Sunderland Libraries is starting a new series of Research Your Family Tree sessions at Washington Library in Tyne and Wear on February 20, 2026. These classes help older residents and beginners trace their ancestors and build family trees with guidance from staff and volunteers.
The sessions will run every Friday at 11:00 AM throughout February and March 2026. Participants can get one-to-one support to help find information about their relatives using library records and the internet.
Those attending will have free access to the Ancestry website at the Washington Library, which usually requires a paid subscription. The library also provides physical archives such as local burial records, historical maps, and microfilm readers.
Washington Library is currently the main hub for local history research in the area while a new central library is being built. This new facility, called Culture House Sunderland, is expected to open in the first half of 2026.
According to Sunderland City Council, the workshops are free to attend and open to anyone who wants to learn more about their heritage. Residents are encouraged to bring any family details they already know to help start their research.
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