Resource Directory

Discover a curated collection of resources for local and family history research.

From archives and maps to publications and specialist sites, these links are here to support and inspire your work. We update this directory regularly — suggestions are always welcome.

See also our Society Directory.

Browse A–Z: C | F | G | H | N | P | S | V | W
Browse by type: Archaeology Archives Books Buildings Community Directories General Heritage Journals Maps Research Skills Tools Clear

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C

Council for Independent Archaeology

Community

Supports independent archaeological research.

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Community Archives and Heritage Group

Archives Community

Supports and promotes community archives across the UK.

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F

Family and Community Historical Research Society

Community

Research society covering social history, migration, and community studies.

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Family History Federation

Community Directories

Umbrella organisation for family history groups in the UK.

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G

Guild of One-Name Studies

Community

Organisation supporting surname studies worldwide.

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H

The Historical Association

Community

Organisation promoting the study and teaching of history.

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N

National Federation of Cemetery Friends

Community Buildings

Supports conservation and study of cemeteries.

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P

Past Times Project

Community

Community-driven sharing of personal and local history.

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S

Scottish Local History Forum

Community

Umbrella group for local history in Scotland.

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V

Voluntary Action History Society

Community

Promotes the history of voluntary and charitable organisations.

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W

Warwick Network for Parish Research

Community

Academic and local collaboration on parish research.

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Women's History Network

Research Community

Supports research into women’s history, often local in focus.

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From our blog

From Plotting Family History to Building Local Histories in Yorkshire
Ben Robinson

Ben Robinson

From Plotting Family History to Building Local Histories in Yorkshire

» Read article

Every Home Has a Story: Recording Memories with HouseStories

Every Home Has a Story: Recording Memories with HouseStories

» Read article

Mancunian opposition to the South African crisis (Summer 1899).
Tom Trafford

Tom Trafford

Mancunian opposition to the South African crisis (Summer 1899).

» Read article

From Local Archives to Atlantic Migrations: How Family History Helps Reconstruct a Shared Past
Hugo Javier Freitas

Hugo Javier Freitas

From Local Archives to Atlantic Migrations: How Family History Helps Reconstruct a Shared Past

» Read article

Latest news

BALH Membership Platform Update

BALH Membership Platform Update

Wed 4th November 2026

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Conference Review: Rebellion and protest across six centuries

Conference Review: Rebellion and protest across six centuries

Fri 30th October 2026

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Archaeological dig returns to site of Roman villa in North Wales

Archaeological dig returns to site of Roman villa in North Wales

Tue 25th August 2026

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Making Your PowerPoint Ten-Minute Talk Video

Making Your PowerPoint Ten-Minute Talk Video

Thu 20th August 2026

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Why BALH?

Nick Barratt Historian and Author

Supporting your academic research

There is an increasing interest in local history as a key element of academic studies – not just the content that has been published by local historians over the decades as a key research resource, but also in co-produced projects. Grant-awarding bodies such as the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) have placed an increasing emphasis on collaborations and partnerships when considering the award of research funding, and BALH provides the perfect platform for academic researchers to locate key groups and ongoing activity.

Nick Barratt, Historian and Author

Meet the team

Jane Golding Trustee

Jane Golding

Jane sees local history as a guide to understanding the present, enriching life through shared ideas and exploration. With a background in landscape history from UEA and Reading, she began her career in Oxfordshire Local Studies before joining the Royal Commission on the Historical Monuments of England, now Historic England. Her work spans teaching, exhibitions, and community programmes, highlighting local history’s power to inspire. She manages the Heritage Gateway and researches rural change and enclosure (1750–1850). A former ALHT trustee, she now serves BALH, alongside roles with CAHG and Kirklees Local TV.

Jane Golding, Trustee

Forthcoming events

History Day 2026

History Day 2026

Wed 18th November 2026 11:00 am

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Letters to Elsie: Echoes of War and Sea

Letters to Elsie: Echoes of War and Sea

Wed 18th November 2026 7:00 pm

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Yorkshire’s Watermen: Illuminating Their Lives with Genealogy

Yorkshire’s Watermen: Illuminating Their Lives with Genealogy

Thu 19th November 2026 7:00 pm

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British Records Association Conference: All Mapped Out

British Records Association Conference: All Mapped Out

Tue 24th November 2026 12:00 am

» Further details