Experts help dig up family trees
3 March 2011
Experts are giving talks about how residents can use old census records to research their family history, as the country prepares for the 2011 Census.
Members of the Manchester and Lancashire Family History Society are giving talks at libraries across the city about how the records, which go back nearly 200 years, can be used to investigate family trees.
People across the region will shortly be receiving their forms for the official once-a-decade population survey, and they should complete and return the forms on or around Census day on Sunday March 27.
Once the records are more than 100 years old, they are then opened to the public, and the returns for the whole country from 1841 to 1901 can be viewed free in all Manchester libraries.
Meanwhile, many other family history records can be found in the Manchester room at City Library on 151 Deansgate.
The illustrated talks will provide information about how residents can use the census records, and provide details of individuals named in the historic records, including Queen Victoria, a six-year-old Winston Churchill and a three-year old Enid Blyton.
The talks, all starting at 2pm, will be held at Longsight Library on Thursday 17 March, Wythenshawe Forum Friday on 18 March and New Moston on Tuesday 22 March.
Councillor Rosa Battle, Manchester City Council's Deputy Executive Member for Culture and Leisure, said: "These talks will give a fascinating insight into how to investigate your family tree, and finding out more about Manchester's rich history, as well as demonstrating the importance of completing the forms for this year's Census."
