So before you start your research, it is well worth joining your local society (or the one most relevant to your particular search) for support. Check the Federation of Family History Societies website (below) to find your nearest or most relevant group. If you can't find what you are looking for in the FFHS list of members, write to: Mrs Maggie Loughran, PO Box 2425, Coventry CV5 6YX (enclosing a SAE), or email email@example.com. Meanwhile, here's a taste of what's out there ...
The Association of Genealogists and Researchers in Archives (Agra)
A pool of qualified researchers that can help you with your queries.
Catholic Family History Society
Members have access to resources to help investigate Catholic roots.
The Families in British India Society
Find out about relations living in British India from the 1600s to the present day.
Federation of Family History Societies (FFHS)
An international organisation based in the UK which represents more than 220 recognised family history societies.
The Guild of One-Name Studies
Specialises in the study of worldwide occurrences of particular surnames.
Jewish Genealogical Society of Great Britain
Hosts regional special-interest meetings all over England.
Quaker Family History Society
Publishes the journal Quaker Connections and holds meetings.
Romany and Traveller Family History Society
Hosts open days to enable you to explore your Romany roots.
Aims to help members trace railwaymen relatives.
British Record Society
Exhaustive index of historical transcripts and records, especially in Hertfordshire and Wiltshire
Devon Family History Society
Members gain access to records of Devon's 500 parishes, a parish map, quarterly journals and a CD of members' research interests.
Hampshire Genealogical Society
Arranges monthly meetings across 15 venues. Also covers the Isle of Wight.
North West Kent Family History Society
Members have access to audiotaped research seminars and a courier service for wills and certificates.
Yorkshire Family History
The genealogical section of the Yorkshire Archaeological Society.
Association of Family History Societies of Wales
Links to all the most active family history societies across Wales.
Glamorgan Family History Society
Hosts monthly meetings.
Monmouthshire Family History Society
Members receive half-price inquiry services and access to branch meetings across the county.
Pembrokeshire Family History Society
Has an archive of digitised parish maps, lists of census districts from 1851 and locations of all research archives in Dyfed.
Genealogical Society of Ireland
Offers a monthly newsletter, open meetings and a well-used query board.
North of Ireland Family History Society
Members have access to reciprocal research and research evenings.
The Irish Genealogical Research Society
The largest private library of Irish genealogical material in the UK.
Scottish Association of Family History Societies
Lists all regional societies.
The Scottish Genealogy Society
Boasts the largest collection of Scottish memorial inscriptions.
National History Show: London Olympia, May 5-7
Who Do You Think You Are? and the Society of Genealogists will present a live personal heritage event next month. For £20 you'll receive expert advice, workshops and themed entertainment.