Welcome (Willkommen)
The Anglo-German Family History Society welcomes all those who are interested in researching the genealogy or family history of people from the German-speaking parts of Europe who have emigrated over the centuries and settled in England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland (North and South), and the neighbouring islands.
We are a self-help group with considerable expertise and resources, and new members are always welcome. Please take the time to look around the site. If you experience any problems, please see our help section.
RootsTech (5-7 March 2026)
Recordings of talks from RootsTech 2026 are accessible online. If interested in talks focussing on German genealogy, go to their website: Link
Researching ancestors in Nordrhein Westfalen?
The Archives of Nordrhein Westfalen have created a comprehensive guide to performing genealogical research in the civil status archives of North Rhine-Westphalia, available in English. (Link to PDF)
German Pork Butchers in Britain
We are pleased to announce the availability of the 2nd edition of 'German Pork Butchers in Britain' by Sue Gibbons. 168pp, ISBN978-0-9571763-7-9, published by Anglo-German Family History Society Publications, £16 +p&p. To order go to the Publications Price List page for details and an order form.
German Historical Institute
Did you know our colleagues at the German Historical Institute London have a wonderful library - and you can join it for free? The institute also organises talks and events. Details of how to join the library are here, how to sign up for the library newsletter are here, and the institute’s newsletter here.
The GHIL opened in 1976, and is a centre of research for German and British academics and students. It's funded by the German Federal government, and is very popular with historians. Additionally, it offers a wide range of opportunities for students and early-career scholars from Germany and Britain.
Its library is open Monday to Friday 09:30 - 8pm, and contains 100,000 items.
The British-German Association
The British-German Association is a charity that promotes understanding and friendship between the UK and Germany. Read more...
The International German Genealogy Partnership (IGGP)
Just to remind you all that our Society is a partner in this organisation (Website link). The IGGP publishes a bimonthly e-newsletter, containing information about the partnership, new developments and upcoming events (Link). Read more...
Considering Joining the Anglo-German Family History Society?
For a very modest subscription, you will receive a copy of our magazine, Mitteilungsblatt (‘Blatt for short), 3 times a year; you can attend our bi-monthly meetings either in person or online, with speakers on a wide range of genealogical and social history topics, together with the opportunity to chat with other members; and you will have access to our very large Name Index of descendants of German families in the UK, and much more besides. Read more...
Help Us Map Our German-Speaking Heritage
The Anglo-German Family History Society is building a collaborative map to celebrate the rich and diverse contributions that our German and Austrian ancestors made to British life. This is your opportunity to add details of your German roots.
Compendium of German Family History Societies
This is a new feature to help researchers identify significant German Family History Societies, searchable by State, with links to websites and contact e-mails where available. Read more...
Would you like help researching your family in Germany?
Woerteragentur provides research assistance for AGFHS members seeking information about their family in the following areas: Hamburg, Bremen, Lower Saxony and Saxony-Anhalt. Read more...
Resources for Learning German
Have you always wanted to learn German, but never quite got round to it … or do you want to improve your German language skills? Here are some resources that might help. Read more...
Translated Contents of German Language Family History Journal Contents Pages
The Society is occasionally sent copies of German Language Family History Journals. One of our members has translated the contents pages in case members see a topic or name or locality in which they have a genealogical interest.
The list is being added to over time and the current contents can be found here: Link
Events at St. George's German Church, Alie Street
St George's monthly talks have returned to the church but may still be viewed on-line if you do not wish to leave home. Read more...
WW1 Internment on the Isle of Man
Was someone from your family interned on the Isle of Man during the First World War? To find out, visit the Manx National Heritage Library and Archives. Read more...
Report of 7th German Pork Butchers' Reunion
18th August 2026 saw the gathering of descendants of 19th century migrant pork butchers from Hohenlohe in Baden-Württemberg for 4 days of immersion in the history and culture of their ancestors. Read the report here.
Association of Jewish Refugees' Memorials to Émigrés Fleeing Nazi Persecution
The Association of Jewish Refugees (AJR) is establishing permanent memorials to some of the most prominent Jewish émigrés who fled Nazi persecution and found refuge in Britain.
How to Watch German TV in the UK
A question often asked is “Can I watch live German TV in the UK?”
'A Light in Dark Times' (online Exhibition)
‘A Light in Dark Times’ is a new online exhibition tracing the history of the Austrian Centre in London and the little-known Laterndl [Little Lantern] theatre.
Public figures describe their German and Austrian roots
