Since the pandemic cancelled a lot of family history fairs, shows and conferences, the organisations that run them have adapted their plans to allow events to go ahead online. In the UK, Family Tree was Virtually Live in April, and more recently the Family History Show, which usually takes place in York and London, moved online, with another event planned next year (see below).
In this post I list some forthcoming virtual family history events. They feature speakers on a vast range of genealogical subjects that will suit all interests and levels of research experience in the records of many countries. Some are free, others have a registration fee, but all allow access to videos of the talks for some time after the event.
Many include a firm favourite at traditional family history shows: the exhibitors’ stalls. Family and local history societies, archives, and record-keeping organisations offer advice and publications, while universities, genealogy supplies companies, and big-name record and DNA test providers will be selling their wares – all virtually, of course. Some shows have an “Ask the Expert” consultation service which you may need to register for when you book your ticket.
Many include a firm favourite at traditional family history shows: the exhibitors’ stalls. Family and local history societies, archives, and record-keeping organisations offer advice and publications, while universities, genealogy supplies companies, and big-name record and DNA test providers will be selling their wares – all virtually, of course. Some shows have an “Ask the Expert” consultation service which you may need to register for when you book your ticket.
The innovation of moving events online has had the positive side-effect of making them available to a much wider audience than before. Hopefully this won't be ditched completely once the physical events start up again (whenever that is) - it would be such a shame to invite the world to your party once, only to revert to the original format once it's safe to do so.
Anyway, here are some dates for your diary. Full details of their programmes and how to register are on each website.
Anyway, here are some dates for your diary. Full details of their programmes and how to register are on each website.
Scottish Indexes Conference – 10 October (free) Considerately held twice over one day to accommodate viewers in international time zones, this conference is great for researchers tackling their Scottish family tree. Some of the talks from their previous events are also still available.
Family Roots Conference – 23-24 October (US$29) Here there are a wide range of workshop topics to choose from (I should declare an interest as I’m presenting three of them 😊 ). And a special event for young people is scheduled on the Saturday.
Really Useful Family History Federation Show – 14 November (currently £5 early bird price) As well as expert speakers, there will be free advice for all ability levels provided by experienced volunteers from FamilySearch.
The Family History Show – 20 February 2021 (£6) Like many of these shows, this is sponsored by some large genealogical organisations who benefit from being affiliated with high-profile events, particularly online ones. Some of them also appear as vendors, such as Discover Your Ancestors magazine.
RootsTech Connect – 25-27 February 2021 (free) The biggest family history show goes truly global with an online version. EVERYTHING will be free to view, including hundreds of classes, tips & tricks quick videos, and keynote addresses by celebrity speakers.
If you find an event that looks good for you, register your interest as soon as possible, to give the organisers an idea of attendance numbers - this will help them plan for any technical issues.
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