To find out how to make the most of a visit to Hertfordshire Archives and Local Studies (HALS), an introduction to key sources for local and family history, including a tour of the strong rooms and conservation room, is held on the last Thursday of every month from 10.30am to 12 noon. A number of courses and events are being held during 2005 including Discovering Old Documents: beginners on Wednesdays 6-27 April (fee £20) and an Open Day on the theme of Hertfordshire’s landed estates and the families associated with them from 10.00am-4.00pm. No charge, car parking and refreshments available. Phone 01923 471333. Web site: www.hertsdirect.org/hals