Family History Films is the world’s first and leading private legacy documentary company.

Since 2017 we have delivered a fully-managed service producing beautiful, bespoke, feature-length documentaries for private clients.

In addition to our films, we offer exquisitely produced hardback books and comprehensive archiving services. These ensure that your family's history is meticulously documented, preserved and beautifully presented - creating a treasured heirloom for future generations.

Films

Books

Archive

Research Reports

Read more about our projects on our blog here.

fhflarge-logo.png

Contact us:

+1 888 690 0840 (North America)

+44 (208) 798 3267 (UK / Europe)

““From the opening moments through to the final credits (and bloopers), the entire family was glued to the screen. It was thrilling for all.””
— FAMILY HISTORY FILMS' CLIENT

Our instagram

The 1879 painting Evacuation Day and Washington’s Triumphal Entry depicts a defining moment in American history: the departure of British forces from New York City on November 25, 1783, following the Treaty of Paris and the end of the American
The 1879 painting Evacuation Day and Washington’s Triumphal Entry depicts a defining moment in American history: the departure of British forces from New York City on November 25, 1783, following the Treaty of Paris and the end of the American Revolutionary War. In one of Family History Films’ projects, we uncovered that a client’s ancestor fought at the Battle of Bennington, a crucial American victory that deprived British forces of essential supplies. This success became one of the turning points of the war, setting the stage for the American triumph at Saratoga and shaping the path to independence.
The first time that tanks were used effectively on the battlefield was by British forces at the Battle of Cambrai in 1917. This scene from All Quiet on the Western Front powerfully captures what that first encounter must have felt like.
Today marks the anniversary of when the First Battle of the Somme was finally called off, bringing an end to one of the bloodiest and most devastating campaigns of the First World War. More than one million soldiers were killed or wounded during its
Today marks the anniversary of when the First Battle of the Somme was finally called off, bringing an end to one of the bloodiest and most devastating campaigns of the First World War. More than one million soldiers were killed or wounded during its 141 days. One of our clients had not one but two ancestors involved in the Somme, both experiencing the battle from a different angle. One served in an infantry battalion that had already endured months in the trenches before the Somme began, facing the full brutality of the front, including waterlogged trenches where rain poured in torrents, near constant shellfire, and gas attacks drifting across the line. The other served as a military engineer in a field company of the Royal Engineers. His role was to reinforce trenches, rebuild roads shattered by bombardment, repair destroyed bridges, and restore communication lines under fire, working in exposed and hazardous conditions to support the troops. Their experiences show the different forms courage took during the battle.
We’re always grateful to hear how much our films mean to the families we work with. Here’s some of the lovely feedback we’ve received recently. Head over to the Testimonials page on our website to read more! https://bit.ly/3WZVrbY
We’re always grateful to hear how much our films mean to the families we work with. Here’s some of the lovely feedback we’ve received recently. Head over to the Testimonials page on our website to read more! https://bit.ly/3WZVrbY
On this Armistice Day, we pause to remember those who served - both the soldiers who faced the front lines, and the countless individuals whose quiet dedication sustained them behind the scenes. Among the many stories we’ve been privileged to
On this Armistice Day, we pause to remember those who served - both the soldiers who faced the front lines, and the countless individuals whose quiet dedication sustained them behind the scenes. Among the many stories we’ve been privileged to tell is that of one client’s ancestor, a man whose life embodied service, humility, and determination. Born into hardship, he left school early to help his mother support their family, beginning his career at a textile agency. When the First World War broke out, his path changed course as he was called to serve as an Army Field Clerk under General William Wallace Atterbury in the Transportation Corps. Atterbury, a former railroad executive, revolutionised the Allied war effort by modernising ports and railways across France, ensuring the steady movement of troops, munitions, and supplies. By supporting this mission, our client’s ancestor became part of an often-overlooked but vital chapter of the war.
Two years ago, we had the privilege of working with a Franco-American with family involvement in both world wars. Among their stories was that of Édouard, a wartime surgeon whose extraordinary service in the French ambulance corps during World
Two years ago, we had the privilege of working with a Franco-American with family involvement in both world wars. Among their stories was that of Édouard, a wartime surgeon whose extraordinary service in the French ambulance corps during World War I earned him national recognition. Through our research, we uncovered previously unknown Ministry of Defense records in France that revealed the true scope of Édouard’s service, deepening his descendants’ understanding of his bravery, and reconnecting them with a legacy that might otherwise have been lost.
Did you know that only 8 people have ever been granted honorary U.S. citizenship Six of these people received the honor after their deaths, whilst only two were recognized during their lifetimes: Sir Winston Churchill - the British Prime Minister w
Did you know that only 8 people have ever been granted honorary U.S. citizenship Six of these people received the honor after their deaths, whilst only two were recognized during their lifetimes: Sir Winston Churchill - the British Prime Minister whose leadership during World War II strengthened the alliance with the United States and helped secure victory over the Axis powers. Mother Teresa - the Nobel Peace Prize-winning humanitarian who spent her life serving the poorest and most vulnerable communities in India and around the world. The other honorees include Raoul Wallenberg, William and Hannah Penn, the Marquis de Lafayette, Casimir Pulaski, and Bernardo de Gálvez.
In 1938, Orson Welles’ The War of the Worlds aired as a Halloween special on CBS radio station. The beginning was presented in the style of live “breaking news” bulletins interrupting regular programming. Listeners tuning in late mi
In 1938, Orson Welles’ The War of the Worlds aired as a Halloween special on CBS radio station. The beginning was presented in the style of live “breaking news” bulletins interrupting regular programming. Listeners tuning in late missed the opening disclaimer and heard realistic “reports” of explosions, poison gas, and Martians advancing on New York. Around six million people heard the broadcast, causing mass hysteria for hundreds of thousands who reportedly believed it was real. Police flooded CBS studios, phone lines jammed, and the next day’s newspapers were filled with headlines like “Orson Welles Causes Panic.” Later research revealed the panic was largely exaggerated by newspapers eager to undermine radio…
When gold was struck in the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg sprang from the dust almost overnight. Prospectors from around the globe raced to stake their claim, railways were built, fortunes were made, and a new city was born. Among those drawn to the g
When gold was struck in the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg sprang from the dust almost overnight. Prospectors from around the globe raced to stake their claim, railways were built, fortunes were made, and a new city was born. Among those drawn to the goldfields were ancestors of our clients, whose arrival, along with other Jewish migrants, helped grow South Africa’s Jewish community tenfold between 1880 and 1914.
Introducing a brand new service from Family History Films!! We are thrilled to announce our brand-new offering: Family History Films Research Reports. Our research reports are a deep dive into your family story that uncover the facts and provide th
Introducing a brand new service from Family History Films!! We are thrilled to announce our brand-new offering: Family History Films Research Reports. Our research reports are a deep dive into your family story that uncover the facts and provide the foundations for your family history journey. Meticulously investigated and beautifully presented by our team of professional genealogists and researchers. Whether you’re curious about your ancestry, want to trace a specific branch of your family tree, or explore the lives of your ancestors, our Research Reports provide clear, detailed answers in a well-designed report, drawing on the expertise of our dedicated team. Available as a stand-alone service or as part of a wider project (Film or Book), the cost of your Research Report can also be credited towards any future Family History Films project. Discover your story, your way. Click the link in our bio to find out more!
We once discovered that a client’s ancestor and their family faced enormous upheaval during the 1930s, as the Nazi party rose to power in Austria. Whilst some were fortunate enough to flee Vienna and build new lives in America, England, and ot
We once discovered that a client’s ancestor and their family faced enormous upheaval during the 1930s, as the Nazi party rose to power in Austria. Whilst some were fortunate enough to flee Vienna and build new lives in America, England, and other countries, thousands were less fortunate, deported to ghettos and concentration camps across Europe. Researching these stories is never easy. Records relating to the Holocaust can be scarce, incomplete, or fragmented. Yet through archival documents, passport applications, ship manifests, and survivor databases, we were able to trace the journeys of those who escaped and honour the memories of those who didn’t survive. This image shows Jewish families outside a Vienna police station, waiting anxiously for exit visas to escape persecution.
📣 Our latest blog is here! We’re excited to share “A September to Remember,” the first blog written by our Production Assistant, George. September saw not one but two international shoots for Family History Films, in Toronto, Can
📣 Our latest blog is here! We’re excited to share “A September to Remember,” the first blog written by our Production Assistant, George. September saw not one but two international shoots for Family History Films, in Toronto, Canada, and Manchester, New Hampshire, capturing heartfelt family stories that span continents and generations. From Italian-American roots in Naples and New England to Swedish-Polish heritage in Toronto, George recounts the journeys and moments that made this month one to remember. Head to our website to read the full story - link in bio!
We once learnt that one of our client’s ancestors became the Mayor of a city in the state of New York during the Great Depression. Born to Scottish immigrants who came to America in search of a better life, he worked his way up from a small-to
We once learnt that one of our client’s ancestors became the Mayor of a city in the state of New York during the Great Depression. Born to Scottish immigrants who came to America in search of a better life, he worked his way up from a small-town businessman to mayor of the city, right as the Wall Street Crash had begun to cause significant turmoil. Rather than shying away from harsh realities, our client’s ancestor donated part of his own salary to help struggling families and issued a proclamation urging citizens to “share their substance with those less fortunate.” A true leader in character as well as status.
After spending so much time capturing our clients’ memories, we realised we’d forgotten to update our own! Our photo wall has now had a little refresh, featuring some of our favourite moments from our recent trips.
After spending so much time capturing our clients’ memories, we realised we’d forgotten to update our own! Our photo wall has now had a little refresh, featuring some of our favourite moments from our recent trips.
While filming in Manchester, New Hampshire, our team stumbled upon two remarkable pieces of the city’s history. We found the Mill Girl statue, which honours the thousands of 19th-century women who worked in the textile mills of the Amoskeag Ma
While filming in Manchester, New Hampshire, our team stumbled upon two remarkable pieces of the city’s history. We found the Mill Girl statue, which honours the thousands of 19th-century women who worked in the textile mills of the Amoskeag Manufacturing Company. And among those women, we discovered a sign honoring Samantha Plantain, a woman born to freed slaves in New Boston around 1827. Samantha went from working as a washerwoman to learning the trade of dressmaking, and becoming the first Black woman in Manchester to purchase property, buying it off of the very same manufacturing company.
Did you know pigeons were once used to carry vital messages during wartime? One of the most remarkable was G.I. Joe, hatched in Algeria in 1943 and trained in New Jersey. During WWII, he flew 20 miles in just 20 minutes to deliver a message that pre
Did you know pigeons were once used to carry vital messages during wartime? One of the most remarkable was G.I. Joe, hatched in Algeria in 1943 and trained in New Jersey. During WWII, he flew 20 miles in just 20 minutes to deliver a message that prevented an Allied airstrike on British troops in Calvi Vecchia, Italy, saving over 100 lives. For this feat, G.I. Joe was awarded the Dickin Medal for gallantry, praised as “the most outstanding flight made by a United States Army homing pigeon in World War II.” He became the first non-British recipient of the medal.
Our Head of Production, Jess, is behind the mic today recording some voice over for a special new project - watch this space!
Our Head of Production, Jess, is behind the mic today recording some voice over for a special new project - watch this space!
Behind the scenes from our second day of filming in New Hampshire, uncovering the surprising truth behind some long-held family rumors…
Behind the scenes from our second day of filming in New Hampshire, uncovering the surprising truth behind some long-held family rumors…
We’ve just completed our first day of filming in New Hampshire, starting with a series of biographical interviews at our client’s home, followed by career-focused conversations at the company they founded. Tomorrow, we’ll turn our
We’ve just completed our first day of filming in New Hampshire, starting with a series of biographical interviews at our client’s home, followed by career-focused conversations at the company they founded. Tomorrow, we’ll turn our attention to the family’s history, exploring long-standing questions about their ancestors and how they came to be where they are today.
That’s a wrap in Toronto! Our team spent the final day filming B-roll in and around the city, capturing footage of sites that hold significance for our clients. We can’t wait to bring it altogether in the final film.
That’s a wrap in Toronto! Our team spent the final day filming B-roll in and around the city, capturing footage of sites that hold significance for our clients. We can’t wait to bring it altogether in the final film.
The 1879 painting Evacuation Day and Washington’s Triumphal Entry depicts a defining moment in American history: the departure of British forces from New York City on November 25, 1783, following the Treaty of Paris and the end of the American
The first time that tanks were used effectively on the battlefield was by British forces at the Battle of Cambrai in 1917. This scene from All Quiet on the Western Front powerfully captures what that first encounter must have felt like.
Today marks the anniversary of when the First Battle of the Somme was finally called off, bringing an end to one of the bloodiest and most devastating campaigns of the First World War. More than one million soldiers were killed or wounded during its We’re always grateful to hear how much our films mean to the families we work with. Here’s some of the lovely feedback we’ve received recently. Head over to the Testimonials page on our website to read more! https://bit.ly/3WZVrbY On this Armistice Day, we pause to remember those who served - both the soldiers who faced the front lines, and the countless individuals whose quiet dedication sustained them behind the scenes. Among the many stories we’ve been privileged to Two years ago, we had the privilege of working with a Franco-American with family involvement in both world wars. Among their stories was that of Édouard, a wartime surgeon whose extraordinary service in the French ambulance corps during World Did you know that only 8 people have ever been granted honorary U.S. citizenship Six of these people received the honor after their deaths, whilst only two were recognized during their lifetimes: Sir Winston Churchill - the British Prime Minister w In 1938, Orson Welles’ The War of the Worlds aired as a Halloween special on CBS radio station. The beginning was presented in the style of live “breaking news” bulletins interrupting regular programming. Listeners tuning in late mi When gold was struck in the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg sprang from the dust almost overnight. Prospectors from around the globe raced to stake their claim, railways were built, fortunes were made, and a new city was born. Among those drawn to the g Introducing a brand new service from Family History Films!! We are thrilled to announce our brand-new offering: Family History Films Research Reports. Our research reports are a deep dive into your family story that uncover the facts and provide th We once discovered that a client’s ancestor and their family faced enormous upheaval during the 1930s, as the Nazi party rose to power in Austria. Whilst some were fortunate enough to flee Vienna and build new lives in America, England, and ot 📣 Our latest blog is here! We’re excited to share “A September to Remember,” the first blog written by our Production Assistant, George. September saw not one but two international shoots for Family History Films, in Toronto, Can We once learnt that one of our client’s ancestors became the Mayor of a city in the state of New York during the Great Depression. Born to Scottish immigrants who came to America in search of a better life, he worked his way up from a small-to After spending so much time capturing our clients’ memories, we realised we’d forgotten to update our own! Our photo wall has now had a little refresh, featuring some of our favourite moments from our recent trips. While filming in Manchester, New Hampshire, our team stumbled upon two remarkable pieces of the city’s history. We found the Mill Girl statue, which honours the thousands of 19th-century women who worked in the textile mills of the Amoskeag Ma Did you know pigeons were once used to carry vital messages during wartime? One of the most remarkable was G.I. Joe, hatched in Algeria in 1943 and trained in New Jersey. During WWII, he flew 20 miles in just 20 minutes to deliver a message that pre Our Head of Production, Jess, is behind the mic today recording some voice over for a special new project - watch this space! Behind the scenes from our second day of filming in New Hampshire, uncovering the surprising truth behind some long-held family rumors… We’ve just completed our first day of filming in New Hampshire, starting with a series of biographical interviews at our client’s home, followed by career-focused conversations at the company they founded. Tomorrow, we’ll turn our That’s a wrap in Toronto! Our team spent the final day filming B-roll in and around the city, capturing footage of sites that hold significance for our clients. We can’t wait to bring it altogether in the final film.
Get in touch
Family History Films Logo