Staff at the West Glamorgan Archive Service are running a series of five workshops during the autumn aimed at either beginner or novice researchers.
The talks will offer both a theoretical and practical guide about some of the techniques needed to delve into the past and how skills can be improved.
The workshops are taking place on Monday mornings between 10am and noon on the following dates.
* October 19: An introduction to archives that includes pointers on how to use the Archive Service and organise your research.
• November 2: How to look after your own archives.
• November 16: How to interpret old maps.
• November 30: How to interpret old photographs.
• December 14: How to read old handwriting.
Cllr Graham Thomas, Swansea Council's Cabinet Member for Culture, Recreation and Tourism, said: "The researching of local history and family history is becoming very popular and the availability of more resources and technology thesedays means useful information is closer at hand than ever before.
"But a problem many people have is either trying to kick-start their research or running into obstacles along the way so these workshops will prove invaluable to both beginner and novice researchers.
"Our revamped Archive Service in the Civic Centre has been hugely successful since its re-launch and the range of facilities and expertise there is magnificent."
Each workshop costs £4.
Contact the West Glamorgan Archive Service on westglam.archives@
Booking forms can be downloaded by going to http://www.swansea.gov.uk/
