Kent Family History Society: Your Guide to Genealogical Research

The Kent Family History Society (KFHS) stands as one of the UK's most respected genealogical organisations, dedicated to helping people discover and document their Kentish ancestry since its establishment in 1974. With branches throughout the county and a wealth of resources at its disposal, the Society offers invaluable assistance to both novice and experienced family historians alike. This comprehensive guide explores the numerous resources, benefits, and opportunities the Kent Family History Society provides to those researching their family connections to the Garden of England.

The History and Mission of Kent Family History Society

For nearly five decades, the Kent Family History Society has been at the forefront of genealogical research in Kent. Founded by a small group of enthusiastic family historians, the Society quickly expanded to become a cornerstone of genealogical research in the county. Its mission remains steadfast: to promote and encourage the study of family history, genealogy, and associated historical subjects with particular reference to Kent families and the county's rich heritage.

The Society operates through multiple branches across Kent, allowing for localised expertise while maintaining a cohesive county-wide approach to research and resources. This structure ensures that whether your ancestors hailed from the Medway Towns, the Weald, or anywhere in between, you'll find knowledgeable assistance tailored to your specific area of research.

Membership Benefits

Joining the Kent Family History Society provides access to a wealth of resources and support that can significantly enhance your research capabilities. The benefits extend far beyond simple access to records, encompassing a vibrant community of like-minded researchers and experts willing to share their knowledge.

Parish Register Transcriptions

One of the most valuable resources offered by the Kent Family History Society is its extensive collection of transcribed parish registers. The Society has undertaken the monumental task of transcribing over 300 parish registers from across Kent, making these vital records more accessible to researchers.

Parish registers are essential for family historians, containing records of baptisms, marriages, and burials dating back to the 16th century in some cases. Before civil registration began in 1837, parish registers often represent the only documentary evidence of births, marriages, and deaths, making them invaluable for tracing ancestors before the Victorian era.

The Society's transcription work goes well beyond simply copying names and dates. Each transcription includes:

• Full details as they appear in the original register
• Notes on peculiarities or anomalies in the records
• Cross-references to related entries where applicable
• Information about gaps or damaged sections in the original documents
• Contextual information about the parish and local history

These transcriptions are available to members in various formats, including digital databases and published volumes, significantly streamlining the research process and making it possible to conduct extensive searches without travelling to multiple archive locations.

Monumental Inscriptions Collection

Another significant contribution from the Kent Family History Society is its extensive collection of monumental inscriptions from churchyards and cemeteries throughout Kent. Gravestone inscriptions can provide valuable information not found in official records, including:

• Exact dates of birth and death
• Family relationships not documented elsewhere
• Occupational information
• Personal tributes that offer insights into character and community standing
• Evidence of military service or other achievements

The Society's volunteers have meticulously documented inscriptions from hundreds of burial grounds across Kent, preserving this information for future generations. This work is particularly important as weathering and environmental factors continue to erode many historic gravestones, potentially leading to the permanent loss of the information they contain.

Members can access these transcriptions through the Society's publications and online databases, saving countless hours of fieldwork and enabling research regardless of weather conditions or geographical distance from Kent.

Publications and Research Aids

Beyond its transcription projects, the Kent Family History Society produces a range of publications designed to assist researchers in navigating the complexities of genealogical research in Kent. These include:

Workshops and Educational Events

The Kent Family History Society regularly organises workshops, seminars, and courses designed to help members develop their research skills and knowledge. These educational opportunities range from basic introductions to family history research for beginners to advanced techniques and specialised topics for experienced genealogists.

Typical workshops and events include:

• Beginning Your Family History Journey: Essential records and research techniques
• Reading Old Handwriting: Palaeography skills for deciphering historical documents
• DNA for Genealogy: Understanding and interpreting genetic genealogy results
• Kent's Military Records: Exploring service records for ancestors who served in the armed forces
• Using Maps and Land Records in Family History: Understanding tithe maps, enclosure awards, and land tax records
• Online Research Strategies: Making the most of digital archives and databases

These events are typically held at branch meetings across Kent or at the Society's research centre, though in recent years many have also been made available online, increasing accessibility for members regardless of location.

Branch Meetings and Events

The Kent Family History Society operates through several geographical branches across the county, each hosting regular meetings that combine educational talks with opportunities for networking and collaborative research. These branch meetings represent one of the most valuable aspects of Society membership, providing face-to-face contact with experienced researchers familiar with local records and history.

Upcoming events include:

• September 2025

  Canterbury Branch: "Kent Quarter Sessions Records: A Goldmine for Family Historians" - Exploring how court records can reveal fascinating details about ancestors who encountered the justice system

• October 2025

  Maidstone Branch: "Tracing Agricultural Labourer Ancestors in the Kentish Weald" - Techniques for researching the lives of farm workers in Kent's rural communities

• November 2025

  Dartford Branch: "Industrial Kent: Researching Ancestors in Kent's Paper Mills and Cement Works" - Specialised research strategies for finding records of those who worked in Kent's industries

• December 2025

  Medway Branch: "Christmas Social and Members' Discoveries" - An opportunity to share research breakthroughs and challenges in a festive setting

Branch meetings welcome both members and visitors (though non-members may be asked for a small contribution), providing an excellent opportunity to experience the benefits of Society membership before joining.

Collaborative Research Projects

The Kent Family History Society coordinates several ongoing collaborative research projects that both contribute to the broader genealogical community and provide valuable experience for participating members. These projects typically involve transcribing, indexing, or digitising historical records relevant to Kent genealogy.

Current and recent projects include:

• Kent Workhouse Records Project: Transcribing admission and discharge registers from Kent's workhouses, revealing details about some of the county's most vulnerable historical residents.
• Kentish Wills Project: Creating searchable indexes of wills proved in Kent's various ecclesiastical courts before 1858, opening up these valuable resources to easier research.
• Kent Occupational Database: Building a searchable resource documenting unusual or regionally specific occupations found in Kent records, with explanations of what these roles entailed.
• Kent School Records Initiative: Preserving and indexing historic school admission registers, punishment books, and log books from Kent's educational institutions.

Members can volunteer to participate in these projects regardless of experience level, with training and support provided. Contributing to such projects not only helps preserve historical information for future generations but also typically develops research skills and deepens understanding of historical contexts relevant to family history.

Online Resources and Digital Archive

The Kent Family History Society has embraced digital technology, offering members access to a growing range of online resources through its website and members' portal. These digital tools complement traditional research methods and make valuable information accessible regardless of a member's location.

Key online resources include:

The Society continues to expand its digital offerings, with ongoing projects to digitise more of its unique collections and create new online tools to facilitate Kent-focused genealogical research.

Library and Research Centre

The Kent Family History Society maintains a specialised library and research centre containing resources specifically focused on Kentish genealogy and local history. Located in Canterbury, this facility houses collections not readily available elsewhere, including:

• Complete sets of the Society's own publications and transcriptions
• Local histories of Kent parishes, towns, and villages
• Historical directories and gazetteers covering Kent
• Microfilm and microfiche collections of key Kent records
• Rare printed works relevant to Kent genealogy
• Maps and atlases showing historical Kent boundaries and settlements
• Reference works on occupations, social history, and contextual subjects

The research centre is staffed by knowledgeable volunteers who can provide guidance on using the collections and advice on research strategies. While primarily serving members, the centre occasionally opens to non-members for special events and research days.

Partnering with Archives and Libraries

The Kent Family History Society maintains strong working relationships with official archives and libraries across Kent, including the Kent Archives service, local studies libraries, and museums. These partnerships enable the Society to complement rather than duplicate existing resources, focusing efforts on making records more accessible through transcription, indexing, and contextualisation.

Through these partnerships, the Society often:

• Gains early access to newly available records
• Participates in collaborative preservation projects
• Provides volunteer support for archival initiatives
• Offers expertise in interpreting and contextualising genealogical materials
• Creates finding aids and indexes that benefit the broader research community

For researchers, these partnerships mean that Society membership can provide a bridge to more effective use of official archives, with guidance on what records exist, where they are held, and how to access and interpret them.

Conclusion

The Kent Family History Society stands as an invaluable resource for anyone researching their Kentish roots. Through its extensive transcription projects, educational programmes, publications, and collaborative initiatives, the Society makes genealogical research more accessible, efficient, and rewarding. Whether you're just beginning your family history journey or are an experienced researcher looking to break through brick walls in your Kent research, membership in the Society provides tools, knowledge, and community support that can transform your research experience.

By joining the community of dedicated researchers that make up the Kent Family History Society, you not only gain access to unique resources but also contribute to the ongoing work of preserving and sharing Kent's rich genealogical heritage for future generations.

For more information about Kent's genealogical resources, you may also wish to explore our Family History & Genealogy section or read about Kent's Churches & Cathedrals, which often hold important historical records.