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  2. Family History Federation
  3. Dorset Family History Society

Dorset Family History Society

We are pleased to be working in partnership with the Dorset Family History Society which was formed in 1987 specifically for people with family history interests in Dorset.

Dorset Family History Society was formed in 1987 for people with family history interests in Dorset, as well as Dorset residents whose families may have lived in other counties or countries. Their membership has now grown to about 1,000.

The society holds regular monthly meetings at Parkstone, where members can hear a variety of speakers, seek advice, and meet likeminded people. The quarterly journal, The DFHS Journal, provides items of local interest, general genealogical information, events and activities of the society, and an opportunity for members to publish their personal family history interests.

Corfe Castle and District 1790 Census

Discover your English relatives in the fascinating Corfe Castle & District 1790 census. The Corfe Castle and District census is an unofficial detailed account of 1,237 lives in the Corfe Castle area of Dorset recorded privately by William Morton Pitt.

You will be able to find out where your relatives lived within the village, what their occupation was and even what they earned in a year. The census also includes additional notes which add a colourful insight to your ancestors’ lives. This collection is published in partnership with Dorset Family History Society and the Family History Federation.

Corfe Castle and District 1790 Census
Vintage scene of a bride and bridesmaids

Vital records

The Dorset Family History Society have also contributed to our collection of vital records that are available for the Dorset area, including records of baptisms, marriages, burials and monumental inscriptions.

Delve into these record sets now to discover more about the lives of your Dorset ancestors:

More information from the society

The Dorset Family History Society have a large modern Research Centre located in Poole where they have a massive book library, fiche readers and broadband connected computers with membership to most of the popular sites such as findmypast.co.uk, etc. There is an educational program with beginners, intermediate and advanced courses, together with half or full day courses on specialist subjects.

More information can be found on the website, including details of local publications, projects, research services, and how to join the society.