Suffolk
Family History Society
Grow your family tree with us.
CONTACT US
contact@suffolkfhs.co.uk
Events
The society holds several events through the year. These are a mix of in-person and virtual. Rather than list them here, we will help you navigate to the best place to view.
Groups
Our groups in Bury, Ipswich, Sudbury, Lowestoft and Haverhill have active programmes with monthly presentations and in summer they conduct a range of outdoor activities such as visits and parish walks. To see the events go to the Groups tab and the groups we have will drop down (note West London is currently dormant). Each of the groups have their own pages so look on their News pages and their Events pages. All the Group events are in person, we do not yet do hybrid or just Zoom events from the Groups. All are welcome at these events for which there is a small charge to cover refreshments etc.
Society
The Society has 3 types of event plus an AGM held via Zoom..
Monthly Zoom presentations for members on a variety of family and local history subjects. The next Zoom event is advertised on this page in the Upcoming events below. If you press the Zoom events button, that will filter other events out. You need to register for these Zooms If you are a member they are also listed for the next quarter in Suffolk Roots and via our regular e-newsletter, and aslo on our Facebook page
We hold an annual fair, which has over recent years been held in Ipswich. To find out more information, go to the Fairs tab, and you will see two options. The Fair programme will be dealt with in the next item, but the Society Fair is where you should be looking. As we get closer to the next fair more information will be put on here.
We also exhibit at other Family History Society fairs around the country. The ones we have confirmed will be listed on the Fairs Programme page just mentioned.
The Society's AGM will be held at 19:30 on Tuesday 13th October 2026 by Zoom. The event is posted and you need to go down the page until get to October to see. Most of the The information will also be available in the September edition of Suffolk Roots
Upcoming events
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Suffolk FHS 2025~2026 AGMTuesday 13th October 202619:30-20:30By Zoom
The 2026 AGM will be held on Tuesday 13 October 2026 at 19:30 via the Zoom platform. To participate using Zoom you need to be online and have Zoom installed on your computer/tablet, smartphone etc. The AGM will be recorded.
If you wish to participate by Zoom:
- Before 1 September 2026: Please notify our Membership Secretary, David Horton at membership@suffolkfhs.org.uk if you have changed your email address recently.
- A notice about the AGM will be sent out with the September e-Newsletter, asking people to register their intention to attend.
- For those joining the society after the 1st September, please contact the Chair at chair@suffolkfhs.org.uk directly for information on how to register.
- Two days before the meeting: Those who have expressed an intention to attend by Zoom will receive, by email, the meeting details and the Zoom 'key'.
- The 2026 AGM Agenda, a Proxy Vote form and the Minutes of the 2025 AGM will be published in the September edition of Suffolk Roots but all are available below via links
- The accounts will be posted here in early September and will be accessible by a link below
- Only Society members will be able to participate and/or vote. Where members hold joint membership, both members are allowed to vote.
- On the day: Please log in to Zoom at or soon after 19:15 to allow for any connection issues.
- If you have technical issues (can't hear audio etc.), there will be no time to deal with these once the meeting starts, so we suggest those not already familiar with Zoom try a practice session with friends or family.
- To ask questions or vote: Questions may be asked via the chat function in Zoom. To vote we will try to use the Poll function. Explanations of how to use these will be given at the beginning of the meeting.
A quorum requires 30 members.
Please use the proxy form if you cannot attend - your vote is important. A copy is attached here Click here for Proxy Vote form
Click here for the Agenda for the 2025-2026 AGM
Click here for the draft minutes of the 2024-2025 AGM
Click here to view the draft CIO Constitution
Click here to view the special resolutions
Click here to view the 2025-2026 Accounts
Suffolk FHS -
Witches and Witch Hunting in East AngliaMonday 26th October 202619:30-21:00ZoomMike Wabe
Discover the dark and captivating history of witches and witch hunting in East Anglia.
Step back in time to the chilling era of witches and witch hunts in East Anglia. Discover a world where fear and superstition reigned supreme, and the shadow of witchcraft loomed large. In the heart of 17th-century England, East Anglia became the epicenter of a fervent witch-hunting frenzy, led by the infamous Witchfinder General, Matthew Hopkins.
Uncover the chilling stories of those accused of witchcraft, facing trials and executions under the weight of suspicion and hysteria. Hear about the sites where accused witches faced trials and executions and uncover the tales of those who lived - and died - under the suspicion of sorcery.
This gripping journey through history will take you to the villages and towns where paranoia and hysteria led to tragic consequences. This experience will leave you with a deeper understanding of the fear that once ruled this land.
Discover the haunting past of East Anglia’s witch hunts!
For members only - the link is in the most recent e-newsletter which is also available on this web page e-newsletters
Suffolk FHS -
Suffolk VillagesTuesday 27th October 2026Peter TatamSudbury Group
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Halesworth WitchesTuesday 3rd November 202619:00-21:00St Margaret’s Hall, LowestoftDavid Woolwebber
Lowestoft Group 3rd November, David Woolwebber wil talk about the Halesworth Witches
Venue: St Margaret’s Hall, Lowestoft. Doors open 19:00, talk starts19:30. Lot of free parking. All welcome.
Refreshments & chat after the talk
Lowestoft Group -
"Behind the Verdict" What Coroners Courts reveal about our Ancestors Lives (and Deaths)Wednesday 4th November 202619:30-21:45The Salvation Army Ctadel, 558, Woodbridge Road, Ipswich, IP4 4PHVicky Holmes
Ipswich Group Suffolk Fam History Society Meeting Weds. 4th November
Ipswich Group, Suffolk Family History Society next meets at 7:30pm, Wednesday 4th November 2026.
Vicky Holmes presents:“Behind the Verdict”. It’s all about what Coroners Inquests may reveal about our Ancestors Lives (and Deaths).
Step into the Victorian Public House Courts of Ipswich and the Liberty of St Etheldreda. Unpacking the process of coroners' inquests. Vicky's talk explores how these rich records allow us to hear directly from our ancestors, enter their domestic spaces , and uncover mysteries probably hidden within census.
The Talk takes place at:
The Salvation Army Citadel, 558, Woodbridge Road, Ipswich Suffolk IP4 4PH
Easy parking at the rear.
Entry costs £3 for Society members, £4 for non-members who are also warmly welcomed. Pay CASH at the Door.
For more information contact: Howard on 01473 274300 or e-mail IpswichChairman@suffolkfhs.org.ukWednesday 4 November
The Salvation Army Citadel, 558 Woodbridge Road, Ipswich, Suffolk, Suffolk, IP4 4PH
The Meeting start at 7:30pm. Pay cash at the Main Hall door on arrival. There is no need to book in advance. Please pay CASH £3 for Society Members, £4 for non-members. Following the talk is light refreshments, and the meeting will finish at just after 9:30pm.
Website: www.suffolkfhs.org.uk
Tickets: Pay Cash on arrival
Telephone: 01473 274300
Ipswich Group -
Two farmers and a Lanc!Thursday 12th November 202619:30Old Independent Church Hall, HaverhillLancaster Restoration Fundraising teamHaverhill Group
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Who Are You? A Family History Course For Beginners Part 1 of 3Saturday 14th November 202610:30-12:30The Salvation Army Citadel, 558 Woodbridge Road, Ipswich, IP4 4NTJanette Robinson leads
Who are you YOU?
A Family History Course for Beginners Three Sessions on Consecutive Saturday Mornings.
14th , 21st and 28th November.
Each runs from 10:30 - to 12:30 with a refreshment break
AT the Salvation Army Citadel, 558 Woodbridge Road, Ipswich, Suffolk IP4 4NT
This course is not limited to people from the immediate Ipswich area.
The Cost Society members £5 per session - all three £10.
non-members £6 per session - £18 for all three.
To book a place and for more information call Howard on 01473 274300
e-mail: IpswichChairman@suffolkfhs.org.uk
Ipswich Group -
Who Are You? A Family History Course For Beginners Part 2 of 3Saturday 21st November 202610:30-12:30The Salvation Army Ctadel, 558, Woodbridge Road, Ipswich, IP4 4PHJanett
Who are you YOU?
A Family History Course for Beginners Three Sessions on Consecutive Saturday Mornings.
14th , 21st and 28th November.
Each runs from 10:30 - to 12:30 with a refreshment break
AT the Salvation Army Citadel, 558 Woodbridge Road, Ipswich, Suffolk IP4 4NT
This course is not limited to people from the immediate Ipswich area.
The Cost Society members £5 per session - all three £10.
non-members £6 per session - £18 for all three.
To book a place and for more information call Howard on 01473 274300
e-mail: IpswichChairman@suffolkfhs.org.uk
Ipswich Group -
Fingerprints & Crime Scene ExaminationsTuesday 24th November 2026David SmithSudbury Group
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Who Are You? A Family History Course For Beginners Part 3 of 3Saturday 28th November 202610:30-12:30The Salvation Army Citadel, 558, Woodbridge Road, Ipswich, IP4 4PHJanette Robinson leads
Who are you YOU?
A Family History Course for Beginners Three Sessions on Consecutive Saturday Mornings.
Part 3
28th November.
Each runs from 10:30 - to 12:30 with a refreshment break
AT the Salvation Army Citadel, 558 Woodbridge Road, Ipswich, Suffolk IP4 4NT
This course is not limited to people from the immediate Ipswich area.
The Cost Society members £5 per session - all three £10.
non-members £6 per session - £18 for all three.
To book a place and for more information call Howard on 01473 274300
e-mail: IpswichChairman@suffolkfhs.org.uk
Ipswich Group -
The Colmans of Corton - The Mustard FamilyTuesday 1st December 202619:00-21:00St Margaret’s Hall, LowestoftDavid Butcher
Lowestoft Group 1st December David Butcher will attempt to warm you with his talk on the Colmans of Corton
Venue: St Margaret’s Hall, Lowestoft. Doors open 19:00, talk starts19:30. Lot of free parking. All welcome.
Refreshments & chat after the talk
Lowestoft Group -
Annual Fun Christmas QuizThursday 10th December 202619:30Old Independent Church Hall, HaverhillOurselves
A lighthearted social evening with refreshments
Haverhill Group
Zoom events
-
Suffolk FHS 2025~2026 AGMTuesday 13th October 202619:30-20:30By Zoom
The 2026 AGM will be held on Tuesday 13 October 2026 at 19:30 via the Zoom platform. To participate using Zoom you need to be online and have Zoom installed on your computer/tablet, smartphone etc. The AGM will be recorded.
If you wish to participate by Zoom:
- Before 1 September 2026: Please notify our Membership Secretary, David Horton at membership@suffolkfhs.org.uk if you have changed your email address recently.
- A notice about the AGM will be sent out with the September e-Newsletter, asking people to register their intention to attend.
- For those joining the society after the 1st September, please contact the Chair at chair@suffolkfhs.org.uk directly for information on how to register.
- Two days before the meeting: Those who have expressed an intention to attend by Zoom will receive, by email, the meeting details and the Zoom 'key'.
- The 2026 AGM Agenda, a Proxy Vote form and the Minutes of the 2025 AGM will be published in the September edition of Suffolk Roots but all are available below via links
- The accounts will be posted here in early September and will be accessible by a link below
- Only Society members will be able to participate and/or vote. Where members hold joint membership, both members are allowed to vote.
- On the day: Please log in to Zoom at or soon after 19:15 to allow for any connection issues.
- If you have technical issues (can't hear audio etc.), there will be no time to deal with these once the meeting starts, so we suggest those not already familiar with Zoom try a practice session with friends or family.
- To ask questions or vote: Questions may be asked via the chat function in Zoom. To vote we will try to use the Poll function. Explanations of how to use these will be given at the beginning of the meeting.
A quorum requires 30 members.
Please use the proxy form if you cannot attend - your vote is important. A copy is attached here Click here for Proxy Vote form
Click here for the Agenda for the 2025-2026 AGM
Click here for the draft minutes of the 2024-2025 AGM
Click here to view the draft CIO Constitution
Click here to view the special resolutions
Click here to view the 2025-2026 Accounts
Suffolk FHS -
Witches and Witch Hunting in East AngliaMonday 26th October 202619:30-21:00ZoomMike Wabe
Discover the dark and captivating history of witches and witch hunting in East Anglia.
Step back in time to the chilling era of witches and witch hunts in East Anglia. Discover a world where fear and superstition reigned supreme, and the shadow of witchcraft loomed large. In the heart of 17th-century England, East Anglia became the epicenter of a fervent witch-hunting frenzy, led by the infamous Witchfinder General, Matthew Hopkins.
Uncover the chilling stories of those accused of witchcraft, facing trials and executions under the weight of suspicion and hysteria. Hear about the sites where accused witches faced trials and executions and uncover the tales of those who lived - and died - under the suspicion of sorcery.
This gripping journey through history will take you to the villages and towns where paranoia and hysteria led to tragic consequences. This experience will leave you with a deeper understanding of the fear that once ruled this land.
Discover the haunting past of East Anglia’s witch hunts!
For members only - the link is in the most recent e-newsletter which is also available on this web page e-newsletters
Suffolk FHS
Suffolk Family History Society is a UK registered charity (No.1087748) and a UK registered company (No. 4191740).
(Registered Address: 2 Stone Street, Crowfield, Ipswich, IP6 9TA)
© SFHS 2026. All Rights Reserved.
Website by Beachshore
Website by Beachshore