Dr Calista Williams

Course Leader

Centre for Lifelong Learning

Personal statement

I am the Course Director for the Postgraduate Genealogical, Palaeographic and Heraldic Programme. The MSc is an intrinsic part of the Institute for Genealogical Studies at Strathclyde which was established by the Centre for Lifelong Learning to bring together a growing network of individuals and organisations to share knowledge and build a thriving academic genealogy community for all.

From 2019-2023, I was the Humanities and Science Coordinator in the Lifelong Learning department at Aberystwyth University and the lead tutor on their Certificate of Higher Education in Genealogical Studies. From 2018-2023, I also worked as a freelance historical and genealogical researcher, helping individuals and organisations, from Guernsey to the USA, find out more about their family history.

I completed my Masters in History and Heritage at Aberystwyth University in 2013 and my dissertation focused on the use and value of the Mass Observation diaries as a historical source. I then went on to complete my AHRC-funded PhD in History with the Open University. My thesis focuses on the founding and development of the National Library of Wales and its connection with Welsh national identity, c.1840-1916. I used a range of genealogical records to explore three key groups connected to the development and use of the National Library: the founders, the subscribers and the first readers.

I run family history workshops in the wider community and give talks on a number of historical and genealogical focused topics, in-person and online. My ancestors originate from across the British Isles and I also have several branches from Ireland.

I've contributed to programmes on BBC Radio Wales and S4C. I also appeared on BBC's British Railway Journeys with Michael Portillo, talking about the history of the National Library of Wales.

I'm currently in the early stages of persuing a new avenue of research, exploring the development and function of the Cottage Homes model (c.1850-1910) in industrial schools in Britain and Ireland.