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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

The Devon & Cornwall Record Society
Email: admin@devonandcornwallrecordsociety.co.uk
Website: The Devon & Cornwall Record Society

The Devon and Cornwall Record Society was founded in 1904 to transcribe and publish local records, and to promote local historical studies and genealogical research.

Wesley Historical Society - Cornish Methodist Historical Association
Kenwyn Vean
19 HigherTrehaverne
Truro, Cornwall TR1 3RW UK
Telephone: 01872 274759
Website: Wesley Historical Society - Cornish Methodist Historical Association

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. Area: Cornwall and adjacent areas.

Cornwall Societies

Bodmin Old Cornwall Society
Methodist Church
74 Fore Street
Bodmin, Cornwall PL31 2HR UK
Telephone: 01208 872644/07833 222161
Email: honiley47@aol.com
Website: Bodmin Old Cornwall Society

The Aims & Objects of the Society are to explore the antiquities, architecture, heritage, and natural history of Cornwall and to take an active part in preserving historical buildings, stone monuments, wayside crosses, and other ancient artefacts.

Bude Stratton & District Old Cornwall Society
The Parkhouse Centre
Ergue-Gaberic Way
Bude, Cornwall EX23 8LD UK
Telephone: 01288 381842
Email: dreymer@btinternet.com
Website: Bude Stratton & District Old Cornwall Society

Callington Old Cornwall Society
Callington Town Hall
New Road
Callington, Cornwall PL17 7BD UK
Telephone: 01579 370344
Email: keithandbarbarashaw@btinternet.com
Website: Callington Old Cornwall Society

Camborne Old Cornwall Society
Camborne Wesley Methodist Church
Chapel St
Camborne, Cornwall TR14 8EG UK
Telephone: 01209 714037
Email: secretary@oldcornwall.net
Website: Camborne Old Cornwall Society
Website #2: Camborne Old Cornwall Society

Founded in 1923, we are a society dedicated to preserving the history, heritage, and culture of the parish of Camborne and surrounding area in Cornwall, justly renowned as one of the great mining centres of the world.

Camelford & District OCS
Camelford Hall
The Clease
Camelford, Cornwall PL32 9TH UK
Telephone: 01840 213558
Email: sue_letch@yahoo.co.uk
Website: Camelford & District OCS

Carnon Downs OCS
Carnon Downs Village Hall
Tregye Road
Carnon Downs, Cornwall TR3 6GH UK
Telephone: 01872 864611
Email: tasats@btinternet.com
Website: Carnon Downs OCS

Cornwall Archaeological Society
St Martins Church Hall
The Church Centre/Church St
Liskeard, Cornwall PL14 3AQ UK
Email: secretary@cornisharchaeology.org.uk
Website: Cornwall Archaeological Society

For over 50 years our Society has been the principal archaeological organization in Cornwall and Scilly. The Society acts as the forum that brings together amateur archaeologists, professional archaeologists and all those interested in Cornwall’s past and the preservation of its archaeological heritage.

Cornwall Association of Local Historians
Kilbirnie Hotel
Narrowcliff
Newquay, Cornwall TR7 2RS UK
Telephone: 01503 272309
Email: carolevivian309@btinternet.com
Email #2: pam.dodds@hotmail.co.uk
Website: Cornwall Association of Local Historians

The Cornwall Association of Local Historians (CALH) was established in 1981 to bring together people who are interested in researching and uncovering local history in Cornwall. We have a common understanding that local history enriches our lives both as individuals and as whole communities. Local historians range from interested individuals and members of local societies to the professionals in the field such as archivists, archaeologists, historians and university lecturers. It is an area where amateur and professional can meet and work together. There are many thousands of people across Britain now actively involved in making a valuable contribution towards enriching and extending our understanding of the past. CALH members do that right here at home in Cornwall.

Cornwall Family History Society
18 Lemon St
Truro, Cornwall TR1 2LS UK
Telephone: 01872 264044
Email: secretary@cornwallfhs.com
Website: Cornwall Family History Society

Since its beginning in 1976, the Society has aimed to become a ‘centre of excellence’ by encouraging Cornish family history research. This is being achieved by publishing a quarterly journal, co-ordinating the transcription and indexing of more than five million original records, maintaining a research library in Truro for members and the general public and offering a means of worldwide contact and exchange of information between members.

Federation of Old Cornwall Societies
Telephone: 01209 714037
Email: secretary@oldcornwall.net
Website: Federation of Old Cornwall Societies

The Federation of Old Cornwall Societies is a registered charity with the following objects: to collect, record and publish information regarding Cornish prehistory, history, topography, place-names, folk-lore, traditions, dialect, music, industries and similar subjects; to protect the natural beauty of Cornwall; to encourage the study and use of the Cornish Language; and to preserve Cornish Antiquities and relics of the past.

Goonhavern & District O C S
The Baytree Restaurant
Newquay Rd
Goonhavern, Cornwall TR4 9QQ UK
Telephone: 01872 572337
Email: johnjackett@talktalk.net
Website: Goonhavern & District O C S
Website #2: Goonhavern & District O C S

Goonhavern and its surrounding villages/hamlets have a rich Cornish village history that we are trying to piece together over time.

Hayle Old Cornwall Society
Passmore Edwards Institute
13-15 Hayle Terrace
Hayle, Cornwall TR27 4BU UK
Telephone: 01736 756793
Email: maria2@freeola.net
Website: Hayle Old Cornwall Society
Website #2: Hayle Old Cornwall Society

Helston Old Cornwall Society
Hens Horn Court
Cunnack Cl
Helston, Cornwall TR13 8YE UK
Telephone: 01326 574643
Email: elaineforeman01@tiscali.co.uk
Website: Helston Old Cornwall Society

Kea Old Cornwall Society
Community Center
Old Coach Road
Playing Place
Truro, Cornwall TR3 6ET UK
Telephone: 01872 859954
Email: chrissie.allen@talktalk.net
Website: Kea Old Cornwall Society

Launceston Old Cornwall Society
Royal British Legion Branch HQ
Edymead
Westgate Street
Launceston, Cornwall PL15 7AE UK
Telephone: 01566 774683
Email: robtremain@hotmail.co.uk
Website: Launceston Old Cornwall Society

Liskeard Old Cornwall Society
Long Room
Public Hall
3-5 West Street
Liskeard, Cornwall PL14 6BW UK
Telephone: 01579 208912
Email: duncanpaulmatthews@hotmail.com
Website: Liskeard Old Cornwall Society

Looe Old Cornwall Society
St. Martin’s Church Hall
St Martin’s Road
East Looe, Cornwall PL13 1NX UK
Email: looeoldcornwallsociety@hotmail.com
Website: Looe Old Cornwall Society
Websiote #2: Looe Old Cornwall Society

Founded in 1927 the society’s aims are to celebrate and promote Cornish culture and customs. We preserve and record Cornwall’s unique heritage, language and dialect, and care for its environment.

Lostwithiel Old Cornwall Society
Church Rooms
Church Lane
Lostwithiel, Cornwall PL22 0BZ UK
Telephone: 01208 873504
Email: misterchipsisbig@icloud.com
Website: Lostwithiel Old Cornwall Society

Madron Old Cornwall Society
Landithy Hall
Church Rd
Landithy
Madron
Penzance, Cornwall TR20 8SW UK
Telephone: 01736 711392
Email: rosevean2@btinternet.com
Website: Madron Old Cornwall Society

Mawnan Old Cornwall Society
Mawnan Memorial Hall
Sampys Hill
Mawnan Smith
Falmouth, Cornwall TR11 5EP UK
Telephone: 01326 250048
Email: eandg1@btconnect.com
Website: Mawnan Old Cornwall Society

Mousehole Old Cornwall Society
Mousehole Community Primary School
3 Foxes Ln
Mousehole
Penzance, Cornwall TR19 6QQ UK
Telephone: 01736 731606
Email: bhanik@btinternet.com
Website: Mousehole Old Cornwall Society

Mullion Old Cornwall Society
Women's Institute Hall
Nansmellyon Rd
Mullion
Helston, Cornwall TR12 7DQ UK
Telephone: 01326 240394
Email: colinroberts1@hotmail.com
Website: Mullion Old Cornwall Society

Newquay Old Cornwall Society
Women's Institute Hall
Crantock Street
Newquay, Cornwall TR7 1LB UK
Telephone: 01637 870611
Email: nocs.archive@gmail.com
Email #2: newquay.oldcornwall@gmail.com
Website: Newquay Old Cornwall Society
Website #2: Newquay Old Cornwall Society

North Hill Local History Group
Berrio Brook
Berrio Bridge
North Hill
Launceston, Cornwall PL15 7NL UK
Telephone: 01566 782523
Email: northhillhistory@gmail.com
Website: North Hill Local History Group

The Primary Aims of the Group are to promote research and undertake projects relating to the history and environs of the communities in North Hill Parish, Cornwall, and to record, store, communicate, and publish the results for the benefit of the community.

Padstow Old Cornwall Society
Social Club
The Lawns
Senders Hill
Padstow, Cornwall PL28 8DT UK
Telephone: 01841 532202
Email: hicksdaphne60@gmail.com
Website: Padstow Old Cornwall Society

Par Old Cornwall Society
The Gott Hall
97 Par Green
Par, Cornwall PL24 2AG UK
Telephone: 01726 814286
Email: parocs@hotmail.co.uk
Website: Par Old Cornwall Society
Website #2: Par Old Cornwall Society

Penryn & Falmouth O C S
Arthenaeum Club
Penvale
Kimberley Place
Falmouth, Cornwall TR11 3QL UK
Telephone: 01326 317189
Email: ar.warner2@btinternet.com
Website: Penryn & Falmouth O C S

Pentewan Old Cornwall Society
Pentewan Village Hall
Glentowan Road
Pentewan
Saint Austell, Cornwall PL26 6DB UK
Telephone: 01726 73110
Email: robertevanspentewan@hotmail.co.uk
Website: Pentewan Old Cornwall Society

Penwith Local History Group
Morrab Library
Morrab Gardens
Penzance, Cornwall TR18 4DA UK
Email: swalker804@btinternet.com
Website: Penwith Local History Group

We research the fascinating history of West Penwith by working with original sources as much as possible. We publish our findings every two or three years.

Penzance Old Cornwall Society
Salvation Army Citadel
Queen Street
Penzance, Cornwall TR18 4BH UK
Telephone: 01736 363237
Email: jenniferpaling@talktalk.net
Website: Penzance Old Cornwall Society

Perranzabuloe O C S
Memorial Hall
Wheal Leisur
Perranporth, Cornwall TR6 0EY UK
Telephone: 01872 571894
Email: nicola.chapman1@btinternet.com
Website: Perranzabuloe O C S

Polperro Family History Society
Village Hall
The Coombes
Polperro
Looe, Cornwall PL13 2RH UK
Email: pfhs@polperro.org
Website: Polperro Family History Society

The Society now has over 250 members and has developed a number of projects researching the Polperro families that once lived there. Anyone with Polperro ancestors is particularly welcome to apply for membership and share the benefits of our research and also receive copies of the Society's Journal published twice a year.

Porthleven Old Cornwall Society
The Public Hall
Wellington Road
Porthleven, Cornwall TR13 9HU UK
Telephone: 01872 863759
Email: beatricekerno@yahoo.co.uk
Website: Porthleven Old Cornwall Society

Probus Old Cornwall Society
Probus Village Hall
1 Fore St
Probus
Truro, Cornwall TR2 4NB UK
Telephone: 01726 883699
Email: neil.staten@live.co.uk
Website: Probus Old Cornwall Society

Redruth Old Cornwall Society
Wesley Memorial Hall
Wesley Street
Redruth, Cornwall TR15 2EG UK
Telephone: 01872 573632
Email: vanessamoyle@aol.com
Website: Redruth Old Cornwall Society

St Agnes Old Cornwall Society
Methodist Church Hall
30 British Rd
Saint Agnes, Cornwall TR5 0UA UK
Email: berylthomas45@hotmail.com
Website: St Agnes Old Cornwall Society

St Austell Old Cornwall Society
Baptist Church
Trinity Street
St. Austell, Cornwall PL25 5ET UK
Telephone: 01726 891119
Email: rockjones@tiscali.co.uk
Website: St Austell Old Cornwall Society

St Buryan Old Cornwall Society
St Buryan Village Hall
Lands End Rd
St Buryan
Penzance, Cornwall TR19 6ES UK
Telephone: 01736811153
Email: hurrassociates@gmail.com
Website: St Buryan Old Cornwall Society

St Columb Major O C S
Bowling Club
West St
St Columb Major
Saint Columb, Cornwall TR9 6RX UK
Telephone: 01637 880324
Website: St Columb Major O C S

St Denys & District O C S
Clay TAWC Centre
1 Fore St
St Dennis
Saint Austell, Cornwall PL26 8AF UK
Telephone: 01726 822378
Email: j.fouracres@btinternet.com
Website: St Denys & District O C S

St Gerrans & Portscatho O C S
Gerrans Parish Memorial Hall
Gerrans Hill
Portscatho
Truro, Cornwall TR2 5EE UK
Telephone: 01872 580573
Email: arthur.coomb@btinternet.com
Website: St Gerrans & Portscatho O C S

St Goran Old Cornwall Society
Community Rooms
Bell Hill
Goran Haven, Cornwall PL26 6HR UK
Telephone: 01726 842873
Email: jenni.sweet66@btinternet.com
Website: St Goran Old Cornwall Society

St Ives Old Cornwall Society
St Ives Infant School
Trenwith Burrows
Saint Ives, Cornwall TR26 1DH UK
Telephone: 01736 794845
Email: thomasd18@sky.com
Website: St Ives Old Cornwall Society

St Just & Pendeen O C S
Age Concern Centre
27 Fore Street
St Just
Penzance, Cornwall TR19 7LJ UK
Telephone: 01736 786140
Email: bdoubleu@sky.com
Website: St Just & Pendeen O C S

St Keverne Local History Society
St Keverne Church Hall
Lemon Street
St Keverne
Helston, Cornwall TR12 6NG UK
Telephone: 01326 280864
Email: karenrichards@fsmail.net
Website: St Keverne Local History Society

The Local History society website holds the archive of Canon Diggens who was vicar in St Keverne at the end of the 19th century.

Saltash Old Cornwall Society
St Nicholas Church Room
Station Rd
Saltash, Cornwall PL12 6AN UK
Telephone: 01752 842404
Email: petmarg@talktalk.net
Website: Saltash Old Cornwall Society

Torpoint Old Cornwall Society
The Torpoint Council Chambers
1-3 Buller Rd
Torpoint, Cornwall PL11 2LD UK
Telephone: 01752 813044
Email: leadvilleianparsons@yahoo.co.uk
Website: Torpoint Old Cornwall Society

Truro Old Cornwall Society
Quaker Meeting House
Paul’s Terrace
Truro, Cornwall TR1 1HD UK
Telephone: 01872 242464
Email: bertbiscoe@btinternet.com
Website: Truro Old Cornwall Society

Wadebridge Old Cornwall Society
The Town Hall (Main Hall)
The Platt
Wadebridge, Cornwall PL27 7AQ UK
Telephone: 01208 816307
Website: Wadebridge Old Cornwall Society