The North West Kent Family History Society is featured on the Otford Society website as part of our support for organisations that help preserve and share our local heritage.
About North West Kent Family History Society
The North West Kent Family History Society (NWKFHS) is a friendly, welcoming charity dedicated to helping people discover their family history and preserve the rich heritage of our local communities.
With more than 800 members across the UK and overseas, the Society supports everyone from complete beginners taking their first steps into genealogy to experienced family historians researching complex family trees.
Whether your ancestors came from Kent or anywhere else in Great Britain and beyond, you’ll find expert guidance, valuable resources and a community of people who share your passion for uncovering the past.
Monthly Meetings
The Society holds regular meetings in Dartford and Sevenoaks, featuring a varied programme of talks, presentations and discussions covering family, local and social history.
Members are encouraged to arrive before each meeting to enjoy refreshments, browse resources and chat with fellow researchers in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
Sevenoaks Meetings
Otford Memorial Hall
28A High Street
Otford, Sevenoaks
TN14 5PQ
Second Saturday of each month
10:45am – 1:00pm
Dartford Meetings
Dartford Technical College
Heath Lane
Dartford
DA1 2LY
First Saturday of each month
9:45am – 12:30pm
Library & Research Centre
The Society’s extensive library is based within the KCC Library at Joyden’s Wood, offering a wealth of research material, reference books and local history resources.
KCC Library
Summerhouse Drive
Joyden’s Wood
Bexley
DA5 2EE
Open Wednesdays
10:00am – 4:00pm
Friendly volunteers are available to offer advice and research assistance, and visitors are welcome whether they are Society members or not.
Member Benefits
Annual membership includes access to a wide range of benefits, including:
- Monthly meetings and expert speakers
- Quarterly Society journal
- Electronic newsletters
- Research support and enquiry service
- Zoom talks and online workshops
- Access to the Society Library and research facilities
- Help from experienced volunteers
- Opportunities to connect with fellow family historians
Publications & Projects
For many years the Society has been actively preserving local history by transcribing and publishing valuable historical records, including:
- Parish Registers
- Census indexes
- Monumental inscriptions
- Cemetery records
- School records
- Local history publications
- West Kent Sources – a comprehensive guide to family and local history research within the Diocese of Rochester
Members are also encouraged to become involved in transcription and preservation projects, helping ensure that these invaluable historical records remain available for future generations.
Getting Started with Family History
If you’re interested in researching your family history but aren’t sure where to begin, clicking the three buttons below will help get you started.
Find Out More or Join
Whether you’re tracing your first ancestor or trying to break down a long-standing brick wall, the North West Kent Family History Society offers knowledge, experience and a warm welcome.
Visit the North West Kent Family History Society website to learn more.
Visit the NWKFHS WebsiteRegistered Charity No. 282627