People looking to delve into their own family history are being invited to attend a free taster session taking place later this month.
As part of the national Festival of Learning 2018, Durham County Record Office is running two family history taster sessions which would be a useful starting point for those thinking of signing up for one of the beginners courses on offer.
The free event will give attendees the chance to access records dating from as early as the 1530s, including parish registers recording baptisms, marriages and burials.
There are two opportunities to take part in the sessions, which will take place at the record office in County Hall on:
• Tuesday June 19, from 6pm to 7.30pm
• Thursday June 21, from 10am to 11.30am
Places must be booked in advance.
Those who enjoy the taster sessions can then book a place on the three-week beginners courses later in the year, which cost £30 and are a great way to help people research their family trees in an easy to understand way.
Dawn Layland, education and outreach archivist at Durham County Council, said: “Family history research is becoming increasingly popular but a lot of people still don’t know where to start.
“This taster can give people an insight into our longer courses and we encourage anyone interested to get signed up and find out what is on offer.”
To book, please call 03000 267 626.
