Family history speaker: Nicola Johnson

Talks

• Titanic Myths: What the Records Really Reveal
  
  

  Everyone thinks they know the story of the Titanic, but family legends and popular accounts often collapse under scrutiny.
  
  In this engaging talk, professional genealogist Nicola Johnson takes audiences beyond the headlines and into the archives, examining passenger lists, crew records, newspapers, inquiry reports, and Titanic Relief Fund files to test long-held assumptions.
  
  Through fascinating real-life case studies and modern tools such as DNA and the 1921 Census, she uncovers how myths began, why they endured, and what the records really reveal. A fresh, never-before-seen perspective that will astonish, intrigue, and spark lively discussion – perfect for history and community groups of all kinds.
  
  See this talk and more at Nicola's talks page.

• Fur, Feathers and Fate: Animals of the Titanic and beyond – their owners and their fascinating family stories
  
  

  Animals were part of life aboard the Titanic, from pampered pedigree dogs to the working cats that kept vermin at bay below deck. But behind every animal was an owner, a family and a story waiting to be uncovered.

   

  In this fascinating talk, genealogist and Titanic historian Nicola Johnson uses family history research to trace the lives of the people who travelled with their beloved pets and working animals. Discover what became of these families before, during and after the disaster, and how the stories of their animals provide a unique window into class, wealth and everyday life at sea.

   

  Drawing on passenger records, family trees and eyewitness accounts, Nicola also explores remarkable animal stories from other famous ships, from the Mary Rose to more modern ocean liners. Which pets escaped? Which animals secured places in the lifeboats? And what do these extraordinary stories reveal about the people who loved them?

   

  Blending maritime history with genealogy, this is a unique and engaging talk that uncovers the human stories behind the animals and offers a completely fresh perspective on the world's most famous ship.

• Beneath the Boilers: The Forgotten Stokers of the Titanic
  
  

  Step below decks to discover the untold story of Titanic’s firemen, trimmers, and greasers – the men who toiled in blistering heat to power the great liner on her doomed maiden voyage. This talk brings to life their gruelling work, the danger and stigma of life beneath the boilers, and the bravery many showed on the night of the sinking.
  
  Drawing on crew records, census returns, and the Titanic Relief Fund, Nicola Johnson revives these forgotten men and their families, offering a vivid, human perspective on the real lives behind the legend. Nicola has explored this topic for 'Who Do You Think You Are?' magazine, and this engaging session is a must-see for anyone fascinated by Titanic, maritime history, or the untold stories of courage and survival.

   

   

• From Cutthroats to Captains: Women at Sea in the Age of Sail and Steam
  
  

  Female pirates who fought alongside men, Victorian girls who disguised themselves as cabin boys to follow their lovers, stewardesses aboard the Titanic, wartime nurses sailing through mined waters under enemy fire, and the WRNS ‘Wrens’ keeping Britain’s fleets afloat in two world wars. For three centuries, women went to sea, risking life and reputation, defying convention, and shaping maritime history in ways that have largely been forgotten.
  
  In this captivating talk, Nicola Johnson brings their stories to life, exploring the courage, ingenuity, and determination of women who chose the ocean when society told them to stay ashore. This is a journey through the human side of maritime history, revealing women whose lives and deeds deserve to be remembered and celebrated.

• The Titanic of the English Channel: The Overlooked Prequel to Titanic
  
  

  When the S.S. Stella sailed from Southampton in 1899 and smashed into rocks off the Channel Islands, up to 100 lives were lost in a tragedy that foreshadowed Titanic’s disaster just 13 years later. Dubbed “The Titanic of the English Channel,” the Stella has since faded from memory.

   

  In this gripping talk, Nicola Johnson uses family history research to uncover the stories of the drowned crew and their bereaved families – and asks the haunting question: had these lessons been heeded, could the Titanic tragedy have been avoided?

• How to get the most from British Death Records
  
  

  In this wide-ranging but compassionate talk, Nicola Johnson shows how to get the most from British death records – from indexes, certificates and burial records to lesser-known sources rarely covered elsewhere, such as coroners’ inquests and death duty registers. She also gives clear guidance to finding pre-1858 wills, helping you break through long-standing brick walls and uncover ancestors who’ve eluded you for years.
  
  Packed with practical tips and fresh leads, this session suits researchers at every level.

• How DNA is Rewriting Titanic History: Lost Families, Hidden Stories and New Discoveries
  
  

  DNA has transformed genealogy – but its impact on Titanic research is only just beginning to be understood. Discover how genetic genealogy is solving century-old mysteries, confirming identities, testing long-held family traditions, exposing false Titanic ancestry claims and uncovering remarkable new stories from the world's most famous maritime disaster.

   

  A fascinating and thought-provoking talk for anyone with an interest in Titanic, DNA or genealogy.