WDYTYA? LIVE
Get the most out of your visit to Who Do You Think You Are? LIVE with Sarah Williams’ top tips. Plus explore the timetable of expert talks to plan your trip
Editor Sarah Williams shares her excitement about this year’s Who Do You Think You Are? LIVE show with ten reasons why you shouldn’t miss it! S ince it first came on the scene in 2007, I have been going to Who Do You Think You Are? LIVE and in those ten years, I don’t think I’ve missed a day. For me, it’s a great opportunity to catch up with the family history community and meet readers and listen to their suggestions. If, like me, you go every year, then you probably don’t need much persuading, but I would strongly recommend those who haven’t made their minds up to come along this year. I have a feeling it’s going to be the biggest and best show yet and these are the reasons why:
1 SOCIETY OF GENEALOGISTS (SOG) WORKSHOPS
Every year the SoG in partnership with TheGenealogist puts together a mix of workshops and lectures presented by experts in their field. Whether you are interested in Scottish mental asylums or women serving in the First World War, you are guaranteed to learn something. Make sure you plan ahead with our day-by-day guide (see p27) and remember you can save money and time if you book workshop tickets in advance.
2 GO BEHIND THE SCENES
This is one of my favourite bits because I actually get to meet some of the celebrities and researchers behind the show. The star guest this year is actor Sunetra Sarker who will be discussing her episode of Who Do
You Think You Are? at two sessions on Saturday. Visitors to the event on Thursday will get a chance to learn more about Danny Dyer’s hugely popular episode from some of the people who made it happen. And I’m super excited about Friday, because we have invited Mandy Howarth and Heather Potter from the hit living history BBC series Victorian Slum to talk about their time-travelling experience with myself and Professor Carl Chinn who was one of the experts on the series. My whole family loved Victorian Slum and I can’t wait to find out what it was really like to take part.
3 GET MORE FROM SUBSCRIPTION WEBSITES
Who Do You Think You Are? LIVE is a great opportunity to try out different subscription websites and discover ways you can get more from the ones you already subscribe to. All the big names in family history will be there including Ancestry, Findmypast and TheGenealogist, and there are always exclusive show discounts.
4 EXPLORE DNA OPTIONS
Family history is evolving and DNA testing is going to become more and more important to researchers. If you are not sure about taking the plunge, or you are confused about all the different options, then this is a good place to learn more from experts. You can also get amazing show-exclusive deals that can be worth the ticket price alone.
5 ASK THE EXPERTS
together a small army of expert genealogists to help visitors break down their brick walls. Make sure you book a free 20 minute one-to-one session with an expert as soon as you arrive. Decide where you need help and bring copies of any relevant documents to get the most from your session. This year, the experts will have access to free credits on ScotlandsPeople – great for Scottish queries!
6 GET ADVICE ON YOUR PHOTOS AND HEIRLOOMS
Bring along any old photographs or heirlooms (or photographs of heirlooms) and get some expert tips. Remember, if your photo query is military, you can also get advice in the military area, where you will find plenty of experts to help. The heirloom dating area boasts Antiques Roadshow alumni Marc Allum and Eric Knowles.
7 MEET LOCAL EXPERTS
you get to meet people from family history societies all over the UK (and even a few from overseas) all under one roof. It’s the perfect opportunity to tap into local knowledge, whether it’s finding out more about a regional industry or discovering resources in your area that you might not know about.
8 GET TO GRIPS WITH YOUR SCOTTISH ANCESTORS
I am thrilled that ScotlandsPeople will be coming to the NEC this year. If you’ve got Scottish family you won’t want to miss this opportunity to explore their records for free. Visitors will need to sign up for a ten minute session, with experts on hand for those who haven’t used the website before.
9 ENJOY A GOOD BROWSE
Don’t forget to leave some time to wander around all the stands and discover what’s out there for family historians. From family tree printing services and storage solutions to companies that will write up your family history or help you get more from your photographs, you’ll be amazed what’s available for the keen genealogist. Bring plenty of cash as many stands can’t take cards.
10 DISCOVER SOME BLITZ SPIRIT
Who Do You Think You Are? LIVE isn’t just about talks and stands, there’s always a chance for a bit of hands-on experience. Who can forget last year’s Spitfire, courtesy of Forces War Records? This year members of the Dig For Victory Show team are coming along and bringing with them some vehicles, an anti-aircraft gun and an Anderson shelter. Something to keep everyone entertained.