ARCHIVISTS are re-running a course aimed at helping people find out more about their family’s past.

The popular sessions, which are run by Durham County Record Office, are an opportunity for family historians to learn how to take their research beyond the basics of family tree tracing to delve deeper into old records.

Two identical sessions will run, the first on Tuesday, January 22, from 6pm to 8pm, the second on Thursday, January 24, from 10am till 12 noon.

These will look in more detail at the census, with an archivist offering insight into how the census was conducted and how it dealt with institutions including workhouses, prisons, hospitals and ships, as well as the different ways to search the census.

Gill Parkes, principal archivist at Durham County Record Office said: “The talks form part of the Branching Out series, aimed at developing people’s skills in history research. We have seen people make fascinating discoveries about their family history.”

There will be an hour after the talk to browse and use the record office’s research facilities with support from an archivist.

Tickets must be booked in advance and are £10 per person. These can be booked online at www.recordofficeshop.durham.gov.uk.