Family History

Family history has never been more popular or easier to begin.  Whilst making it easier to get started on your family history research, the Internet also makes it easier to follow the wrong family.  Using the tips on our website can save you a lot of time and help you to avoid some common mistakes.

Latest news

Solihull Central Library is now a FamilySearch Centre

You may now order microfilms held at the Family History Library in Utah for viewing in Solihull - find out how!

If you have a Solihull Library Card, you can also get free access to Ancestry and Find My Past at your local library.

If you are stuck with your research or don't know where to start, staff at Solihull Heritage & Local Studies Service will be happy to advise how to proceed. We can't do your research for you but we'll do our best to help you get started or to knock down that brick wall if you're stuck.

1911 census now available in Solihull libraries

All Solihull libraries now offer access to Find My Past, which includes records such as the 1911 census, overseas indexes to births, marriages and deaths, outgoing passenger lists and a wealth of military information. If you have a Solihull library card you can get one hour's free Internet access per day from library computers (extra time is available for a small charge).

Frequently Asked Questions

See the pages below for more general help with your family history queries. If you're stuck with your research or just don't know where to start, feel free to phone us on 0121 704 6934 or e-mail us - heritage@solihull.gov.uk.

Starting off

Major resources available in Solihull

Making the most of the Ancestry website

Caribbean family history

Family history courses

Useful websites