Family History Talks

Welcome to my collection of family history talks – a journey through time, personal stories, and the rich local heritage of Manchester. These talks are designed to inform, inspire, and bring history to life through real people and lived experiences. Whether you're just starting out in your genealogy journey or you're a seasoned researcher, there's something here for everyone.

Bringing Manchester’s Past to Life

As a proud Mancunian with a passion for local history and genealogy, I deliver a range of illustrated talks that weave together family history, social history, and personal storytelling. Many of these talks draw on my own family’s experiences and the wider historical events that shaped them – from Irish migration to wartime Britain.

My presentations are suitable for local history groups, family history societies, libraries, heritage festivals, and community events. Each talk is carefully researched and engagingly delivered, combining archival sources, photographs, maps, and documents to tell compelling stories from the past.

Talk Titles Include:

📰 Irishman Missing in Manchester – The Paper Train

A tale of mystery and discovery, this talk explores the disappearance of a family member and the unexpected paper trail that uncovered a hidden chapter of Irish migration and life in Manchester.

⚔️ The WWI German Prisoner of War Camp, Leigh, and My Great-Great-Uncle Charles

Uncover the little-known history of a German POW camp in Leigh during the First World War, told through the eyes of my great-great-uncle who served during this turbulent time.

🧭 Validating Family History Research – Where Do You Start?

A practical and insightful guide to beginning (and continuing) your family history journey the right way. Learn how to distinguish myth from fact and ensure your research is grounded in reliable evidence.

📚 The Man Behind the Books – James Paul Cobbett

Discover the fascinating life of James Paul Cobbett, an influential figure whose work and story connect to broader social and political themes of his time.

🌳 The Pitfalls of Online Family Trees – Proving What is Fact or Fiction

Online genealogy tools can be incredibly helpful – or misleading. This talk explores common mistakes and how to critically evaluate the information you find.

🍀 Finding Irish Ancestors – The Difficulty of Researching

Irish family history can be notoriously challenging. Learn strategies for overcoming common barriers, including missing records, name variations, and migration patterns.

✈️ Heaton Park, My Grandad and the RAF

A personal and historical exploration of Heaton Park’s wartime role and my grandfather’s involvement with the RAF during World War II.

And Many More…

New talks are added regularly as I continue to explore fresh family stories and forgotten corners of Manchester’s history. Custom talks and themed presentations can also be arranged upon request.

Booking Information

If you're interested in booking a talk for your group or event, please e-mail me at joynthistory@hotmail.co.uk. Talks can be delivered in person across Greater Manchester and surrounding areas, or remotely via Zoom.

Let’s uncover the stories that make up our shared past – one family, one story, one talk at a time.