
Branch Meeting | tba | Tyrone Branch
- Tuesday, 8 February 2022 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm GMT
The Birth of a Book: Hatches, Matches and Dispatches | Ken Collins | Tyrone Branch
- Tuesday, 9 November 2021 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm GMT
Mills and Millers of Tyrone | Sebastian Graham | Tyrone Branch
- Tuesday, 12 October 2021 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm BST
Mini Talks | Tyrone Branch Members
- Tuesday, 14 September 2021 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm BST
New Member Welcome & Catch Up | Tyrone Branch
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 July. Online application and payment of the membership fee is recommended.
Joining
To join a Branch, please check our Membership page for further details.