diff --git a/gramps/gui/undohistory.py b/gramps/gui/undohistory.py
index 1e6ae8afa..99cb8e945 100644
--- a/gramps/gui/undohistory.py
+++ b/gramps/gui/undohistory.py
@@ -121,10 +121,11 @@ class UndoHistory(ManagedWindow):
         self.window.vbox.pack_start(scrolled_window, True, True, 0)
         self.window.show_all()
 
+        self.sel_chng_hndlr = self.selection.connect('changed',
+                                                     self._selection_changed)
         self._build_model()
         self._update_ui()
         
-        self.selection.connect('changed', self._selection_changed)
         self.show()
 
     def _selection_changed(self, obj):
@@ -227,6 +228,7 @@ class UndoHistory(ManagedWindow):
             )
 
     def _build_model(self):
+        self.selection.handler_block(self.sel_chng_hndlr)
         self.model.clear()
         fg = bg = None
 
@@ -244,6 +246,7 @@ class UndoHistory(ManagedWindow):
             mod_text = txn.get_description()
             self.model.append(row=[time_text, mod_text, fg, bg])
         path = (self.undodb.undo_count,)
+        self.selection.handler_unblock(self.sel_chng_hndlr)
         self.selection.select_path(path)
 
     def update(self):