News

The Isle of Man Family History Society Open Days 2010

The Isle of Man Family History Society has opened its doors to the public this weekend with an extensive exhibition in the Corrin Hall in Peel. Adjacent to St. German’s Cathedral this is an ideal location to exhibit plentiful supplies of historical material for the keen genealogist. With plenty of volunteers available to help visitors in their quest to find that elusive relative, and a very tempting variety of Manx books to browse through, refreshments are a welcome diversion.

Formed in 1979 to encourage the study of genealogy and family history, the society’s headquarters is situated a stone’s throw away from the Corrin Hall on Derby Road in Peel, and welcomes new members who can visit the office at specified times. Monthly meetings are held mostly at the Union Mills Methodist Church Hall with members receiving ‘Fraueyn as Banglaneyn’ (Roots & Branches), a useful quarterly journal brimming with ideas, useful tips and historical or genealogical research.

This weekend’s presentation is a fascinating and absorbing exhibition, where other family historians proudly show the results of their wide-ranging researches, and provide visitors with an insight into the lives of their ancestors, both the under privileged and the well-off of Manx society.

There’s a chance to study census returns, burial registers and delve into the records for births, marriages and deaths, with countless publications available for purchase to aid future research.

In addition browsers can also reminisce about the old days with the exhibitor of a large postcard collection depicting many Island scenes from yester-year, or ponder over a bountiful display of Victorian artefacts which includes pairs of vintage butter pats and ladies underwear!

www.iomfhs.im

Valerie Caine © September 2010