Family History

Family History Helpdesk

St Helens Archive provide a free drop-in session monthly to help you get started on your research and accessing free resources from St Helens Library Service and St Helens Archive Service. We offer friendly advice on where to start your family history journey, guidance on using online resources for research and tips on making the most out of local archives and historical records. 

Drop-in sessions are held at St Helens Library, the World of Glass on the 1st Monday of the month, 10am - 12pm. 

Microfilm Drop-In Sessions

Are you interested in local or family history? Not sure how to get started with microfilms? 

Join St Helens Archive Service staff at a drop-in session to learn how to use the microfilm scanner to access historic newspapers and more. You can also speak to staff about other ways you can explore local history in the borough archives. 

Please contact the library to confirm the date of the next session. If you cannot make a drop in session, library staff are able to assist at other times. 

For more information, contact St Helens Archive Service at archives@sthelens.gov.uk and follow our Facebook and Instagram pages to keep up to date.

Eccleston Library and Newton-le-Willows Library both hold microfilm newspaper and church records, local map collections and Electoral Registers (note Newton-le-Willows area Electoral Registers are on microfilm).

Free access to Findmypast is available to St Helens Library Service members at any borough library by PC or WiFi access.