Hampshire Societies

Family history societies often publish helpful journals, transcripts, compiled genealogies and host helpful websites. They may have ongoing projects to transcribe records and create indexes. Most societies publish queries in their journals and maintain lists of members’ research interests that may be helpful to you. You may want to join one of these societies, reap the benefits of their expertise and resources, or support its efforts.

Addresses of the societies are for the most part where their meetings are held as they are by-and-large not brick-and-mortar institutions.

Regional Societies
Avon Valley Archaeological Society Ann Rose Hall Greyfriars Community Centre Christchurch Road Ringwood, Hampshire BH24 1DW UK Telephone: 02380 332844 Email: [mailto:jolyonc100@yahoo.co.uk jolyonc100@yahoo.co.uk] Website: Avon Valley Archaeological Society


 * Promoting archaeology in the Hampshire Avon Valley and surrounding areas of West Hampshire (particularly the New Forest), East Dorset, and South Wiltshire.

The Christchurch Antiquarians Upper Meeting Room Stanpit Village Hall 162 Stanpit Christchurch, Dorset BH23 3NE UK Telephone: 01425 273333 Email: [mailto:tca@donne.free-online.co.uk tca@donne.free-online.co.uk] Website: The Christchurch Antiquarians


 * The Christchurch Antiquarians is a local society promoting history, heritage, archeology, and conservation in the borough of Christchurch in Dorset. The town of Christchurch, now in Dorset but formerly in Hampshire, is an ancient borough with its origin as a Saxon burh named Twynham.

Christchurch History Society Highcliffe Day Centre 250 Lymington Road Highcliffe Christchurch, Dorset BH23 5ET UK Email: [mailto:admin@historychristchurch.org.uk admin@historychristchurch.org.uk] Website: Christchurch History Society


 * The Christchurch History Society was formed in 1989 and is dedicated to the study of the past of the Borough of Christchurch and its environs and the preservation of all aspects of the past and surviving heritage.  One objective of the Society as a non-profit making Society is to promote and encourage the study of history, heritage and archaeology in Christchurch and its environs in Hampshire and Dorset, by means of lectures, talks, visits, research projects, and publications and through general social intercourse of its members.

Cotswold Archaeology Stanley House Walworth Road Andover, Hampshire SP10 5LH UK Telephone: 01264 347630 Email: [mailto:enquiries@cotswoldarchaeology.co.uk enquiries@cotswoldarchaeology.co.uk] Website: Cotswold Archaeology


 * Welcome to Cotswold Archaeology. We offer the full range of heritage and archaeological services from our Andover, Cirencester, Exeter, and Milton Keynes offices.

Liss Archaeology Telephone: 02392 783465 Email: [mailto:lissarchaeology@gmail.com lissarchaeology@gmail.com] Website: Liss Archaeology


 * Working on Archaeology projects in East Hampshire and West Sussex

Wesley Historical Society - London And The South East 7 Hornminster Glen Hornchurch, London RM11 3XL UK Website: Wesley Historical Society - London And The South East


 * The aims of the Society laid down in 1893 were to promote the study of the history and literature of early Methodism, research into the Wesley's, and investigation into the beginnings and development of Methodism. Area: London and the South East.  South East England consists of Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, East Sussex, Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, Kent, Oxfordshire, Surrey, and West Sussex.

Hampshire Societies
Alresford Historical & Literary Society Methodist Church Jacklyns Lane Alresford, Hampshire SO24 9JJ UK Telephone: 01962 734125 Email: [mailto:secretary@alresfordhistandlit.co.uk secretary@alresfordhistandlit.co.uk] Website: Alresford Historical & Literary Society


 * The Society was formed in 1966 to bring together members of the local community and encourage interest in the History, Literature, and Archaeology of Alresford and the surrounding areas. It has been instrumental in recording the area’s history and events.

Alton and Villages Local History Forum Telephone: 01420 86701 Email: [mailto:janehurst1@gmail.com janehurst1@gmail.com]


 * Our aim is to collect, preserve, and share the local history including putting on a FREE Local History Day on alternate years. We are also collecting material for volumes which will list the men from World War One who are on the village war memorials. The Forum meets twice a year and would welcome representatives from other nearby villages.

Andover History & Archaeology Society Andover Guildhall Andover, Hampshire SP10 1NT UK Telephone: 01264 772337 Email: [mailto:erica.tinsley@btinternet.com erica.tinsley@btinternet.com] Website: Andover History & Archaeology Society


 * We are a group of people from all walks of life who want to learn more about the recent, not so recent, and distant past of Andover and the area of northwest Hampshire in which it sits.

Basingstoke Archaeological & Historical Society Church Cottage Church Square Basingstoke, Hampshire RG21 7QW UK Telephone: 01256 321423 Email: [mailto:enquiries@bahsoc.org.uk enquiries@bahsoc.org.uk] Website: Basingstoke Archaeological & Historical Society


 * The Basingstoke Archaeological and Historical Society is a charity whose aims are to promote the study and understanding of the Archaeology and History of Basingstoke and its surrounding area.

Bishop's Waltham Society St Peter’s Church Hall Free Street Bishop’s Waltham Southampton, Hampshire SO32 1EE UK Email: [mailto:ian_leesmith@attglobal.net ian_leesmith@attglobal.net] Website: Bishop's Waltham Society


 * Bishop's Waltham Society was formed in 1986 to preserve and enhance the town, countryside, and villages within Bishop’s Waltham Parish. We organise meetings, walks, talks, visits, and social events to encourage interest and knowledge of our town, history, and environment.

Bitterne Local History Society Bitterne United Reformed Church 446 Bitterne Rd Southampton, Hampshire SO18 5EF UK Email: [mailto:martyn.blhs@btinternet.com martyn.blhs@btinternet.com] Website: Bitterne Local History Society


 * A society dedicated to studying and researching the history of Southampton in general, but with particular reference to the City areas east of the River Itchen - Bitterne, Bitterne Park, Harefield, Itchen, Merry Oak, Midanbury, Peartree, Sholing, Thornhill, Townhill Park, Weston, and Woolston.

Botley & Curdridge Local History Society Reading Room Reading Room Ln Curdridge Southampton, Hampshire SO32 2HF UK Telephone: 01489 782513 Email: [mailto:dhstokes@btinternet.com dhstokes@btinternet.com] Website: Botley & Curdridge Local History Society Website #2: Botley & Curdridge Local History Society


 * The Botley and Curdridge Local History Society was formed in 1972 to encourage an interest in local history and to collect, record, and preserve items of local interest.

Dever Valley Local History Society Telephone: 01962 774220 Email: [mailto:hugh@sandars.org.uk hugh@sandars.org.uk] Website: Dever Valley Local History Society

Eastleigh & District Local History Society Age Concern Hall 20 Romsey Road Eastleigh, Hampshire SO50 9AL UK Telephone: 02380 613294 Email: [mailto:barrychinchen@hotmail.com barrychinchen@hotmail.com] Website: Eastleigh & District Local History Society


 * The Society is established for the public benefit for the following purposes in the area comprising the Borough of Eastleigh: to promote the study of local history in the area of benefit and to secure the preservation, protection, development, and improvement of features of historic or public interest in the area.

Fareham Local History Group Westbury Manor Museum 84 West Street Fareham, Hampshire PO16 0JJ UK Telephone: 01329 237723 Website: Fareham Local History Group


 * Discovering and capturing material about fast changing Fareham and its immediate area. It works closely with Westbury Manor Museum.

The Farnborough Society Rushmoor Council Offices Farnborough Rd Farnborough, Hampshire GU14 7JU UK Website: The Farnborough Society


 * The Society aims to be a non-political community-led voice for the well-being of Farnborough, and to raise awareness about local issues, the environment, and the history of the town.

Fleet & Crookham Local History Group United Reformed Church Kings Road Fleet, Hampshire GU51 3AF UK Email: [mailto:fclhg@talktalk.net fclhg@talktalk.net] Website: Fleet & Crookham Local History Group


 * Fleet and Crookham Local History Group was founded in 1985 for people with an interest in the history of Fleet, Church Crookham, Crookham Village, and their immediate area in this corner of northeast Hampshire.

Fordingbridge Historical Society St Mary's Church Hall 39, Salisbury St Fordingbridge, Hampshire SP6 1AB UK Telephone: 01425 653407 Email: [mailto:aldalrymple@aol.com aldalrymple@aol.com] Website: Fordingbridge Historical Society


 * The Society promotes interest in all aspects of local and national history.

Freshwater & Totland Archive Group Freshwater Library 41 School Green Rd Freshwater, Isle of Wight PO40 9AP UK Email: [mailto:info@fatag.co.uk info@fatag.co.uk] Website: Freshwater & Totland Archive Group


 * The aim of the Group is to build an easily accessible local Archive so that future generations might understand and appreciate our local history and safeguard their character in the future.

Gosport Local History Luncheon Club Gosport Discovery Centre High St Gosport, Hampshire PO12 1BT UK Telephone: 023 9252 3358 Email: [mailto:ian@gosport.info ian@gosport.info] Website: Gosport Local History Luncheon Club


 * The main activity of our group is to provide interesting factual stories about many aspect of Gosport’s fascinating past. Be it anything from fossils to the Romans and  Saxons, from the medieval foundations of Portsmouth and Gosport and Rowner’s Grange Farm to Gosport’s Millennium Promenade, from the 1642 battle between Royalist Portsmouth and Roundhead-occupied Gosport, to our long rise and fall as a military seaport.

Gosport Society Gosport Discovery Centre High St Gosport, Hampshire PO12 1BT UK Email: [mailto:secretary@gosportsociety.co.uk secretary@gosportsociety.co.uk] Website: Gosport Society


 * Our mission is to promote high standards of planning and architecture affecting our area, to educate the public in Gosport's history and architecture, and to secure the preservation and protection of features of historic or public interest.

Hampshire Field Club & Archaeological Society Science Lecture Theatre Peter Symonds College Owens Rd Winchester, Hampshire SO22 6RX UK Email: [mailto:archaeology@hantsfieldclub.org.uk archaeology@hantsfieldclub.org.uk] Website: Hampshire Field Club & Archaeological Society


 * Since 1885, the Hampshire Field Club and Archaeological Society has been the county-wide organisation which has led the study of Hampshire, its environment and heritage. It is not bound by tradition, however, and is constantly evolving to provide the best possible awareness of and access to Hampshire's heritage.

Hampshire Genealogical Society Alton All Saints Parish Church Hall Queens Road Alton, Hampshire GU34 1HU UK Email: [mailto:alton@hgs-online.org.uk alton@hgs-online.org.uk] Andover Weyhill Fairground Hall The Fairground Weyhill Andover, Hampshire SP11 0QN UK Telephone: 01264 356238 Email: [mailto:andover@hgs-online.org.uk andover@hgs-online.org.uk] Basingstoke St. Michael's Church Cottage Hall Church Street Basingstoke, Hampshire RG21 7QW UK Email: [mailto:basingstoke@hgs-online.org.uk basingstoke@hgs-online.org.uk] Computer Group Twyford Village Hall Hazeley Rd Twyford Winchester, Hampshire SO21 1QY UK Email: [mailto:computergroup@hgs-online.org.uk computergroup@hgs-online.org.uk] Fair Oak St. Thomas' Church Extension Mortimers Lane Fair Oak Eastleigh, Hampshire SO50 7BW UK Email: [mailto:fairoak@hgs-online.org.uk fairoak@hgs-online.org.uk] Fareham Wallington Village Hall Broadcut Fareham, Hampshire PO16 8ST UK Email: [mailto:fareham@hgs-online.org.uk fareham@hgs-online.org.uk] Fleet and Farnborough United Reform Church Hall Kings Rd Fleet, Hampshire GU51 3AF UK Telephone: 01252 614163 Email: [mailto:fleetandfarnborough@hgs-online.org.uk fleetandfarnborough@hgs-online.org.uk] Gosport The Parish Centre Green Road Alverstoke Gosport, Hampshire PO12 2ET UK Email: [mailto:gosport@hgs-online.org.uk gosport@hgs-online.org.uk] New Forest Oak Room Brockenhurst Village Hall Highwood Road Brockenhurst, Hampshire SO42 7RY UK Email: [mailto:newforest@hgs-online.org.uk newforest@hgs-online.org.uk] New Milton and Christchurch St. Marks Church Hall Hinton Wood Avenue Highcliffe Christchurch, Dorset BH23 5AB UK Email: [mailto:new-milton-and-christchurch@hgs-online.org.uk new-milton-and-christchurch@hgs-online.org.uk] Portsmouth 'The Links' Cosham Baptist Church Havant Road Cosham Portsmouth, Hampshire PO6 2QZ UK Email: [mailto:portsmouth@hgs-online.org.uk portsmouth@hgs-online.org.uk] Ringwood The Greyfriars Community Centre 44 Christchurch Road Ringwood, Hampshire BH24 1DW UK Email: [mailto:ringwood@hgs-online.org.uk ringwood@hgs-online.org.uk] Romsey Crosfield Hall (Annex) Broadwater Rd Romsey, Hampshire SO51 8GL UK Email: [mailto:romsey@hgs-online.org.uk romsey@hgs-online.org.uk] Southampton Roman Catholic Church Hall Commercial Street Bitterne Southampton, Hampshire SO18 6LY UK Email: [mailto:southampton@hgs-online.org.uk southampton@hgs-online.org.uk] Waltham Chase Waltham Chase Village Hall Waltham Chase Southampton, Hampshire SO32 2LX UK Email: [mailto:walthamchase@hgs-online.org.uk walthamchase@hgs-online.org.uk]

Twyford Village Hall Hazeley Rd Twyford Winchester, Hampshire SO21 1QY UK Email: [mailto:secretary@hgs-online.org.uk secretary@hgs-online.org.uk] Website: Hampshire Genealogical Society


 * The Hampshire Genealogical Society was founded in 1973 with the aim of encouraging family history research.

Hampshire Industrial Archaeology Society Underhill Centre St John's Church St. John's Road Hedge End Southampton, Hampshire SO30 4DU UK Telephone: 01962 855200 Email: [mailto:info@hias.org.uk info@hias.org.uk] Website: Hampshire Industrial Archaeology Society


 * Hampshire Industrial Archaeology Society is interested in all aspects of Hampshire's Industrial Archaeology.  Our activities have included surveys of mills, breweries, brickworks, etc., as well as restoration and preservation.

Headley Society Headley Village Hall 2 Arford Rd Headley Bordon, Hampshire GU35 8LJ UK Telephone: 01428 712892 Email: [mailto:wordsmith@johnowensmith.co.uk wordsmith@johnowensmith.co.uk] Website: Headley Society


 * The Society is established for the public benefit and interest in the area comprising the civil Parish of Headley and the neighbourhood to promote high standards of planning and architecture in or affecting our area; to educate the public in its geography, history, natural history and architecture; and to secure the preservation, protection, development and improvement of features of historic or public interest.

Hook Local History Group Life Church Centre Elms Road Hook, Hampshire RG27 9DX UK Email: [mailto:hooklocalhistory@hotmail.co.uk hooklocalhistory@hotmail.co.uk] Website: Hook Local History Group

How We Used To Live Emery Down and Bank Village Hall Emery Down Lyndhurst, Hampshire SO43 7EB UK Telephone: 02380 284558 Email: [mailto:sasa.hall@btinternet.com sasa.hall@btinternet.com] Website: How We Used To Live


 * The How We Used To Live local history project encompasses talks, exhibitions, and hands-on exploration of the past. Focusing upon people and houses in Allum Green, Bank, Blackwater, Emery Down, Gritnam, and Swan Green, it also encourages local inhabitants with long memories to reminisce about their lives.

Isle of Wight Family History Society Riverside Centre The Quay Newport, Isle of Wight PO30 2QR UK Email: [mailto:secretary@isle-of-wight-fhs.co.uk secretary@isle-of-wight-fhs.co.uk] Website: Isle of Wight Family History Society


 * The aim of the society is to help members to undertake their own research. We try to offer every help to our members, particularly those who are just beginning. When volunteers are available we provide a limited research service, in return for expenses, for members who are unable to visit the island.

Isle of Wight Industrial Archaeology Society Riverside Centre The Quay Newport, Isle of Wight PO30 2QR UK Email: [mailto:rob.martin1@btinternet.com rob.martin1@btinternet.com] Email #2: [mailto:jillreilly@iwias.fsnet.co.uk jillreilly@iwias.fsnet.co.uk] Website: Isle of Wight Industrial Archaeology Society


 * An informal organization supporting a number of historical ventures. Members encourage an informal atmosphere in which they can propose and partake in practical research and excavation as well as documentary research.

Isle of Wight Natural History & Archaeological Society St Lawrence Village Hall Seven Sisters Road Ventnor, Isle of Wight PO38 1UY UK Email: [mailto:iwnhas@iwnhas.org iwnhas@iwnhas.org] Website: Isle of Wight Natural History & Archaeological Society


 * The Society was set up to fulfil two purposes for the benefit of the public. These are to promote the study of natural history and archaeology, especially in relation to the Isle of Wight, and to promote, in every possible way, the conservation of the flora and fauna of the Isle of Wight, and the proper preservation of all objects of special archaeological and geological interest.

Littleton Local History Group Telephone: 01962 881151 Email: [mailto:maskilljohn@yahoo.co.uk maskilljohn@yahoo.co.uk] Website: Littleton Local History Group


 * The group aims to explore the history of Littleton and its surrounding areas, to undertake related research, and publish the results where possible.

Lymington & District Historical Society Robert Hole Room Lymington Centre New St Lymington, Hampshire SO41 9BQ UK Telephone: 01590 672337 Email: [mailto:info@lymingtonanddistricthistoricalsociety.co.uk info@lymingtonanddistricthistoricalsociety.co.uk] Website: Lymington & District Historical Society


 * The Lymington and District Historical Society is your connection to our local history. Our aim is to encourage and promote the study of historical Lymington and its surrounding districts.

Minstead Local History Group Social Club Minstead Village Hall Minstead, Hampshire SO43 7FX UK Telephone: 02380 813574 Email: [mailto:steve_cattell@hotmail.com steve_cattell@hotmail.com] Website: Minstead Local History Group


 * The Group focuses on Minstead Local and Family History, researching all aspects of the village, past and present.

North East Hants Historical & Archaeological Society Farnborough Community Centre Meudon Ave Farnborough, Hampshire GU14 7LE UK Telephone: 01252 715218 Email: [mailto:info@nehhas.com info@nehhas.com] Website: North East Hants Historical & Archaeological Society


 * The Society holds courses and seminars and regularly holds talks at which guest lecturers or members presented slides and/or artefacts of archaeological and historic interest, either local or from further afield.

North Waltham, Steventon, Ashe & Deane Historical Society Telephone: 01256 397357 Email: [mailto:donna@hiddentiger.co.uk donna@hiddentiger.co.uk] Website: North Waltham, Steventon, Ashe & Deane Historical Society


 * The NWSAD History Society was formed in February 2000 and aims to encourage an interest in local history through our programme of events, research, publications, and web site. The History Society is now closing after seventeen years.  The NWSAD History Society has finally come to an end. Much has been researched and learned about our villages and others during these informative years.

Petersfield Archaeology Group Physic Garden High Street Petersfield, Hampshire GU32 3JJ UK Telephone: 01730 269060 Email: [mailto:info@petersfieldhistoricalsociety.org info@petersfieldhistoricalsociety.org] Website: Petersfield Archaeology Group

Petersfield Area Historical Society Herne Farm Leisure Centre Moggs Mead Petersfield, Hampshire GU31 4PY UK Telephone: 01730 269060 Email: [mailto:info@petersfieldhistoricalsociety.org info@petersfieldhistoricalsociety.org] Website: Petersfield Area Historical Society


 * Founded in 1973, the Petersfield Area Historical Society promotes the study, recording, and research of local history.

Portsmouth WEA Local History Group Buckland Community Centre Malins Road Portsmouth, Hampshire PO2 7BT UK Telephone: 02392 692914 Website: Portsmouth WEA Local History Group


 * We are an informal workshop group with around ten members researching areas or topics of history and we welcome new members or visitors.

Romsey Local History Society The Basement Romsey Town Hall 1 Market Place Romsey, Hampshire SO51 8YZ UK Telephone: 01794 513751 Email: [mailto:romsey.history@gmail.com romsey.history@gmail.com] Email #2: [mailto:maryharris@pumpcottage.me.uk maryharris@pumpcottage.me.uk] Website: Romsey Local History Society


 * An active group of over 340 local amateur historians and archaeologists, whose aim is to research, record, and preserve the history of Romsey and local areas for future generations.

Rowlands Castle Historical Society Small Hall Parish Hall 11 Links La Rowlands Castle, Hampshire PO9 6AD UK Email: [mailto:history@rowlandscastle.com history@rowlandscastle.com] Website: Rowlands Castle Historical Society

Ryde Social Heritage Group George Street Centre George Street Ryde, Isle of Wight PO33 2JF Email: [mailto:Janette@subagua.demon.co.uk Janette@subagua.demon.co.uk] Website: Ryde Social Heritage Group


 * RSHG exists to research, document and share information about the history of Ryde, Isle of Wight, UK, including the development of the town, the people, their lives and deaths, businesses, and entertainments.

The Society for Winchester Archaeology & Local History Hampshire Records Office Sussex Street Winchester, Hampshire SO23 8TH UK Email: [mailto:membership@warg.org.uk membership@warg.org.uk] Website: The Society for Winchester Archaeology & Local History


 * The society for Winchester archaeology and local history promotes the study of archaeology and local history in the City of Winchester and the surrounding area through monthly events including lectures, walks, excursions, and excavations.

Somborne & District Society Somborne Village Hall King's Somborne Stockbridge, Hampshire SO20 6PP UK Telephone: 01794 389034 Website: Somborne & District Society


 * The Somborne & District Society is principally a local history society although we do cover other subjects and interests.

Southampton City Museums Archaeological Society 1 Evelyn Crescent Southampton, Hampshire SO15 5JF UK Telephone: 02380 224472 Email: [mailto:sarahvhanna@hotmail.com sarahvhanna@hotmail.com] Website: Southampton City Museums Archaeological Society


 * Aims to promote and encourage archaeology & related studies and stimulate our members interests in archaeology and local history by providing appropriate activities and publications.

Walthamstow Historical Society St Gabriels Church Havant Road Walthamstow, London E17 3JF UK Email: [mailto:whsenquiries@gmail.com whsenquiries@gmail.com] Website: Walthamstow Historical Society


 * The origins of the Society lie in a small band of enthusiasts who were keen to further the study of local history and publish books in which such knowledge would be available "for all comers and for all time". With the aim of promoting the study and enjoyment of local history, particularly in the vicinity of Walthamstow.

Wherwell History Group Wherwell Village Hall The Colonel Jenkins Memorial Hall Church Street Wherwell, Hampshire SP11 7JJ UK Email: [mailto:wherwellhistory@gmail.com wherwellhistory@gmail.com] Website: Wherwell History Group Website #2: Wherwell History Group


 * Our main objective is to research, record, and preserve the history of the parishes of Wherwell and Chilbolton, and maintain an archive of sound recordings and written or photographic material.

Worthys Local History Group St. Mary's Church Hall Fraser Road ​Springvale Kings Worthy, Hampshire SO23 7PJ UK Telephone: 01962 881749 Email: [mailto:derekbrockway@btinternet.com derekbrockway@btinternet.com] Website: Worthys Local History Group


 * The Worthys Local History Group is based in the Hampshire villages of Abbots Worthy, Headbourne Worthy, Kings Worthy, and Martyr Worthy, which lie just to the north of Winchester and along the valley of the River Itchen. The Group, founded in 1982, has regular meetings, encourages research, arranges field trips, outings and social events, and publishes Worthy History, Worthy Papers, and Worthy Records.