October 7, 2023
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Oxfordshire Family History Fair for 2023 has been cancelled.
October 9, 2023
10:15 AM - 12:30 PM
Online
On 9 Oct 2023 via Zoom by Dr. Sophie Kay. Far more than just a quick cross-checking point between record sets, occupations can yield rich insights into an ancestor’s daily existence, social status, and role within their local community. In this talk, we’ll delve into a range of resources and strategies for demystifying unfamiliar historical occupations, including some Oxfordshire-specific jobs and industries. We’ll see how sound occupational research is about more than just understanding a job title – and how it can yield an evocative picture of ancestral life and all manner of interesting research leads along the way!
October 23, 2023
7:15 PM - 9:30 PM
Exeter Hall & Online
A Hybrid Meeting: Hear how from very humble origins, James Ryman (c1795-1880) rapidly rose up the social ladder to become a famous art dealer. Ryman’s art shop on the High Street in Oxford, was much-frequented by the likes of J.M.W. Turner, John Ruskin and Lewis Carroll.Ryman used his wealth to radically reconfigure the house and expanding estate at Summerhill Villa and play an important role in the history of Summertown. A generous supporter of charitable causes, Ryman opened his pleasure gardens for charity events, garden shows, parties for school children and cricket matches. The estate became an important social hub for the residents of Summertown.
