Family History Surgery & Help Desk
2023-07-22 10:00 - 16:00 (Europe/London) | Warstone Lane Cemetery, Warstone Lane, B18 6AR, United Kingdom
Family History Surgery & Help Desk
Midland Ancestors can help you grow your family tree. We can help you find your ancestors buried at Warstone Lane Cemetery, Key Hill Cemetery.
At the Jewellery Quarter Festival 22nd July.
Enquire at our gazebo in Warstone Lane Cemetery today.
Free Entry – Tickets available thru Eventbrite here – Surgery & Help Desk

Wolverhampton: The History of the Former Wolverhampton Royal and Eye Hospitals
2023-07-26 19:30 - 21:30 | Wolverhampton, The Terry Harding Room, Perton Civic Centre, Church Road, Perton,, Wolverhampton, Staffordshire, WV6 7PD, United Kingdom
This will be a DVD presentation by Roy Stallard, a well known Wolverhampton hospital historian who will share his knowledge of the history of these iconic local Wolverhampton hospitals from his extensive research and experience of working there.
Unfortunately Roy is no longer able to present in person but he has very kindly provided us with a copy of his DVD’s to share with the Wolverhampton group.

Doors open at 7.15 p.m. for a 7.30 p.m. start

National Archives Introductory Session
2023-07-29 10:00 - 12:30 | Birmingham & Midland Institute – Kingsley Norris Room, 9 Margaret Street, Birmingham, West Midlands, B3 3BS, United Kingdom
National Archives Familiarisation
Intended for those who have possibly wanted to visit the National Archives, found their website a little daunting and then left it at that. Also for those who have visited perhaps just once and felt they have not had the best out of it.
This is a group participation live computer assessment of the TNA website and their Discovery search engine, finding out how to be undaunted by it so that you can make the most of your visit.
You can use your own laptop or suitable mobile device and tap in to the BMI WiFi or use the society computers. Lasts about 2 ½ hours, places strictly limited. Includes some handouts and time for some 1 to 1 afterwards. Takes place in the group Family History Centre, the Kingsley Norris Room at the BMI. You can register your interest through the email address below.
Cost is just £5 in advance which can be considered as part payment for a seat on either of the next two coaches to Kew.
Always subject to there being enough interest anyway in the subsequent outing to Kew, Register your interest for this session by emailing coachtrips@mid-anc.uk
Get back to the Trips page here

Birmingham Heraldry Conference
2023-08-07 10:00 - 16:30, 2023-08-08 10:00 - 16:30 | The Council lHouse, Victoria Square, Birmingham, B1 1BB
The Fifth Free Birmingham Heraldry Conference
Arranged jointly by The Heraldry Society and Midland Ancestors (Birmingham and Midland Society for Genealogy & Heraldry)
and with The Birmingham Heraldry Project

The Theme will be Fabulous Beasts
In Memory of and as Tribute to the late Ralph Brocklebank

Click the image at right to download a flyer

Presentations include –
A Miscellany of Monstrous Meanderings by Dr Bernard Juby, Hon FHS
Pegasus: A Personal Perspective by W. Howard Connell, BA (Dunelm), LLM (Leicester), LLM (Cardiff), FSA Scot.
John Withies 17th cent Book of Monsters by Dr Paul A Fox,F.S.A., AIH.,
Fabulous Beast – A Differenced Kelly Enfield by Tony Kelly, FRSA
The Audley Beast by David Phillips
A Griffin Proper by Andrew Gray, F.H.S., AIH.,
From Nessie to Biscione – Ferocious Beasts of Scotland and Italy By Liam Devlin, Rothesay Herald of Arms
The Maltese Heraldic Authority, A Most Fabulous Beast by Richard d’Apice, AM., AIH., FSAG.
The Queens Beasts by Mike Scott Rumble, CMgr., FCMI., Chair, The White Lion Society
The Fabulous Pantheon by Stephen Szabo, BA(Syd)., FSAScot.
The Brocklebank Approach: How Ralph Helped Me by Robert Noel, Norroy and Ulster King of Arms.

Taking place over two days in –
The Chamberlain Room, Council House, Victoria Square, Birmingham B1 1BB.
With a Celebration Dinner set for Monday evening at Edgbaston Hall.

We are delighted that Robert Noel, Norroy and Ulster King of Arms, has agreed to serve as President of the Conference.

Click the image at right to download Menu details and Booking Form

Bank Holiday
2023-08-28
Bank Holiday
Late Summer Bank Holiday

Outing to The National Archives - Cancelled
2023-09-09 08:00 - 17:00 | National Archives, Bessant Drive, Richmond, London, TW9 4DU, United Kingdom
Outing to The National Archives
The National Archives is the final resting place of all files and documents produced by the various departments of H.M. Government and its predecessors. Your Ancestors could well be in there somewhere, if you haven’t found him or her then perhaps you are not using the search engine to best advantage. For those needing some help with the TNA Discovery search engine there will be a Familiarisation Session beforehand in the BMI which might be of use. Contact me for more details.
Trip Booking Forms can be had by email from the organiser in pdf format. Get in touch with Phil the organiser on the address shown below.
Trips information, other dates and Rules can be seen here

Birmingham: Friends of Key Hill Cemy and Warstone Lane Cemy
2023-09-09 14:00 - 16:00 | Birmingham & Midland Institute – Kingsley Norris Room, 9 Margaret Street, Birmingham, West Midlands, B3 3BS, United Kingdom
Note Change of Date (was 2nd Sep) due to Rail Strike and new topic
Friends of Key Hill Cemetery and Warstone Lane Cemetery
Speakers: Volunteers of the Friends
The Friends of Key Hill Cemetery and Warstone Lane Cemetery who formed in 2004, are a group of volunteers working to preserve, research, inform and promote these important historic and interesting cemeteries in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter, Hockley. We will hear about how the friends formed and learn how these Cemeteries are the final resting place for some of Birmingham’s most important industrialists, politicians and theologians.
This talk will cover why the cemeteries were created, why the locations where chosen and the biographies of some of the residents therein. It will also touch on the differences between the General Cemetery (Key Hill) and the Church of England Cemetery (Warstone) and the prospectus for their future preservation and restoration
You can see the Friends website here – Click

Kenilworth: ‘Unboxing the Family Archive – An Interactive Workshop ’ - SPEAKER CANCELLED
2023-09-13 19:30 - 21:00 | Kenilworth, Kenilworth Centre, Abbey End,, Kenilworth, Warwickshire, CV8 1QJ, United Kingdom
UPDATE (12/09/2023): Dr Imogen Peck is unable to attend this session, due to being unwell. This session will be rescheduled for 2024.
Instead we will have a Members’ ‘Show and Tell’ evening. Bring along material from your own family collections, and we will have a discussion about what your family has chosen to keep, how and why.

This is an in-person meeting at The Kenilworth Centre

Family History Surgery & Help Desk
2023-09-16 10:00 - 16:00 | Birmingham & Midland Institute – Kingsley Norris Room, 9 Margaret Street, Birmingham, West Midlands, B3 3BS, United Kingdom
Heritage Week – Family History Surgery & Help Desk
In the BMI, 9, Margaret Street in Birmingham city centre.
Midland Ancestors can help you grow your family tree. Join us for the Family History Surgery & Help Desk at the Midland Ancestors Family History Centre. This exciting event is the perfect opportunity for you to explore your family’s roots and uncover fascinating stories from the past.
Our knowledgeable team of genealogists will be available to provide assistance, answer questions, and help you navigate through our numerous resources and databases. Whether you’re just starting out or need help overcoming a brickwall, our experts are here to support you.

During the event, you’ll have the chance to learn valuable tips and tricks, discover new research methods, and connect with fellow enthusiasts. With access to all our records and documents, you’ll be able to piece together your family’s story and gain a deeper understanding of your heritage.
Don’t miss this opportunity to delve into your past and unlock the secrets of your family history. Join us at this Family History Surgery & Help Desk and embark on a journey of discovery! Grow your family tree using the Midland Ancestors Family History Centre.
Available to view copies of parish registers of burials, marriages and baptisms, wills, monumental inscriptions, street and trade directories, censuses and maps. Holdings number almost 10,000 items.

The Centre houses the group Reference Library and also has computers from which you can access the internet and all digital resources we hold. We are also a FamilySearch Affiliate Library allowing access to an estimated 400 million + images of original records that you can’t see on your home computer.
Taking place in the BMI, 9 Margaret Street in Birmingham city centre
Free Entry – Tickets available thru Eventbrite here – Surgery & Help Desk

Jewellery Quarter Cemeteries
2023-09-16 10:00 - 16:00 | Warstone Lane Cemetery, Warstone Lane, B18 6AR, United Kingdom
Heritage Week – Locate Your Ancestors Burial Plot
Join us for an exciting and informative event at Warstone Lane Cemetery, Vyse St. entrance, Birmingham, B18.
Uncover hidden stories, trace your lineage, and connect with your roots. From exploring birth records to uncovering long-lost relatives, our Family History Surgery & Help Desk is the perfect opportunity to embark on your genealogical journey. Bring along any documents or information you have, and our experts will help you navigate the world of family history research.
Discover the fascinating world of your ancestors and delve into your family history with our expert genealogists. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced researcher, our friendly team will be on hand to provide guidance and support.

View the Burial and Grave Registers of the two Cemeteries here in the Jewellery Quarter that are held by Midland Ancestors. Cemetery maps are available to help you find the exact spot. Scanned copies of the Registers can be emailed.
We will also have available today Burial and Grave registers for Handsworth and Witton cemeteries.
Talk to our experts to help locate your ancestry. Enquire at our gazebo today.

Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to learn more about your family’s past. Mark your calendar and join us at Warstone Lane Cemetery for a day filled with discovery and exploration. See you there!
Find us alongside The Friends of Key Hill Cemetery and Warstone Lane Cemetery in the Warstone Lane cemetery on the site of the old chapel.
Advance Booking not necessary, just come along. Make sure you bring information about your ancestor.
Free Entry – Tickets available thru Eventbrite here – Ancestors Burial Plot

Course: Introduction to Family History
2023-09-18 10:30 - 13:00 | Codsall Library, South Staffs Council Offices, Wolverhampton Road, Codsall, Wolverhampton, WV8 1PX
Family history course hosted by Codsall Library on Monday mornings and delivered by Midland Ancestors. Course designed for complete beginners and those who have done a little research but do not know what to do next.
Find out how to ….

get started in researching your family history
learn about the records which will help you
find the records and interpret them
discover the heroes and rogues in your family
reveal the truth behind your family tales

Lots of handouts, guidance, tips and advice.
This is a free FIVE WEEK course but places are limited and booking is required. Each session is approximately 2.5 hours long with plenty of time for questions. Please book direct with the library on 01902 506060

Stourbridge Group -
2023-09-19 19:30 - 21:00 | Stourbridge, St. Peter's Church Hall, Pedmore, West Midlands, DY9 0SW, United Kingdom

On Line – Family History Workshop
2023-09-20 19:00 - 20:30 | Online Event Using Zoom
Family History Workshop by Members
An On Line Members Meeting where you can hear about other members research experiences. You can learn how they knocked down their brick walls, what new websites they found, how they got to grips with better known sites, any obscure or lesser known websites, archives offices or libraries, or tackled computer problems. What Tips & Tricks they might have to help with research or help with software they might use. All the issues that family historians frequently come up against. In essence, a Midland Ancestors Self Help Workshop.
Please get in touch by email eventsonline@mid-anc.uk if you have a query or are stuck somewhere and we will raise it in the workshop.

These meetings will be fairly loose format and will go where they lead. If you would like to make a contribution, please get in touch. You do not need to be an experienced researcher.
The success of the format is entirely dependent upon the members. It is in your hands. Many people have asked if we will be running any Zoom meetings in the future, now is your chance to help out.
An Online event using Zoom. Visit this page to find out how we do it.
To Register, Click here – FH Workshop

Wolverhampton: The Diggum Uppers - Grave Robbing in the Black Country
2023-09-27 19:30 - 21:30 | Wolverhampton, The Terry Harding Room, Perton Civic Centre, Church Road, Perton,, Wolverhampton, Staffordshire, WV6 7PD, United Kingdom
We may be aware of Burke and Hare, the body snatchers of the early 1800 in Edinburgh, but did you know that grave robbing and body snatching went on in many places around the UK, even in the Black Country? Why did it happen? What steps did our ancestors take to prevent their family members becoming a victim of this horrendous crime? Our speaker will be telling us of the facts behind the myths, explaining the reasons for these crimes, and sharing examples of occurrences around the Black Country and its surrounds.
Our speaker, Kevin Goodman, is an entertaining speaker, an interpreter of medical history, has appeared on television, and written many books on the history of medicine and dentistry.

Doors open at 7.15 p.m. for a 7.30 p.m. start

London: Gypsy Ancestors in the Midlands
2023-10-07 10:15 - 12:30 | Wesley’s Chapel and Leysian Mission, 49 City Road, London, EC1Y 1AU, United Kingdom
Gypsy Ancestors in the Midlands
A presentation by Beverley Walker, Chair and Secretary of the Romany and Traveller Family History Society.
Meetings held at Wesley’s Chapel and Leysian Mission, 49 City Road, London, EC1Y 1AU. Doors open 9:45 (coffee, tea & biscuits, some recyclable cups provided, but if you can bring your own it would help) talks start 10.15.

Birmingham: Birmingham in The Blitz
2023-10-07 14:00 - 16:00 | Birmingham & Midland Institute – Kingsley Norris Room, 9 Margaret Street, Birmingham, West Midlands, B3 3BS, United Kingdom
Change of Topic & Presenters, booked speaker being unavailable
Birmingham in The Blitz – And Some Families Affected by It.
Presenters: Jacqui Fielding and Matt Felkin
Do you know who the first person to be killed in the Blitz was? About the Air Raid Precautions? About Morrison and Anderson shelters? Bomb maps and excavation zones? The talk reminds us of bombed buildings – St Martins Church, the Market Hall and others and goes on to explore the story of Alfred and Mabel Wakeling – Mabel died once but was buried twice due to mistaken identity.
The mother and sister of author Kathleen Dayus were killed by enemy action.
And do you know that sandbags can kill ? – three people were killed by sandbags whilst sheltering in an air raid shelter.
Jacqui is a Midland Ancestors member, one of the first members of the Birmingham Air Raids Remembrance Society and also a Friend of the Key Hill and Warstone Lane cemeteries.
Find out more about the Friends from their website by clicking here
Matt is also a member of the Birmingham Air Raids Remembrance Society with a wealth of knowledge about the Birmingham Blitz. Find out more about the Birmingham Blitz from their website by clicking here
Jacqui and Matt have teamed up in a personal capacity to give this talk on the history of the Birmingham Blitz with reference to a few families affected by it.

Kenilworth: SPEAKER CANCELLED - Members' Meeting
2023-10-11 19:30 - 21:00 | Kenilworth, Kenilworth Centre, Abbey End,, Kenilworth, Warwickshire, CV8 1QJ, United Kingdom
The talk, ‘Iron, Coal and Roses: The story of a Victorian Black Country family of ironmasters and their workforce’ (Speaker: Keith Robinson) has been cancelled due to ill-health. We will endeavour to re-book in 2024.
This meeting will now be a Members’ meeting

This is an in-person meeting held at The Kenilworth Centre

Outing to The National Archives
2023-10-14 08:00 - 17:00 | National Archives, Bessant Drive, Richmond, London, TW9 4DU, United Kingdom

Stourbridge: 'How we lived then - life in a 17th century farmhouse'
2023-10-17 19:30 - 21:00 | Stourbridge, St. Peter's Church Hall, Pedmore, West Midlands, DY9 0SW, United Kingdom
Talk: ‘How we lived then – life in a 17th century farmhouse’
Speaker: Mary Bodfish

On Line - Family History Workshop
2023-10-18 19:00 - 20:30 | Online Event Using Zoom
Family History Workshop by Members
An On Line Members Meeting where you can hear about other members research experiences. You can learn how they knocked down their brick walls, what new websites they found, how they got to grips with better known sites, any obscure or lesser known websites, archives offices or libraries, or tackled computer problems. What Tips & Tricks they might have to help with research or help with software they might use. All the issues that family historians frequently come up against. In essence, a Midland Ancestors Self Help Workshop.
Please get in touch by email eventsonline@mid-anc.uk if you have a query or are stuck somewhere and we will raise it in the workshop.

These meetings will be fairly loose format and will go where they lead. If you would like to make a contribution, please get in touch. You do not need to be an experienced researcher.
The success of the format is entirely dependent upon the members. It is in your hands. Many people have asked if we will be running any Zoom meetings in the future, now is your chance to help out.
An Online event using Zoom. Visit this page to find out how we do it.
To Register Click Here – Workshop

Wolverhampton: Gordon of Khartoum
2023-10-25 19:30 - 21:30 | Wolverhampton, The Terry Harding Room, Perton Civic Centre, Church Road, Perton,, Wolverhampton, Staffordshire, WV6 7PD, United Kingdom
Change to Previously Advertised Presentation:
Charles George Gordon – AKA Chinese Gordon, Gordon Pasha, Gordon of Khartoum – a Victorian hero prised from the true Victorian mould. Why was it that a Royal Engineer General, who decided to take over a town in the middle of a desert, became a national hero and brought down a government.
Our presenter, Max Keen, will entertain and inform us, all whilst in costume.

Doors open at 7.15 p.m. for a 7.30 p.m. start.

Who Were Your Ancestors?
2023-11-03 10:30 - 13:00 | Wolverhampton Archives, Molineux House, Whitmore Hill, Wolverhampton, WV1 1SF
Family History Sleuthing Course at Wolverhampton Archives
Find out how to….

get started in researching your family history
learn about the records which will help you
find the records and interpret them
discover the heroes and rogues in your family
reveal the truth behind your family tales

Six week family history course on six consecutive Friday mornings beginning 3rd November
Start time 10.30 a.m. Each session lasts about 2.5 hours.
Cost £30 per person for the full course. To book and pay call Wolverhampton Archives on 01902 552480

Handouts, charts, guidance, advice, tips and all you need to get started. Covers UK records not just local area.

Birmingham: West Midlands Police Museum
2023-11-04 14:00 - 16:00 | Birmingham & Midland Institute – Kingsley Norris Room, 9 Margaret Street, Birmingham, West Midlands, B3 3BS, United Kingdom
The West Midlands Police Museum: History and Archives
Presenter – Corrine Brazier
Corrine Brazier
Corinne is the Heritage Manager at West Midlands Police Museum, now located at the former Central Custody Block, the Lock-Up, in Steelhouse Lane, Birmingham. Re-opening on 9 April 2022, two years had been spent refurbishing the museum which is spread across three floors. Items in the museum date back to the 1800s, demonstrating how the police force has evolved and developed over the last 200 years. With over 4,000 items relating to policing history in the West Midlands, including officer records, some of the world’s oldest prisoner mug shots and their digitised personnel files, there is much of potential interest for family historians.

Taking place in the BMI, the Dickens Room on the first floor.

Course: Introduction to Family History
2023-11-07 14:15 - 16:45 | Perton Library, Severn Drive, Perton, Wolverhampton, West Midlands, WV6 7QU, United Kingdom
Family history course hosted by Perton Library on Tuesday afternoons and delivered by Midland Ancestors. Course designed for complete beginners and those who have done a little research but do not know what to do next.
Find out how to ….

get started in researching your family history
learn about the records which will help you
find the records and interpret them
discover the heroes and rogues in your family
reveal the truth behind your family tales

Lots of handouts, guidance, tips and advice.
This is a free FIVE WEEK course but places are limited and booking is required. Each session is approximately 2.5 hours long with plenty of time for questions. Please book direct with the library on 01902 506050

Course: Family History Discovery Course at Perton
2023-11-07 14:15 - 16:45 | Perton Library, Severn Drive, Perton, Wolverhampton, West Midlands, WV6 7QU, United Kingdom
A new FAMILY HISTORY DISCOVERY course begins at Perton Library on Tuesday 7th November. It’s a five-week course, designed for beginners and those who have done a little research but are not sure what to do next. Learn about the records which will help you sort the fact from the fiction, discover the heroes and rogues in your family, and tell the story of your family – your very own Who Do You Think You Are adventure.
Start time is 2.15 p.m. and each session of approx 2.5 hours will be on 5 consecutive Tuesday afternoons. Handouts, lots of help and guidance, are all provided. The course is FREE but MUST be booked through the library. Call 01902 506050

Kenilworth: ‘The Adventurous History of Sabrina Sidney, 1757 - 1843’
2023-11-08 19:30 - 21:00 | Kenilworth, Kenilworth Centre, Abbey End,, Kenilworth, Warwickshire, CV8 1QJ, United Kingdom
Speaker: Dr Kate Croft, CWMH – University of Birmingham

This is an in-person meeting held at The Kenilworth Centre

Tracing Your Military Ancestors
2023-11-11 10:00 - 16:00 | Birmingham & Midland Institute – Kingsley Norris Room, 9 Margaret Street, Birmingham, West Midlands, B3 3BS, United Kingdom
Tracing Your Military Ancestors.
At the Midland Ancestors Family History Centre, which is in the BMI, 9 Margaret Street in Birmingham city centre.
In Remembrance of those in both our own, and other families who whilst in the armed forces or civilian services were lost in defence of democracy, Midlands Ancestors are pleased to offer a Tracing Your Military Ancestors event.

Join us for this Family History Surgery & Help Desk event at the Midland Ancestors Family History Centre to help find your military ancestors, uncover their stories and grow your family tree.
Our knowledgeable team of volunteer genealogists will be available to provide assistance, answer questions, and help you navigate through our numerous resources and databases. Whether you’re just starting out or need help overcoming a ‘brickwall’, our experts are here to support you.
During the event, you’ll have the chance to learn valuable tips and tricks, discover new research methods, and connect with fellow enthusiasts. With access to all our records and documents, you’ll be able to piece together your family’s story and gain a deeper understanding of your heritage.
At the Midlands Ancestors Family History Centre the Reference Library hosts almost 10,000 items including copies of parish registers of burials, marriages and baptisms, wills, monumental inscriptions, street and trade directories, censuses and maps.
The Centre also has computers from which you can access the internet and all digital resources we hold. As a FamilySearch Affiliate Library we have access to an estimated 400 million images of original records that you can’t see on your home computer.
The event takes place in the Midlands Ancestors Family History Centre which is located in the BMI, 9 Margaret Street in Birmingham City Centre.
We will pause at 11:00 am for a few minutes of reflection and remembrance.
Please wear your poppy.
This event will run from 10:00am – 4:00 pm but with 2 hour time slots due to limited number of seats and prevent overcrowding.
Please do not book more than 1 session, they are not a series. You can always return at some later date.
Children welcome over Key Stage 3 (11 years) age and when accompanied by an adult.
Free Entry Tickets available thru Eventbrite Click Here – Military Ancestors

On Line – Family History Workshop
2023-11-15 19:00 - 20:30 | Online Event Using Zoom
Family History Workshop by Members
An On Line Members Meeting where you can hear about other members research experiences. You can learn how they knocked down their brick walls, what new websites they found, how they got to grips with better known sites, any obscure or lesser known websites, archives offices or libraries, or tackled computer problems. What Tips & Tricks they might have to help with research or help with software they might use. All the issues that family historians frequently come up against. In essence, a Midland Ancestors Self Help Workshop.
Please get in touch by email eventsonline@mid-anc.uk if you have a query or are stuck somewhere and we will raise it in the workshop.

These meetings will be fairly loose format and will go where they lead. If you would like to make a contribution, please get in touch. You do not need to be an experienced researcher.
The success of the format is entirely dependent upon the members. It is in your hands. Many people have asked if we will be running any Zoom meetings in the future, now is your chance to help out.
An Online event using Zoom. Visit this page to find out how we do it.
To Register, click here – Workshop

Stourbridge Group - Social Evening with refreshments
2023-11-21 19:30 - 21:00 | Stourbridge, St. Peter's Church Hall, Pedmore, West Midlands, DY9 0SW, United Kingdom
