Genealogy Resource Page

If you are interested in your Genealogy, the society endeavours to answer queries however the sheer volume and amount of research involved makes it impossible to answer all of them. This section aims to help those to research their family history.

How to Trace your Family Tree

This is a quick but effective method for most of us who set out to trace our family tree. As our knowledge of the methods and available resources increase, then we can go into other ways of increasing the detail behind the names and data available. Remember new and previously unseen resources are continually being produced.

Genealogy or the research of our family history is meant to be fun and enjoyable but it does take time. These initial steps are mainly cost free and you will get a quick return on the work you put into the research.

It is important to remember that the resources available may not be 100% accurate – variances in spelling and/or dates may occur. Further detailed information is available at http://www.proni.gov.uk/index/family_history.htm. This is a very useful website and provides more detail to other sources and also background to these sources.

Remember to record all your findings and file them accordingly. Best of luck and let us know how you get on.

Steps when researching family history

Step 1- Ask family members and/or friends:
Ask family relatives and friends the names of grandparents etc and their details. Visit graveyard(s) and get details.

Step 2 – 1901 & 1911 Census
Research the 1901 & 1911 Census online

Step 3 – Griffiths Valuation
Research The Griffiths Valuation online

Step 4 – Research Church records
Visit your local church/parish centre

Step 5 – Research Births, marriages and deaths (BMD)
Research the website of The Church of Latter-Day Saints (www.familysearch.org)

Step 6 – Civil Records
Research civil records at General Records Office (GRONI) and Public Records Office (PRONI) and the other genealogy websites shown below.

Some useful Genealogy Websites

Brian Mitchell, genealogist with Derry City and Strabane District Council offers free genealogy advice:

http://derry.rootsireland.ie/derry-contact.php

1901 & 1911 census:

The 1901 and 1911 Censuses are the most complete surviving records of the Irish population before independence. They list every individual in each household, detailing names, ages, occupations, religions, and literacy levels. These censuses are fully digitised and freely accessible online through the National Archives of Ireland.

http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/

Ask About Ireland and the Cultural Heritage Project:

AskAboutIreland.ie is a national cultural resource created by public libraries, museums, and archives to digitise and share unique local studies materials online. It features diverse content—from history and literature to nature and architecture—set within engaging narratives. The site is continually updated and managed by Libraries Development, LGMA, with government support.

Births, Marriages & Deaths:

The Irish Family History Foundation coordinates a network of genealogy centres across Ireland, active for over 30 years. Its online database includes millions of parish records, civil records, census returns, and gravestone inscriptions. This unique resource is continually expanding as more records are digitised by local centres. Check out here: http://www.rootsireland.ie/

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints provides FamilySearch.org free of charge to everyone, regardless of tradition, culture, or religious affiliation. FamilySearch resources help millions of people around the world discover their heritage and connect with family members. Check it out here: https://familysearch.org/

Public Record Office of Northern Ireland (PRONI):

PRONI is the official archive for Northern Ireland, preserving records of historical and genealogical significance. It holds a wide range of documents, including wills, land records, church registers, and government files. PRONI provides free public access to many of these records both online and at its Belfast-based research facility.

General Registry Office, Ireland:

The General Register Office (GRO) in Ireland holds official records of births, stillbirths, adoptions, marriages, civil partnerships, and deaths. Check out their resources here:
https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-social-protection/campaigns/general-register-office/

Tithe Applotment Books:

The Tithe Applotment Books, compiled between 1823 and 1837, are a key genealogical resource for pre-Famine Ireland due to the loss of early census records. They list heads of households in nearly every civil parish, detailing land held and tithes owed to the Church of Ireland. These records cover rural areas only, as tithes applied to agricultural land. The books have been digitised and made searchable by name, location, and parish, with browsing options available. This project, a collaboration between the Genealogical Society of Utah and the National Archives, marks the first in a series of free online genealogical resources.

Below are two relevant links:

Irish Graveyards Search:

Established in 2007 by Managing Director Michael Durkan, Irish Graveyard Surveyors (IGS) is Ireland’s leading graveyard surveying company. IGS specialises in recording and mapping every grave within a cemetery. This information is presented on-site via a detailed sign and made accessible online. Parishes can also integrate direct links to their specific graveyard data through their websites.

You can search the graves here: https://www.irishgraveyards.ie

County Tyrone and neighbouring counties Research website:

A Website & Research Tool for Counties Tyrone, Donegal, Derry/Londonderry & Fermanagh Genealogy. Check out their website here: http://www.cotyroneireland.com

Ancestry.co.uk

Ancestry.com is a leading online platform for family history research, offering access to billions of historical records from around the world. Users can build family trees, explore census data, birth, marriage, and death records, and discover connections through DNA testing. The service combines genealogy tools and genetic insights to help users uncover their ancestral roots and heritage. Check out their website here: http://www.ancestry.co.uk

Ulster Historical Foundation

The Ulster Historical Foundation is a long-established, highly reputable research and publishing agency. It is an educational non-profit organisation. It offers extensive knowledge on the sources available for tracing Irish and Scots-Irish ancestors. Click here to visit the website.

North of Ireland Family History

The objective of the Society is to foster an interest in family history with special reference to families who have roots in the North of Ireland and their descendants, wherever they may be. Click here to visit the website.

Handbook

The ‘Family History in North-West Tyrone’ handbook is a self help guide for those wishing to trace their ancestors in north-west Tyrone. It provides all the sources and methodologies that exist within the district to help you to conduct your research. Please contact the Society via the online form for more information about this booklet and how best to attain a copy.

famHisNWT

The Alley Theatre, Strabane

The Alley Arts and Conference Centre in Strabane, County Tyrone, is a modern venue featuring a theatre, art gallery, and conference facilities. It offers top-class entertainment, arts development, and event spaces, making it a leading venue in the North West of Ireland.

Features:

  • A 270-seat auditorium with retractable seating for flexible layouts, including cabaret, conference, and banquet settings.
  • A dedicated art gallery showcasing exhibitions from the UK and Ireland.
  • Café and bar.
  • Free maps and booklets on historical and tourist information.
  • Local history books and publications for sale.
  • Arts and Crafts from the local area for sale.
  • Six training and breakout rooms.

Opening Hours:

  • Monday to Saturday: 10am – 5pm
  • Box Office: 10am – 4.30pm (and one hour before evening performances).

Address:

The Alley Theatre,
Railway Street, Strabane,
Co. Tyrone,
Northern Ireland,
BT82 8EF

It is next door to the Strabane Library.

Find our more by clicking here.

Strabane Library

Strabane Library has a wealth of local information to research:

  • Book borrowing
  • A dedicated section to local history with local reports, publications and books.
  • Access to newspapers
  • Use of computers
  • Internet/Wi-Fi access
  • Digital Hub
  • Photocopier
  • Printer
  • Scanner
  • Room Hire
  • Exhibition space
  • Study area
  • Microfilm – access to local newspapers dating back to over 100 years ago.
  • Events and activities
  • Disabled access
  • Public lift
  • Public toilet
  • Disabled toilet
  • Changing Places
  • Baby changing
  • Loop system
  • Free period products

Address:

1 Railway Street
Strabane
Tyrone
BT82 8EF

It is next door to the The Alley theatre.

Find our more by clicking here.