Society - joining information

Any society concerned directly or indirectly with Family History which has:

• been in existence for at least 12 months
• an agreed constitution
• a membership of at least 10 members
• a journal/newsletter in printed or electronic form and/or operates a website

The main activities of the Federation are set out in the About Us section of this site. Benefits to societies that are members of the Federation include:

• Publicity through our website and at the many public events we attend. This encourages individuals to contact and join member societies.
• Insurance cover (available to UK Members). The annual subscription includes comprehensive Public Liability Insurance. Additional cover may be added if the member society requires it.
• Guidance for family History Societies - helping you manage your society: including advice on copyright, data protection and the Charities Act, as well as assistance in such matters as constitutions, trusteeship and internal issues. Guidance is provided in the “Members Only” section of the website and by direct response to specific enquiries from member societies.
• Opportunities to make use of our preferential arrangements for selling data online.
• Use of the National Burial Index in member society libraries without needing to purchase a library licence.
• Free access to FindMyPast for use at a fair or society open day.

Ordinary Membership is for societies in the British Isles specialising in family history or an associated discipline.

An Ordinary member pays an annual subscription of 38p per each of its own members (as at year end), with a minimum of £30 and a maximum of £950 for large societies of 2,500 members or more.

Each Ordinary member is entitled to nominate or second a candidate for election to the Executive at the Annual General Meeting to fill any vacancies that occur.

Associate Membership is for overseas family history, genealogical and heraldic groups, as well as to other bodies within the British Isles for whom family history is a secondary interest.

An associate member pays an annual subscription at the fixed rate of £25.

Complete our online form or for additional information contact our administrator at admin@familyhistoryfederation.com.