Family History
If you are interested in tracing your family history find out how our Local Studies & Archives team can help.
Ancestry
Making it easier for you to research your family tree through this family history resource.
Contains over 1.5 billion names in over 4000 collections.
You can use this service for free at your local library.
Find My Past
Making it easier for you to research your family tree through this family history resource.
Over 4 billion searchable records of census, directory and historical record information.
You can use this service for free at your local library.
Oldham Register Office
You can use information found on Ancestry or Find My Past to order Birth, Marriage or Death certificates for ancestors who were born, married, or died in the Oldham District from the Oldham Register Office. Information on how to request a certificate online or over the phone is available on the Council website here. Please do not visit the Oldham Register Office in person without contacting them first.
General Register Office
If you want to order copy certificates for ancestors who were not born or married or did not die in the Oldham District, you can use the General Register Office’s online service using the GRO index reference number found on Ancestry or Find My Past. You will need to register on the General Register Office website before you can use this service.
Family history help
Advice desk
Family history experts are available every Monday and Wednesday from 2.00pm to 4.00pm to help with any family history enquiries you may have.
Staff will also be happy to help with family history enquiries at any time during our normal opening hours
Family History Societies
The Manchester and Lancashire Family History Society
3rd Floor,
Manchester Central Library,
St. Peter’s Square,
Manchester M2 5PD
0161 234 1060
A timetable of meetings of the Oldham and District branch of the MLFHS is at http://www.oldham.mlfhs.org.uk/
Archives+
- Archives and local history – Manchester City Council website