Tracing Your Family Tree – Family History Group Visit to Paisley Heritage Centre
Our newly formed Family History Group had a fantastic first outing on Tuesday 3rd June, with a visit to the brilliant team at Paisley Heritage Centre. The aim of the visit was to help tenants take the first steps in discovering their family history — and it didn’t disappoint!
The session was friendly, informative, and full of fascinating discoveries. The knowledgeable staff at the Heritage Centre provided one-to-one support and guided our group through the process of starting a family tree. From birth, marriage, and death records to old maps and electoral registers, participants were shown a wide range of historical resources available right here in Renfrewshire.
Some group members even uncovered Poor Law records, revealing moving and unexpected details about their ancestors’ lives. It was a powerful and emotional experience, as well as an inspiring one — reminding us all of the stories that lie just beneath the surface of our own family histories.
The visit also gave tenants the chance to explore the impressive local archives held at the Centre and learn how to continue their research at home or on future visits. For many, it was the beginning of a new passion project and an exciting way to connect with the past.
We’re already working with the Heritage Centre to arrange a follow-up visit in the near future, so that more tenants can get involved and continue their journeys of discovery.
If you’re interested in learning more about your own roots, we’d highly recommend reaching out to Paisley Heritage Centre – their staff are incredibly helpful and passionate about making history come alive.
A huge thank you to everyone who took part and made this visit such a memorable day!