Antrim & Newtownabbey Family History Society

07/11/2025

✨ A genealogy essential! ✨

Townlands and Tracing the Past: Using Place-Names in Family and Local History Research.
Townland names are an essential tool in family and local history research, especially across Ulster where they remain central to land, identity and memory. In this talk, Dr Frances Kane will explore the origins and meanings of townland names in County Antrim and beyond, showing how they reflect the historical landscape, patterns of settlement and changes in land use. She will also discuss how understanding place-name forms and their evolution over time can help researchers interpret older records more accurately. The session will offer practical guidance on using place-name resources alongside census, valuation, and parish records to trace family histories more effectively.

Dr Frances Kane is a Research Fellow in the School of Arts, English and Languages at Queen’s University Belfast and Senior Researcher with the Northern Ireland Place‑Name Project (NIPNP). Her research centres on Celtic languages, historical linguistics and onomastics (the study of place‑names). She has published on the origins, meanings and evolution of Irish place‑names and works closely with archival mapping, landscape history and community heritage. Through her work with the NIPNP Dr Kane helps make place‑name scholarship accessible to researchers, local historians and the public, emphasising how names of places encode stories of land use, settlement and identity.

Don't miss this opportunity to improve your research.
All welcome.

🗓️ 7pm, Monday 10 November
📍 It's an online meeting this month so please join us on Zoom - just email Newtownabbey@nifhs.org for the link.

See you there!

The Northern Ireland Place Name Project

21/09/2025

🎉 Welcome to the 2025–26 Season! 🎉

Antrim & Newtownabbey Branch is back for another exciting year of family history and social heritage research—and we can't wait to see you!

🗓️ Save the date: Monday 13th October @ 7pm, then the 2nd Monday of each month, Oct–June.

📍 October is a hybrid meeting at the Enterprise Hub, Mallusk Enterprise Park.

💻 Or join us via Zoom! To attend, please email: Newtownabbey@nifhs.org

Whether you're a seasoned researcher or just starting out, our Branch offers direct access to some of the most knowledgeable and generous family historians in the area. Come for the insights, stay for the community.

08/09/2025

🎉 30th Anniversary!
This weekend we celebrated three decades of connecting families, preserving stories and exploring our shared heritage. More than 40 guests enjoyed a lovely afternoon tea with entertainment and a trip down memory lane.
A huge thank you to everyone who joined us and to all who helped make the day so special.
📸 Pictured cutting the cake are: Ann Robinson, NIFHS President; Ann Stanley, a founding member; and Lorna Doherty, NIFHS Antrim & Newtownabbey Branch Chairperson.

31/08/2025

Let us support you on your family history journey. Everyone is welcome to join, whether you live locally or further afield.

Our membership year starts on 1st September with Branch monthly meetings and lots of other events.

If you are not already a member of the Society, feel free to visit a Branch meeting to find out more about us.

Or join the Society - only £25 for the year and there are so many ways we can help you with your research in the North of Ireland: https://www.nifhs.org/membership/benefits-of-membership/

For a full programme of events, visit: https://www.nifhs.org/events-and-courses/

20/08/2025

Got some great questions yesterday! Thanks to everyone who attended and to Rathcoole Library for being terrific hosts 😀

Thank you to Imelda from The North of Ireland Family History Society who delivered a wonderful talk in Rathcoole Library today 😃

18/08/2025

👋 Curious about your family history? Drop in this Saturday from 10am — free entry, expert advice, talks & a prize draw!

The biggest family history show in the North of Ireland is nearly here!!

Whether you’re just starting your family tree or have been researching for years, you will not want to miss this event!

For more details and a full list of exhibitors, visit: https://www.nifhs.org/events/really-useful-family-history-show-2025/

07/08/2025

Have you decided which classes you are going to attend?

Our guest speakers at Summer School this year are renowned in the DNA world, as indeed are our very own presenters, Anne Johnston and Martin McDowell.

Read more and book now to hear from the best! https://www.nifhs.org/events-and-courses/courses/

28/07/2025

Have a question about your family tree? Call in to Randalstown Library and we'll try to help.
📆 Tuesday 5 August 2:30-4:30pm.

Antrim and Newtownabbey Branch will be at Randalstown Library. Why not go along to get some help or find out more about starting your family history journey.

21/07/2025

A day out with a history focus 😀
Whitehead History Day* is happening this Saturday, 26 July. Call in to see the exhibits and talk to local groups including NIFHS, Larne Branch.

*See the comments below for the full festival programme 🎪

Whitehead History Group are putting together their first-ever Whitehead History Day. Look at what they have planned!

Discover the rich heritage of our town with an afternoon full of fascinating displays, special guests, and local stories.
Come along and see exhibits plus chat with local experts from:
🚂 Whitehead Railway Museum (Part of Irish Railway Preservation Society)
🏛️ Mid & East Antrim Museum & Heritage Service
🔥 Christie Fire Museum
🧬 Larne Family History Society (part of North of Ireland Family History Society)
You'll also have the opportunity to check out:
🗺️ Whitehead maps, Houston albums, and vintage Whitehead Community Association (WCA) publications
🏫 Whitehead High School memorabilia & photos
📰 Local history through newspapers and postcards
📚 Books on Irish and local history for sale
🎞️ Slide Show Presentations – on the hour:
• Whitehead Railway Station & Trains
• Blackhead Coastal Path & Lighthouse
• Whitehead Swimming Pool
☕ Enjoy teas & coffees kindly served by WCA volunteers (charges apply)
📦 Bring along your own memorabilia or just come for a chat!
Be part of history – all are welcome! 👋