A Day at Ulster Historical Foundation: An Irish Genealogical Experience

Treat yourself and family or friends to a day exploring Ulster Historical Foundation’s research library and have exclusive access to the knowledge of our team. This will include our senior research staff - Dr William Roulston (Research Director), Gillian Hunt (Research Officer), and Fintan Mullan (Executive Director). Where appropriate, we can also draw on the skills of our experienced genealogical researchers to deliver the programme you want.

The Foundation will tailor the day to suit your needs, research interests and level of experience.

Ideal for groups of between 4 to 6 people, our 'Day at Ulster Historical Foundation' research experience offers you the chance to spend a day researching with, and learning from, our hugely experienced research team. You will be able to engage in the day exploring our research library, guided by our seasoned researchers who will provide extensive one-to-one personalized advice and assistance.

This tailored experience promises a deeper connection to your roots, providing you with a profound understanding of your past.

Included in this day:

Six hours (10am - 4pm, Monday - Friday) at our Genealogy Hub and Research Library in Kiltonga, Newtownards where you will be able to spend the day looking at valuable resources, receive personalized recommendations for titles to benefit your research
Access to all the resources of our research library, including books, journals, and digital resources (resources listed on our new website which will be launched early in the New Year).
Access online resources and utilise the Foundation's institutional subscriptions to sites such as www.rootsireland.ie
A one-on-one consultation for each member of your group which can last up to 1.5 hours with our Research Officer or Research Director
Guidance from our team to help you browse the library and identify resources that may help you with your research
One-to-one advice from our team as you use the library facilities (in addition to your guaranteed individual consultation)
Access to our online library catalogue prior to your visit to enable you to identify materials you may wish to use. Don’t worry if you ‘cannot see the woods for the trees’ our team will be there to guide you during the day too
Discounts on publications you may wish to purchase during your visit
Free wifi or wired connection will be available in the library for you to access your own family history notes and online services (eg your Ancestry family tree builder account)
A discount coupon to use for one of the Foundation’s other research services and programmes; for example, a discounted rate to participate in our online Genealogy Essentials Courses. Register for any of our upcoming courses for £329.99 (Full price £374.99)

Our Research Library is an excellent resource for anyone conducting genealogical and historical research. Our collections are particularly strong on genealogical research guides, printed and published family histories, and church, parish and congregational histories. We also have extensive collections of gravestone inscriptions, both published and unpublished, and books on migration and the diaspora. In addition our Volunteer and Training suite has an extensive collection of the Belfast Newsletter for the period c. 1955 to 1998, plus a complete collection of the books published by the Foundation from 1966 to present.

Our team will welcome your group (max. six individuals) to the Foundation’s offices and will provide you with an overview of the library resources (and those in the volunteer/training suite on the ground floor).

Our Research Officer or Research Director will then begin the one-to-one consultations with each member of the group in turn, the consults can last anything up to 1.5 hours per person.

While the individual consultations are ongoing, the Foundation’s staff will also be with you in the library to identify resources.

Online resources and databases will also be used to assist you, plus you will have access to our office scanning and photocopying facility for the duration of the visit.

An opportunity to assess where you are with your family history
The opportunity to pursue your family history with other family members or friends and enjoy a shared experience
Learn about new sources you could follow up on in the archives
With the help of our team leave us with a 'to do list' for PRONI or other archives you might be visiting on your trip
Discuss your options for further research and the chances of success

This Experience will benefit the novice and experienced researcher alike. We will frame the day to best suit your needs and interests. It could be especially useful for individuals who have attended the Foundation's previous family history conferences or research programmes and who wish to return to Belfast and Dublin to undertake further research on your own (or with a small group of friends). Our 'Day at the Foundation' can help as a refresher or preparatory work before 'hitting' the archives, or ideal as a midway break point in your visit to the archives, re-energising you with fresh ideas for going back to PRONI for the rest of the week.

It can also make a perfect experiential gift for family and friends. Rather than the typical Christmas hamper or a pair of socks we hope our Day at Ulster Historical Foundation might just be the perfect present for a family member or friend to show that you appreciate them ... and a great way to connect as a family over your shared family story.

Sign up for a day of exploration, where every document tells a story, and each consultation unveils a new chapter in your family's legacy.

For groups of 2-3 people, the cost is £345 - Just £115 per person!
For groups of 4 people, the cost is £440 - Just £110 per person!
For groups of 5 people, the cost is £525 - Just £105 per person!
For groups of 6 people, the cost is £600 - Just £100 per person!

For groups of 2-3 people, the cost is £310 - Just £103 per person!
For groups of 4 people, the cost is £396 - Just £99 per person!
For groups of 5 people, the cost is £475 - Just £95 per person!
For groups of 6 people, the cost is £540 - Just £90 per person!

Only one participant in the group needs to be a member to avail of Guild Member prices!