Five decades on from its inaurgural meeting in 1974, Essex Society for Family History now has 1,700 members and a programme of monthly meetings across several locations. During this period the online presence of the society has developed too and members of the society can attend meetings via Zoom, and search the society’s genealogical database of more than 2 million records.
To celebrate their 50th anniversary, the society has organised a ‘Genealogy Challenge Trail’, open to members worldwide. ‘All you need to do is follow the genealogical clues to help solve a crime’ – there will be ‘some great prizes’.
The society’s year-long celebrations will see a grand finale at the Keene Hall, Galleywood on 21 September 2024, with a family history themed murder mystery evening (tantalisingly entitled ‘Where There’s A Will’) hosted by Toni Neobard and Kate Broad.
To find out more about the society visit www.esfh.org.uk. See also the 50th anniversary roadhshow events, which will be taking place at Galleywood (18th May), Westcliff on Sea (6 July), Colchester (13 July), Harlow (4 August) and Galleywood (21 September, as mentioned above).