Hampshire Genealogical Society

The Hampshire Genealogical Society (HGS) is a United Kingdom-based nonprofit organization, registered charity number 284744, dedicated to promoting and encouraging the study of family history, with a particular focus on Hampshire roots. Founded in 1974, the Society supports individuals researching their ancestry in Hampshire and provides resources and educational services to facilitate this work.

History and Purpose

Established in 1974, the Hampshire Genealogical Society was created to foster interest in genealogical research related to Hampshire families. As a registered charity, its core mission is to promote family history study and to provide both information and educational services to enable and support genealogical research within the county[1][3].

Activities and Services

Run entirely by volunteers, HGS offers a variety of resources to its members and the public. These include access to genealogical records, publications, and educational programs. The Society organizes talks, presentations, and group meetings designed to inspire and assist research into Hampshire ancestry. One notable initiative is the National Group, which caters to members living anywhere in the UK by providing online talks and presentations tailored for those with Hampshire roots. This group fosters knowledge sharing and networking among family historians, helping members overcome research challenges[1][4].

Affiliations

The Hampshire Genealogical Society is affiliated with the Family History Federation (FHF), a national organization that supports genealogical societies and their members across the UK. This affiliation enables HGS to exchange information, share best practices, and collaborate with other family history groups to enhance resources and services offered to members[1][2].

Governance and Membership

As a charitable society governed by its volunteer management team, membership is open to anyone interested in Hampshire family history, whether they live in the county or elsewhere. The Society’s volunteer-led structure emphasizes community involvement and shared expertise among genealogical researchers.

Summary

The Hampshire Genealogical Society provides vital support and encouragement for those interested in exploring their family history linked to Hampshire. Through its educational programs, volunteer efforts, and national reach, HGS not only preserves historical and genealogical knowledge but also actively promotes the ongoing study of ancestry in the region[1][2][3][4].

[1] https://www.hgs-familyhistory.com [2] https://www.familyhistoryfederation.com/societies-hampshire-genealogical-society [3] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/284744/charity-overview [4] https://www.hgs-familyhistory.com/groups/national-group/ [5] https://www.familysearch.org/en/wiki/Hampshire_Societies