Family and local history

Discover the history of Southampton. The Local History Collection has material on Southampton’s history from the Saxon period to the present day. You can find out about any period of the city’s history using books, maps, historical records, illustrations and newspapers.

You can even find out something of the history of your house. You can trace your family tree using our collection of local censuses, parish registers and street directories, and use our computers to access remote genealogical databases, e.g. Familysearch and the 1901 Census Website.

A Maritime collection of national importance celebrates Southampton’s importance as a merchant shipping port. You can research the history of ships using our excellent collection of marine registers. Find out about the Titanic using books, journals, newspapers and films. The Portcities Southampton website gives access to thousands of images and hundreds of pages of information on Southampton and on ships and shipping.

Family history collection

The family history collection provides access to resources that allow you to research your family tree.

Local studies collection

This collection provides information on all aspects on the history of Southampton and Hampshire. It includes books, periodicals, newspapers, directories, maps and illustrations. Ample study space is available and trained staff are always on hand to help with your enquiries.

Maritime books and records

The maritime collection contains comprehensive information on all aspect of merchant shipping and some information on naval history.

Family history club

The Family history club is an informal gathering of those researching their family roots. The following page tells you when and where the club is held and how you can join.