Cornwall, with its rich Celtic heritage and deep-rooted local identities, offers a wealth of genealogical records for researchers. Whether your ancestors were miners, fishermen, farmers, or part of the broader Cornish diaspora, there are numerous resources to help you trace their stories.
Research your ancestors on MyHeritage
Online research resourcesOnline research resources
The GENUKI Cornwall page is a comprehensive gateway to local family history sources. Topics include:
- Parish and church records
- Civil registration
- Cemeteries and burials
- Census transcriptions
- Poorhouse, prison, and court records
- Land and property archives
- Military service records
- Voting registers and probate records
- Newspapers and gazetteers
- Jewish records
- Local histories and gazetteers
GENUKI also explains how and where to access relevant archives and libraries, making it indispensable for serious researchers.
In addition, the Online Parish Clerks for Cornwall (OPC) provide free volunteer assistance with parish-specific searches. Many parishes include transcriptions of baptisms, marriages, and burials, often with helpful notes and context.
Cornish Societies and Diaspora NetworksCornish Societies and Diaspora Networks
The Cornish diaspora—spread across England, Australia, the U.S., Canada, New Zealand, Mexico, and South Africa—is famously proud and vibrant. Numerous societies worldwide preserve and promote Cornish history and culture through:
- Genealogical help
- Archived family documents and photos
- Local family collections
- Cultural festivals and heritage events
- Online shops with Cornish crafts and themed merchandise
Because these societies often preserve unique genealogical records—from handwritten family trees and letters to community archives—they can be critical in breaking through stubborn “brick walls” in your research.
An extensive directory of Cornish societies is available at Cornish Societies Worldwide.
A few standout organizations and resources include:
- Cornish Mexican Cultural Society: Focused on Cornish heritage in the state of Hidalgo, Mexico.
- New Zealand Cornish Association and CAB Directory Entry
- Cornish Resources for Southern Africa
Cornish Cultural Festivals & Genealogical GatheringsCornish Cultural Festivals & Genealogical Gatherings
Many Cornish societies host annual or biennial gatherings that combine celebration, cultural expression, and genealogical workshops. These events are often open to the public and feature:
- Traditional music and food
- Family history exhibitions
- On-site archives and research help
- Ceremonies like Gorsedh Kernow, a druidic celebration of Cornish culture
Here are some major events:
- Kernewek Lowender (Australia): Held every two years in South Australia's Copper Coast, this is the largest Cornish gathering in the world, with ~50 cultural events over one week.
- Cornish Festival – Mineral Point, Wisconsin: Includes access to the Pendarvis archives, restored miner cottages, and a deep dive into Cornish-American heritage.
- Cornish-American Heritage Society: Hosts an Annual Gathering of Cornish Cousins, rotating across U.S. locations.
- California Cornish Cousins: A yearly summer gathering rotating through different parts of California.
See alsoSee also
Explore more about Cornish genealogyExplore more about Cornish genealogy
- Cornish OPC Database
- Cornwall Family History Society
- Watch the 2002 Dehwelans (Homecoming) in Cornwall — a heartfelt look at Cornish landscapes, traditions, and one American woman’s ancestral quest.
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