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Societies

Family history societies often publish helpful journals, transcripts, compiled genealogies and host helpful websites. They may have ongoing projects to transcribe records and create indexes. Most societies publish queries in their journals and maintain lists of members’ research interests that may be helpful to you. You may want to join one of these societies, reap the benefits of their expertise and resources, or support its efforts.

Addresses of the societies are for the most part where their meetings are held as they are by-and-large not brick-and-mortar institutions.

Regional Societies[edit | edit source]

Architectural and Archaeological Society of Durham and Northumberland
Elvet Riverside Room 140
83 New Elvet
Durham, County Durham DH1 3 UK
Email: archandarch.dandn@dur.ac.uk
Website: Architectural and Archaeological Society of Durham and Northumberland

Based in Durham, but with interests throughout the region, the Society aims to provide an opportunity for all those interested in archaeology and architectural history.

Cleveland, North Yorkshire and South Durham Family History Society
Hartlepool Family History Group
Grange Road Methodist Church Community Centre
46 Tankerville St
Hartlepool, County Durham TS26 8DU UK
Telephone: 1429 282012
Email: richard.wilson123@btinternet.com
Website: Hartlepool Family History Group

Sedgefield Family History Group
Ceddesfeld Hall
Rectory Row
Sedgefield, County Durham TS21 2AE UK
Telephone: 01740 620367
Email: sylvia.hall2@googlemail.com
Website: Sedgefield Family History Group

Upper Dales Family History Group
Fremington Sunday School
Swaledale, Yorkshire DL11 6AR UK
Harmby Village Hall
Wensleydale, Yorkshire DL8 5PG UK
Telephone: 0743 2677 783
Email: moverley.yorkshire@outlook.com
Website: Upper Dales Family History Group

Telephone: 01740 620367
Email: secretary@clevelandfhs.org.uk
Website: Cleveland, North Yorkshire and South Durham Family History Society

The Aims of the Society are to promote the study of genealogy and family history and to educate the public therein by holding meetings, sharing information, encouraging research, giving assistance and producing publications for the public benefit.

North-East Catholic History Society
St Joseph’s
High Street West
Gateshead, Tyne and Wear NE8 1LX UK
Telephone: 0191 270 1065
Email: margaret@coopuk.com
Website: North-East Catholic History Society

This society was founded in 1974 to promote research into the history of the Roman Catholic Church in the north-eastern counties of England.

Northumberland & Durham Family History Society
Alnwick
Bailiffgate Museum
14 Bailiffgate
Alnwick, Northumberland NE66 1LX
Email: alnwickbranch@ndfhs.org.uk
Belford
Bell View Resource Centre
33 West Street
Belford, Northumberland NE70 7QF UK
Email: north.northumberlandbranch@ndfhs.org.uk
Blyth
Briardale Training and Community Centre
Briardale Road
Blyth, Northumberland NE24 5LA UK
Email: blythbranch@ndfhs.org.uk
Belmont (Durham)
Belmont Community Centre
Sunderland Road
Gilesgate, Durham DH1 2LL UK
Email: durham-belmontbranch@ndfhs.org.uk
Hexham
Community Centre
Gilesgate
Hexham, Northumberland NE46 3NP UK
Email: tynedalebranch@ndfhs.org.uk
London
The Society of Genealogists
14 Charterhouse Buildings
Goswell Road
London EC1M 7BA UK
Email: londonbranch@ndfhs.org.uk
Newcastle
Room 3, Brunswick Chapel
Northumberland Court
Newcastle Upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear NE1 7BJ UK
Email: newcastlebranch@ndfhs.org.uk
Pegswood (Morpeth)
Pegswood Community Hub
Longhirst Road
Pegswood
Morpeth, Northumberland NE61 6XG UK
Email: wansbeckbranch@ndfhs.org.uk
North Shields
Northumberland Square
North Shields, Tyne and Wear NE30 1QU UK
Email: northtynesidebranch@ndfhs.org.uk
South Shields
St. Hilda’s Visitor Centre
Market Place
South Shields, Tyne and Wear NE33 1AN UK
Email: southtynesidebranch@ndfhs.org.uk
Telephone: 0191 261 2159
Email: chairman@ndfhs.org.uk
Website: Northumberland & Durham Family History Society

The Society, founded in 1975, promotes interest in family history amongst its members and the general public. We have branches in Alnwick, Belford, Blyth, Belmont (Durham), Hexham, London, Newcastle, Pegswood (Morpeth), North Shields, and South Shields.

The Surtees Society
Telephone: 0191 334 1048
Email: surtees.society@durham.ac.uk
Website: The Surtees Society

The Surtees Society is dedicated to the publication of manuscripts illustrative of the history of the ancient kingdom of Northumbria, principally of County Durham and Northumberland in North East England.

Wesley Historical Society - North East Methodist History Society
Telephone: 01434 608733
Website: Wesley Historical Society - North East Methodist History Society

The aims of the Society laid down in 1893 were to promote the study of the history and literature of early Methodism, research into the Wesley's, and investigation into the beginnings and development of Methodism. The Society aims to encourage an informed interest in the life and work of John and Charles Wesley, in Methodist history in general, in chapels and their architecture, and in the broader patterns of English religious history, especially in the counties of Northumberland, Durham and Cleveland. Area: Durham, Northumberland, and The North Riding.

Durham Societies[edit | edit source]

Annfield Plain Family History Society
Annfield Plain Library
North Road
Annfield Plain
Stanley, County Durham DH9 8EZ UK
Telephone: 07903 772965
Website: Annfield Plain Family History Society

We are a group of like-minded people with an interest in Family & Local History, based in Annfield Plain but covering the history of the whole of North West Durham.

Aycliffe Village Local History Society
Aycliffe Village Hall
9-12 North Terrace
Aycliffe Village
Newton Aycliffe, County Durham DL5 6LF UK
Email: vivienellis@btinternet.com
Website: Aycliffe Village Local History Society

The Society is for anyone interested in local history, especially that of the Great Aycliffe area.

Barningham Local History Group
Barningham Village Hall
Barningham
Richmond, County Durham DL11 7DW UK
Telephone: 01833 621374
Email: ann.orton@hotmail.co.uk
Website: Barningham Local History Group

The history group was founded in 2009 and covers not only Barningham but the neighbouring villages of Scargill, Hope, Newsham, Dalton, Gayles, Kirby Hill, Greta Bridge, Brignall, Rokeby, and Hutton Magna.

Bishop Middleham Local History Society
Telephone: 01740 621224
Email: dave@findmylibrary.co.uk
Website: Bishop Middleham Local History Society

Bowburn Local History Society
History & Heritage Room
Bowburn Community Centre
Durham Road
Bowburn
Durham, County Durham DH6 5AT UK
Telephone: 0191 3771391
Email: bowburnlhs@gmail.com
Website: Bowburn Local History Society

Bowburn Local History Society aims to produce a comprehensive guide to the history of Bowburn on its website.

Chester-le-Street Heritage Group
Chester-le-Street Library
Station Road
Chester-le-Street, County Durham DH3 3BP UK
Telephone: 0191 388 3667
Email: dahall52@aol.com
Website: Chester-le-Street Heritage Group

The Heritage Group was formed in 1986 with the aims of recording and preserving the history of Chester-le-Street and of making this heritage available to the public and to future generations in the form of documentary and photographic archives.

Cleveland & Teeside Local History Society
Middlesbrough College
Dock Street
Middlesbrough, Yorkshire TS2 1AD UK
Telephone: 01642 816903
Email: martin@peagam.co.uk
Website: Cleveland & Teeside Local History Society

The Society, which was formed in 1968, takes an active part in preserving our heritage. We promote various projects in local history and offer advice. We maintain links with local archives, libraries, museums, and groups connected with archaeology, family history, and industrial archaeology.

County Durham History & Heritage Forum
Email: yb2u15@gmail.com
Website: County Durham History & Heritage Forum

A voluntary association of local history societies and groups, heritage organisations, and individuals interested in sharing and promoting the history and heritage of County Durham.

Crook & District Local History Society
RAFA Club
12 North Terrace
Crook, County Durham DL15 9AZ UK
Telephone: 01388 765189
Email: smithbrenda66@btinternet.com
Website: Crook & District Local History Society

Crook and District Local History Society was formed in 1990 with the aim of preserving the future of our past through projects, publications and gaining knowledge from guest speakers.

Dalton le Dale History Society
St Andrew’s Church Parish Hall
5 St Cuthberts Terrace
Dalton-le-Dale
Seaham, County Durham SR7 8QX UK
Email: g.gustard@sky.com
Website: Dalton le Dale History Society

Dalton le Dale History Society was formed in 2013 by enthusiasts who wished to explore the heritage on their doorstep and encourage an exchange of ideas and opinions on all matters relating to local history.

Darlington Historical Society
Friends Meeting House
Skinnergate
Darlington, County Durham DL3 7NG UK
Telephone: 01325 283589
Email: gillian.shevels@ntlworld.com
Website: Darlington Historical Society

Since 1961 Darlington Historical Society has aimed to promote an interest in the general history of Darlington and the surrounding area.

Durham County Local History Society
City Theatre
Fowler’s Yard
Back Silver Street
Durham, County Durham DH1 3RA UK
Telephone: 01388 816209
Email: jdbdclhs@gmail.com
Website: Durham County Local History Society

The Society particularly focuses on recent centuries when County Durham was playing a major part in the economic and industrial growth of Britain and also making its individual contribution to the social, religious and political development of our country. The Society attends events promoting local history, issues a range of publications, arranges occasional talks free to non-members, and maintains its website.

Felling Heritage Group
Felling Library
Felling High St Hub
58 High St
Gateshead, Tyne and Wear NE10 9LT UK
Email: dave.naps69@gmail.com
Website: Felling Heritage Group

Felling Local History Society
Pelaw Library
36 Princess St
Gateshead, Tyne and Wear NE10 0QT UK
Telephone: 0191 440 6153
Website: Felling Local History Society

Gateshead Local History Society
Gateshead Library
Prince Consort Rd
Gateshead, Tyne and Wear NE8 4LN UK
Telephone: 0191 5970805
Email: gatesheadlhs@gmail.com
Website: Gateshead Local History Society

We are a group of Gateshead residents who enjoy meeting up to discuss local history.

Greenside Local History Group
Greenside Community Centre
Lindisfarne
Greenside
Ryton, Tyne and Wear NE40 3PT UK
Telephone: 0191 413 4738
Email: greensidevillage@gatesheadmail.com
Website: Greenside Local History Group

Hetton Local and Natural History Society
Hetton & Eppleton Community Hall
72 Leeholme
Houghton Le Spring, Tyne And Wear DH5 8HR UK
Telephone: 0191 5262804
Email: info@hettonlocalhistory.org.uk
Website: Hetton Local and Natural History Society

An Aim of the Society is to advance the knowledge and education of people within the local community and beyond as to the heritage, history, and social development of Hetton-le-Hole and the surrounding area, including Easington Lane, Moorsley, and East Rainton.

Lanchester Local History Society
Lanchester Community Centre
Newbiggin Lane
Lanchester, County Durham DH70JQ UK
Telephone: 01207 529085
Email: mdaap@durham.gov.uk
Website: Lanchester Local History Society

The Society has a programme of talks given by well-known speakers on a variety of wide-ranging historical topics, usually of northern origin and interest.

Middleton St George History Group
Community Centre
Station Rd
Middleton St George
Darlington, County Durham DL2 1JGT UK
Telephone: 01325 333213
Email: sheila.glew@yahoo.co.uk
Website: Middleton St George History Group

We wanted to try to give people more knowledge of the village and the surrounding area and we hoped that people would contribute their memories of the village and that a few people might do some research into aspects of the village from documents in various places.

Ryton Local History Society
c/o Crawcrook Library
Main Street
Crawcrook, Durham NE40 4NB
Telephone: 0191 4138164
Website: Ryton Local History Society

Sedgefield Local History Society
Telephone: 01740 6200091
Email: abhodgsons99@btinternet.com
Website: Sedgefield Local History Society

Sedgefield Local History Society aims to promote interest in local history, particularly that of the Sedgefield area, organise meetings with guest speakers, and encourage historical research in the area and record outcomes.

Shincliffe Local History Society
St. Mary's Church Hall
High Street North
Shincliffe, Durham DH1 2NJ UK
Telephone: 0191 386 5916
Email: w.hateley27@gmail.com
Website: Shincliffe Local History Society
Website #2: Shincliffe Local History Society

We started as a group of people with an interest in the history of Shincliffe and came together as a society in the late 1980's. We now have a membership of about 60 people from the village and the surrounding area.

St Mary's Heritage Group
St Mary's Heritage Centre
Oakwellgate
Gateshead, Tyne & Wear NE8 2AU UK
Telephone: 0191 433 4699
Email: smhgg@hotmail.co.uk
Website: St Mary's Heritage Group

Our Group is made up of all volunteers, passionate about the history of St Mary’s and the surrounding area. We can help with family history research, utilising St Mary’s archives and parish records, and we are continually researching the history of the building, the people associated with St Mary’s, and those buried in the graveyard.

Sunderland Antiquarian Society
6 Douro Terrace
Sunderland, SR2 7DX UK
Telephone: 01915101923
Email: p11cur@sky.com
Website: Sunderland Antiquarian Society

The Society was founded in 1900 and by publications, research, and meetings, encourages interest in the history of Sunderland and its region. The Society holds extensive archives which have been amassed and donated over the past century by the people of Sunderland and these are available to members and visitors.

Sunniside Local History Society
Sunniside Social Club
Sunniside Rd
Sunniside
Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear NE165NA UK
Telephone: 0191 441 2374/0191 488 3763
Email: sun1h1st@gmail.com
Website: Sunniside Local History Society

We are an extremely active history society with over 120 members.

Swalwell Local History Society
Swalwell Community Centre
3EX, 74 Clavering Rd
Swalwell
Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear NE16 3ET UK
Telephone: 0191 488 4221
Website: Swalwell Local History Society

Teesside Archaeological Society
Stockton Central Library
Church Rd
Stockton-on-Tees, County Durham TS18 1TU UK
Email: teesarchsoc.news@gmail.com
Website: Teesside Archaeological Society

We’re an enthusiastic, friendly group who share a passion for the rich, distinctive heritage of the Tees Valley and Cleveland, with more than 10,000 years of archaeology – evidence for past human activity – on our doorstep!

Thorpe Thewles History Group
Grindon Parish Hall
Durham Rd
Thorpe Thewles, County Durham TS21 3JU UK
Telephone: 01740 630014
Email: tthg@outlook.com
Website: Thorpe Thewles History Group

Preserving & recording the heritage of the villages of Thorpe Thewles, Grindon, Fulthorpe, Blakeston, & Wynyard.

Tow Law & District History Society
St. Philip & James Church Hall
Church Lane
Tow Law, County Durham DL13 4HE UK
Email: towlawhistory@gmail.com
Website: Tow Law & District History Society

We are a small working group who research and actively support other community projects: giving talks to schools, church groups, or slide shows from our extensive collection of photographs.

Tudhoe & Spennymoor Local History Society
St. David's Church Hall
Tudhoe, County Durham DL16 6LL UK
Telephone: 01388 816850
Email: tslhs@btinternet.com
Website: Tudhoe & Spennymoor Local History Society

The Society was formed in 1988 and its aims are to organise an annual programme of talks and outings and attend events promoting local history.

Washington History Society
MIND Building
Grasmere Terrace
Columbia
Washington, Tyne & Wear NE38 7LP UK
Telephone: 07736 010203
Website: Washington History Society

Washington History Society is an informal group of people who work together to keep the history of Washington alive. We collect and preserve photographs, documents and memorabilia, while taking an active part in raising awareness of the town's heritage through talks and exhibitions. Washington history covers over 800 years and the Old Hall was home to the ancestors from which the 1st President of the United States, George Washington, inherited his name.

Wheatley Hill History Club
Wheatley House
Woodland Avenue
Wheatley Hill, County Durham DH6 3LN UK
Telephone: 01429 820813
Email: history.club2@btinternet.com
Website: Wheatley Hill History Club

Wheatley Hill History Club, founded in January 1995, is a thriving society whose very active membership is bound together by common aims which are to remember the industrial past of our village, to discover how our ancestors lived, to collect photographs and documents relating to the past, to build up an archive of materials that can be handed on to future generations, and to educate future generations by using the reminiscences of our members.

Whickham History Society
Community Centre
Front Street
Whickham, Tyne & Wear NE16 4JL UK
Telephone: 0191 3869876
Email: richard_pears@hotmail.com
Website: Whickham History Society

Winlaton & District Local History Society
West End Club
West Lane
Winlaton
Gateshead, Tyne and Wear NE21 6PQ UK
Email: winlatonhistorysociety@yahoo.com
Website: Winlaton & District Local History Society

The society was formed in 1970 by a group of twelve members with the aim of researching and promoting the history of the local area.