Volunteers have been transcribing, and making available Wiltshire-related records almost since the day the Society was founded. Some projects, such as transcribing parish registers, seemed as though they would never end, and yet that work is close to completion.
The Society's many products are just a part of the resources that are available to us. This section sets out how we might help you to make use of them in your research, either through and enquiry or a personal visit.
Research Enquiries
Volunteers from the Society will undertake research using mainly our own resources and, if appropriate, external sources. For all research enquiries, email the Research Administrator - see our Contact Us page.
If we can help, and the enquiry is easly answered, we may provide a straightforward reply. If the enquiry will require more work. a confirmation email will ask your permission to proceed and explain our research arrangements and costs (normally £10 per hour). When permission has been received we will send you an Enquiry Number, and your enquiry will then be dealt with by one of our research volunteers.
Our confirmation email will explain options for payment. If you choose to pay on line, or simply wish to make a donation to support our many voluntary activities, you can use Paypal or the Donation option in our Genfair online sales outlet - click here.
Personal Research Visits & 'Open Saturdays'
Pre-booked visitors can be hosted or can work individually at ‘Open Saturdays’ held monthly from 10am to 4pm. (Please note that pre-booking is important so that we can match the availability of hosts, space and material to the number of visitors.) See the Events Calendar page on this web site for dates, and see the Research Material page for our holdings.
Individual research visits can also be arranged, subject to a volunteer host being available to open the Resource Centre and pre-booking at least a week ahead.
Bookings: enquiries and bookings for 'Open Saturdays' or individual visits: preferably by email through This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or text/phone +44 (0)7907 951855.
Visitors may find it helpful to first make use of online resources, including the many WFHS transcriptions on Findmypast and the free internet access to censuses etc at many public libraries. Note that the county's principal sources of historical material are the Wiltshire & Swindon History Centre in Chippenham and the Wiltshire Museum’s Archive & Library in Devizes.
