NIFHS Branches
The Society has nine Branches in the North of Ireland.
- More Details
- Antrim and Newtownabbey
- Ballymena
- Belfast
- Causeway Coast and Glens
- Foyle
- Killyleagh
- Larne
- Lisburn
- Tyrone
Membership Year
The 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 opens in mid August. 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. .
Antrim and Newtownabbey Branch Meetings
When?
This Branch usually meets on the second Monday of the month at 7:00 p.m. from September to May.
Where?
New season, new venue!
Our new season of talks will start on 19 September. We meet in the The White House in. Newtownabbey. 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: AntrimNewtownabbey@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.
NIFHS Membership Fees
for the year 1st September 2024 to 31st August 2025
- £25 for Single Membership
- £40 for Joint Membership (2 people at the same address applying at the same time)
Join the Society
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Events Programme
- Monday, 13 January 2025 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm GMT
War Museum and Artifacts – Michael Fryer | Antrim & Newtownabbey Branch | Hybrid Meeting
- Monday, 10 February 2025 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm GMT
The History of the Barron Hall and Old Glengormley | Kathy Wolff | Antrim & Newtownabbey Branch
- Monday, 10 March 2025 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm GMT
OS200 Project – Townlands | Dr Frances Kane | Antrim & Newtownabbey Branch
- Monday, 14 April 2025 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm BST
A Dress for Kathleen. Remembering an Aunt through Stitching and Creative Writing | Heather Richardson | Antrim & Newtownabbey Branch
- Monday, 12 May 2025 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm BST
AGM – 0S200 Website | Cat Porter | Antrim & Newtownabbey Branch
- Saturday, 7 June 2025 - Saturday, 14 June 2025
Outing to Waringstown Social History Farm | Branch Members | Antrim & Newtownabbey Branch
Ballymena Branch Meetings
When?
Ballymena Branch in the 2024-25 year meets on the first Wednesday 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
Social Media
Ballymena Branch has a Facebook Closed Group.
NIFHS Membership Fees
for the year 1st September 2024 to 31st August 2025
- £25 for Single Membership
- £40 for Joint Membership (2 people at the same address applying at the same time)
Join the Society
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Events Programme
- Wednesday, 8 January 2025 @ 7:15 pm - 9:15 pm GMT
Where to Find Irish Church Records | Natalie Bodle | Ballymena Branch
- Wednesday, 5 February 2025 @ 7:15 pm - 9:15 pm GMT
The Belfast Blitz | Henry Wilson | Ballymena Branch
- Wednesday, 5 March 2025 @ 7:15 pm - 9:15 pm GMT
Resources in the Presbyterian Historical Society for Family Research | Valerie Adams | Ballymena Branch
- Wednesday, 2 April 2025 @ 7:15 pm - 9:15 pm BST
The Story of Tea | Robert Bell | Ballymena Branch
- Wednesday, 7 May 2025 @ 7:15 pm - 9:15 pm BST
AGM & Northern Ireland, Enigma and the Radio Security Service | Ron Bishop | Ballymena Branch
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
Saturday 15 September 2024 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 NIFHS Research Centre on Saturday 5 October 2024, Thursday 6 February 2025 and Saturday 3 May 2025.
NIFHS Membership Fees
for the year 1st September 2024 to 31st August 2025
- £25 for Single Membership
- £40 for Joint Membership (2 people at the same address applying at the same time)
Join the Society
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Events Programme
- Tuesday, 17 December 2024 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm GMT
*Date Change* Christmas Party and Entertainment | Belfast Branch
- Tuesday, 28 January 2025 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm GMT
Belfast City Cemetery – Tom Hartley | Belfast Branch
- Thursday, 6 February 2025 @ 10:30 am - 2:30 pm GMT
Outing to NIFHS Research Centre | Belfast Branch
- Tuesday, 25 February 2025 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm GMT
OS200: Digitally Remapping Ireland’s Ordnance Survey Heritage – Dr Catherine Porter | Belfast Branch
- Tuesday, 25 March 2025 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm GMT
Unlocking Legal Histories: Exploring Crown and Peace, Land Records, and Civil Court Archives – Graham Jackson | Belfast Branch
- Tuesday, 29 April 2025 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm BST
Other NIFHS DNA Projects – Anne Johnston | Belfast Branch
- Saturday, 3 May 2025 @ 10:30 am - 2:30 pm BST
Outing to NIFHS Research Centre | Belfast Branch
- Tuesday, 27 May 2025 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm BST
AGM & Bad Bridget: Mayhem and the Lives of Irish Emigrant Women – Prof Elaine Farrell and Prof Leanne McCormick | Belfast Branch
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
Access to records on the Branch website is by Username and Password provided by the Branch Webmaster.
Make contact quoting your membership number via Causeway@nifhs.org
NIFHS Membership Fees
for the year 1st September 2024 to 31st August 2025
- £25 for Single Membership
- £40 for Joint Membership (2 people at the same address applying at the same time)
Join the Society
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Events Programme
- Tuesday, 28 January 2025 @ 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm GMT
Townland Atlas of Ulster | Andrew Kane | Causeway Branch
- Tuesday, 25 February 2025 @ 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm GMT
Northern Ireland Film Archive | Bronagh McAtasney | Causeway Branch
- Tuesday, 25 March 2025 @ 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm GMT
Cunnningham’s Shop | Elaine Wilson | Causeway Branch
- Tuesday, 29 April 2025 @ 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm BST
My life and family | Graham Kane | Causeway Branch
- Tuesday, 27 May 2025 @ 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm BST
Townlands of the North Coast | Dr Niall Comer | Causeway Branch
- Tuesday, 24 June 2025 @ 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm BST
The Stewart Family of Ballyhivistock, near Dervock | Bruce Clark | Causeway 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 held in the Lecture Room of Derry City’s Central The Events Programme will include details for each meeting.
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Contact Email Address
- Branch Secretary: Foyle@nifhs.org
NIFHS Membership Fees
for the year 1st September 2024 to 31st August 2025
- £25 for Single Membership
- £40 for Joint Membership (2 people at the same address applying at the same time)
Join the Society
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Events Programme
- Monday, 13 January 2025 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm GMT
January 2025 Talk | Foyle Branch
- Monday, 3 February 2025 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm GMT
February 2025 Talk | Foyle Branch
- Saturday, 22 February 2025
Visit NIFHS Research Centre (TBC) | Foyle Branch
- Monday, 3 March 2025 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm GMT
March 2025 Talk | Foyle Branch
- Wednesday, 12 March 2025
Visit to Public Record Office (PRONI) Belfast | Foyle Branch
- Monday, 7 April 2025 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm BST
April 2025 Talk | Foyle Branch
- Monday, 12 May 2025 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm BST
AGM & Talk | Foyle Branch
- Saturday, 7 June 2025
Summer Outing | 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.
NIFHS Membership Fees
for the year 1st September 2024 to 31st August 2025
- £25 for Single Membership
- £40 for Joint Membership (2 people at the same address applying at the same time)
Join the Society
.
Events Programme
- Monday, 6 January 2025 @ 7:30 pm - 10:00 pm GMT
Family History Networking | Alison Tait | Killyleagh Branch
- Monday, 3 February 2025 @ 7:30 pm - 10:00 pm GMT
PRONI & records most relevant to NIFHS members – Wesley Geddis | Kilyleagh Branch
- Monday, 3 March 2025 @ 7:30 pm - 10:00 pm GMT
Murder Most Foul! | Chris Scott | Killyleagh Branch
- Monday, 7 April 2025 @ 7:30 pm - 10:00 pm BST
The IRA Attack at Killyleagh Castle and other Sites in East Down in the 1920s – Chris Hagan | Killyleagh Branch
- Tuesday, 15 April 2025 @ 7:30 pm - 10:00 pm BST
DNA Project night & Update | Martin McDowell | Killyleagh Branch
- Monday, 12 May 2025 @ 7:30 pm - 10:00 pm BST
Krannenburg – Leona Thomas & AGM | Killyleagh Branch
- Friday, 1 August 2025
Summer Outing | Killyleagh Branch
Social Media
The Branch has a Facebook Page.
Larne Branch Meetings
When?
Larne Branch meets on the third Thursday of the month at 7:15 p.m. from September to May.
Where?
Meetings in the 2024-25 year to be held in Larne Branch Library, 36 Pound Street, Larne, BT40 1SQ.
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Contact Email Address
- Branch Secretary: Larne@nifhs.org
Publications
Larne Branch had published two works based on its research activities. These publications are out of print, but can be found in the local library as well as at C4.
- On Tranquil Land or Stormy Sea
- Resting in Larne’s Green Land.
NIFHS Membership Fees
for the year 1st September 2024 to 31st August 2025
- £25 for Single Membership
- £40 for Joint Membership (2 people at the same address applying at the same time)
Join the Society
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Events Programme
- Thursday, 16 January 2025 @ 7:15 pm GMT
Mabel Glass: East Antrim Spitfire Pilot | Steve Diamond | Larne Branch
- Thursday, 20 February 2025 @ 7:15 pm GMT
Rev William Martin’s Five Ships for Carolina 1772 | Dr David Hume | Larne Branch
- Thursday, 20 March 2025 @ 7:15 pm - 9:15 pm GMT
William McCalmont : Poet of Larne and Demerara Slave Plantation Agent (1790s to 1840s) | Dr Des McCabe | Larne Branch
- Thursday, 17 April 2025 @ 7:15 pm - 9:15 pm BST
AGM & The Ancestor I Would Most Like To Meet and Why | Members | Larne Branch
- Thursday, 15 May 2025 @ 7:15 pm BST
The Life and Career of Henry McNeill (1836-1904): Father of Irish Tourism | Anne Casement | Larne Branch
- Thursday, 19 June 2025 @ 7:15 pm BST
June Meeting TBC | 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:
- Lisburn Parish of Blaris (a booklet in the “Researching Your Ancestors” series)
Available to buy:- Locally in the Branch
- At the Research Centre C4
- Online through the Shop
- These Hallowed Grounds Volume 1 (Kilrush and St Patrick’s burial grounds) – out of print
- These Hallowed Grounds Volume 2 (Christ Church Cathedral and Friends burial grounds)
Blaris Old Burial Ground
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
NIFHS Membership Fees
for the year 1st September 2024 to 31st August 2025
- £25 for Single Membership
- £40 for Joint Membership (2 people at the same address applying at the same time)
Join the Society
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Events Programme
- Tuesday, 14 January 2025 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm GMT
Are you sitting comfortably? Writing up your Family History | Janet Few | Lisburn Branch
- Tuesday, 11 February 2025 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm GMT
Strange and Unusual Sources for Irish Family History | Dr James Ryan | Lisburn Branch
- Tuesday, 11 March 2025 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm GMT
CSM William J. McCutcheon MM (1917-45): a Lisburn soldier and the liberation of Europe | Dr James Frazer | Lisburn Branch
- Tuesday, 8 April 2025 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm BST
Family Hands. Looking at various Ulster American family stories using the song by Mary Chapin Carpenter | Dr David Hume | Lisburn Branch
- Tuesday, 13 May 2025 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm BST
Members Night & AGM | Lisburn Branch
- Sunday, 1 June 2025 - Monday, 30 June 2025
Branch Outing | Lisburn Branch
Tyrone Branch Meetings
When?
The Branch now meets on the second Tuesday 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.
NIFHS Membership Fees
for the year 1st September 2024 to 31st August 2025
- £25 for Single Membership
- £40 for Joint Membership (2 people at the same address applying at the same time)
Join the Society
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Events Programme
Recent Events
- Tuesday, 13 February 2024 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm GMT
Internal Migration in Ireland, 1600-2000 – Dr Patrick Fitzgerald | Tyrone Branch | Zoom only
- Tuesday, 14 November 2023 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm GMT
Transcription of Cappagh Parish Book 1 – How It Was Done and What We Found | Tyrone Branch
- Tuesday, 10 October 2023 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm BST
Searching for Sgt Dorris – Ralph Freeman | Tyrone Branch
- Tuesday, 12 September 2023 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm BST
New Season Opening Night | Tyrone Branch
- Tuesday, 13 September 2022 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm BST
Branch Meeting | Tyrone Branch
Joining
To join the Society, please check our Membership website for further details.
Enrolment for the new Branch Year starting in September opens in mid August.