Family History Monthly

I started doing my family history about a year ago. I’ve always been interested in it, but have recently decided to actively do something about it. So, any help I can get on the way is a bonus.

That’s where ‘Family History Monthly’ comes in handy. As it says on the front of the magazine – it brings your family tree alive. For the price of £2.70 a month, this is a good price for a monthly magazine, don’t you think?!

So, what can you find therein? I think you’ll be mildly surprised at the amount of useful information you will find inside. On the inside cover are the contents. There are plenty of monthly regulars. ‘In My View’ is someone who gives their views on different issues. This month (September ’04) Daniel Weinbren gives his views on how much should be revealed about ancestors with mental illness.

In the regular News section you will find the Editor’s letter, and news on anything that’s happening throughout the Country.

This magazine will give you helpful and very interesting ideas and ways of finding out about your ancestors. In this issue, it explains how you can use parliamentary papers, along with a useful website to visit. The magazine also includes photographs which brightens up the story.

The magazine will explain in detail where and how to get hold of any information they are currently talking about. It could be, like I mentioned, about the parliamentary papers. Or how to get hold of certain records and information. They will provide you with the relevant contact details. For instance, have you ever thought about searching insurance documents, court records or newspapers for your ancestors? It could prove to be a hard and long slog searching for your ancestors. But the reward will be fantastic in the long run!

There’s a family history calendar which will tell you about any family history related things that are happening around the County.

There's interviews with people, searching through the archives at different stories, tips on researching your family history and personal stories from people.

Different issues will focus on different things, like stories from the World Wars or using record centres around the Country. And it will focus on specific things like people in Prison or the Work Houses, for instance.

Another really good section of this magazine is the readers’ section called ‘Your Pictures – Your Stories’. It’s so interesting to read people’s submissions, stories and photographs. Looking at the old photo’s are really interesting. And you never know, you may even find someone you know in there!

Another regular piece is the Q & A section. This is readers’ writing in to find information on certain stuff relating to their own family history and asking questions about things that are concerning them or trying to find out.

Each month there’s a book review on four or five books relating to genealogy or family history. They will also tell you what’s up and coming in next months magazine.

There’s a lot of advertisements in the magazine, telling you about all the upcoming fairs etc, also any adverts that people have submitted, along with any CD-Roms you can buy.

What’s really handy about this magazine is that it will tell you about various websites dedicated to Family History, or where you can get information on, say, the war or history. Regimental websites, for instance, are good for this.

So, what do I think of this magazine? Well, for the price, it’s certainly one of the cheapest around for a monthly magazine. And as I’ve been buying this regularly each month, I think I can safely say that I’m quite chuffed with it! It really is very helpful and informative on all kinds of issues. What I really like about this magazine is that there's always loads of photo's and pictures in it which makes it much more interesting and fun to read. If you’re interested in your family history, then go buy this magazine!

Family History Monthly
Unit 101
140 Wales Farm Road
London
W3 6UG
ENGLAND

fhm@metropolis.co.uk