Welcome to the website of the Nanaimo Family History Society. Our society was formed in 1981 and is one of the oldest family history societies in British Columbia.

Our society strives to create a friendly atmosphere where people interested in genealogical research and family history, not only in Nanaimo, but also across Canada and around the world can come together. We promote, foster and encourage members to learn the principles, methods and effective techniques of genealogical research. We also collect, preserve, display and share information that may lead to a greater understanding of genealogy.

On November 23^rd @ 1:30 pm we have an informative presentation with Nancy Haight Penrose (Brighton, ON) lecturing on “Writing Your Family Story:  Why It Matters and How Anyone Can Begin”, both In-person and Zoom. The subject matter for this lecture will show how family historians transform research into meaningful and engaging narratives that preserve the richness of ordinary lives. The session explains why documenting family stories matters for both emotional and practical reasons, reassures participants that they don’t need writing experience to begin, and offers simple steps for turning records and memories into vivid, readable scenes. Attendees will leave encouraged, equipped, and inspired to start writing – even one small story at a time.

Guests may participate in one session for free, though we encourage that they become members for any further attendance to help fund our society, please. If you are interested in this, or any upcoming, presentation,  please contact us on our Contact page.

The remainder of our Fall 2026 and early Winter 2027 meeting schedule, all starting at 1:30 pm, continues on, with doors opening at 1:15 pm for in-person meetings, which are held at the Vancouver Island Regional Library – North (6250 Hammond Bay Road, Nanaimo, BC):

                  December 7^th, 2026,  In-person only, at Beban Park Social Centre for our members-only fabulous Christmas Celebration.  Please join us for the festivities and meet fellow members.

                   January 25^th, 2027, In-person & Zoom, with “Researching Mennonites in Canada” presented by Conrad Stoesz (Winnipeg, MB).

We hope that you enjoy your visit to our site and please consider joining the Membership.