About The Family History Section
The Yorkshire Archaeological Society (YAS) was founded in 1863, to preserve and conserve the history and archaeology of the historic county of Yorkshire. It has several SPECIALIST SECTIONS, the largest being the Family History Section, which may be joined separately or in addition to the main Society. You can find out more about the YAS and its Sections by going to http://www.yas.org.uk
The Section
The Family History Section of the Society was founded in 1973 and has approximately 1800 members world wide. Family history has been a fast growing subject for over two decades, with interest ranging from who our ancestors were to where they lived and worked, and the social history of the period. The aim of the Section is to promote these interests and assist members in their research. Although we are unable to undertake any individual research, we do aim to help our members with advice on tracing ancestors and the sources available at Claremont, our headquarters.
Benefits of Membership
Lectures
A programme of lectures takes place throughout the year, usually at monthly intervals. These are held at Claremont on Saturdays (during the day) and occasionally on Wednesday evenings. Typically there will be a guest speaker talking on a family history related subject. Occasionally, we run Day Schools on a particular aspect of family history research.
Library
Members have access to the large and comprehensive collection of historical material on the ancient county of Yorkshire held by the YAS and its specialist SECTIONS, such as printed parish registers. Members of the Family History Section may also borrow material deposited by the Section, including other societies journals.
Members' Interests
On joining the Section, members receive a form to submit their interests. These are printed in the journal and subsequently in our Members' Interests Publications (currently on microfiche). Members can request a search of the database at any time.
Link Scheme
Under this scheme, if you need information from a distant Library, Record Office or Archive to which you are unable to travel, we have volunteers who will go there on your behalf to look at specified items at the cost of their expenses.
Journal
Members receive a copy of our quarterly journal The Yorkshire Family Historian which has articles of general genealogical interest, "New Members' list", "Members' Interests" and news of forthcoming events.
Material Costs
Admission is free to members, who also benefit from reduced cost for photocopying. Non members are charged a £4-00 entrance fee and pay the full price for any services.
Bookstall
Apart from our own publications as listed in the Journal and on our web site, the Section sells publications produced by the Federation of Family History Societies, the Society of Genealogists, Brian Jones and the Public Record Office. A bookstall is available at meetings and some books are on display and available for purchase during normal opening times at Claremont. Items from our Publications List can also be ordered by post or on line through our web site.
Exchange Journals
Magazines and Journals published by other Family History societies are available for loan by members.
Welcome Pack
New members receive a welcome pack which includes a number of leaflets giving information about the Section, a guide to Claremont and a Members' Interests form.