Courses in Brief
This page shows all the Courses that we run. If no date is shown, but you would like to join one of the Courses, please email us at and we will register your interest. If there is sufficient interest we will try and arrange a new date.
All our courses have practical hints and tips, handouts, where to go for more information, looking & working with examples of documents. We also make full use of the library & collections in the Treetops Research Centre. Please bring your own research as each course is restricted in numbers to allow your family history problems to be discussed.
You do not need to be a member of Dorset Family History Society or have Dorset roots to attend our Courses.
There will be short breaks during each course for tea / coffee which will be available at a small charge. You are welcome to bring a packed lunch
To book a place on one of our Courses, please print off a copy of the appropriate Application Form, complete and send it with your remittance to Treetops Research Centre. A place can also be booked at Treetops or at meetings. Numbers are restricted.
All Courses are 2 days (both days must be attended) and the cost is shown against each course.
Applications from non-members but accompanied by a completed Membership Application Form and additional remittance should pay Member rate.
Non-members who join during the Course will receive a refund of the additional amount paid.
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Organising, Writing Up & Presenting Your Family History Research
Day 1: Looking at different methods of storing your research, either on paper or on computer:
good practices of research;
keeping / storing records, documents, photos etc.
A practical session exploring and discussing the many different ways of writing up and presenting your research.
Day 2: Return to Treetops one month later where you have the opportunity to demonstrate and discuss how you have presented, or intend to, your research (either in draft or finished format!)
Price is -
£20 Members (£25 non-members)
BACK TO 1837
TOPICS INCLUDE
How to begin
Surnames
Civil Registration from 1837
Researching on the Internet
Using computers
Census 1841-1911
PRE 1837 RECORDS
The aim of the course
is to assist you with additional family history research topics,
taught by Jane Ferentzi-Sheppard,
the Society’s professional family history tutor
Research before 1837:
Parish Registers
Parish Chest
Wills & Probate
Local / National Repositories
Picking up on your problem areas
Price is -
£25 Members (£30 non-members)
ADVANCED COURSE (Recommended for researchers who already have a good knowledge of pre 1837 records)
TOPICS INCLUDE:
Directories
Poll Books / Electoral Registers
School & Health Records
Criminal Records
Militia
Taxes, Legal records
Maps & 1910 Valuation Survey
