Tracing Romany, Traveller or Fairground folk?
We're the family history society for you. It's a great way to trace your special roots, meet people who share your interests and find out more about your heritage.
Is your ancestor in our Publications?
Browse through the range of specialist books published by the RTFHS. We may have one that includes your family and perhaps even your complete family tree.
Is your ancestor in our photo Gallery?
Take a look at our great old photos of travelling people and travelling life, sourced mainly from our members' family albums and postcard collections.
What's new?
Interested in Staffordshire Showfolk? Photographic exhibition in Newcastle-under-Lyme on 11, 12, 17, 18 and 19 September 2026 Posted Sep 03, 2026 By Web Master
Interested in fairground life? Live in or near Newcastle-under-Lyme? Then head to the Philip Astley Centre for an exhibition of photos of the Showland folk
“Tales from the Waggon Steps”: a Romany exhibition event near Matlock, Derbyshire, 12-13 September 2026 Posted Aug 31, 2026 By Web Master
The Derbyshire Gypsy Liaison Group is holding an event called “Tales from the Waggon Steps” on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 September 2026, 11am –
Gypsy Roma Traveller History to be celebrated at Beamish Museum in County Durham, 12-13 September 2026 Posted Aug 16, 2026 By Web Master
Here are dates for your diary if you live in or near County Durham. Beamish Museum – the Living Museum of the North in Beamish
Online exhibition puts the spotlight on Lord George Sanger, fairground and circus entrepreneur Posted Jul 17, 2026 By Web Master
Interested in fairground and circus life in the 19th and early 20th century? Head to the website of the National Fairground and Circus Archive (NFCA)
Appleby Horse Fair: new YouTube video featuring Billy Welch, head organiser of the event Posted Jul 06, 2026 By Web Master
Want to find out about the famous Appleby Horse Fair, a key date in the calendar for Romanies and Travellers for centuries? Take a look
Events
Oct
24
Oxfordshire FHS Family History Fair in Oxford: RTFHS attending
Time: 10.00am until 4.00pm
Location: Cherwell School (North), Marston Ferry Road, Oxford OX2 7EE
Nov
07
Gloucestershire FHS Open Day in Gloucester: RTFHS team attending
Time: 10am until 3pm
Location: Gloucestershire Heritage Hub, Clarence Row, Alvin Street, Gloucester GL1 3DW
Nov
25
RTFHS “Break Down Your Brick Walls” Session by Zoom: RTFHS members only
Time: 7.30pm-9.00pm UK time
Location: Online event
