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36th International Congress of Genealogical and Heraldic Sciences

The 2024 Congress of Genealogical and Heraldic Sciences took place on September 24-28 in Boston, MA

The 2024 theme was Origins, Journeys, Destinations

Heritage and identity have long been shaped by the journeys people take. From the movement of various ethnic groups across Europe, to massive overseas migration to the Americas, to the formation of our modern cities and suburbs, the study of genealogy and heraldry allows us to trace the preservation, destruction, and creation of all kinds of cultural identities.

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The first International Congress held in the United States

In 2024, the International Congress of Genealogical and Heraldic Sciences (ICGHS) took place on U.S. soil for the first time in its 93-year history. American Ancestors—a national center for family history, heritage, and culture—and FamilySearch, the world’s largest genealogy organization, partnered to host the 36th Congress in the historic city of Boston, Massachusetts.

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Our Patrons and Sponsors

Brady Brim-DeForest of Balvaird Castle, Baron of Balvaird

Howard Cox

Sponsorship provided in honor of Susan Donnelly, Ryan Woods, and the Committee on Heraldry for their contributions to genealogy and heraldry education and the forthcoming publication, "AN ARMORIAL ROLL: Heraldry in the Ancestry of Howard Ellis Cox and Anne Delafield Finch."

American Ancestors

FamilySearch

Our Vendors

American Ancestors

To advance the study of family history in America and beyond, we educate, inspire, and connect people through our scholarship, collections, and expertise. Founded in 1845, American Ancestors is the country’s leading resource for family history research. We help genealogists of all skill levels improve their knowledge and understanding of their family and its place in history. Our award-winning website is the online repository for more than 1.4 billion searchable names from America and beyond. We provide expertise and research across every era of American family history.

The American Heraldry Society

The American Heraldry Society was founded in 2003 to study and promote the proper use of heraldry in America. The Society seeks to educate the American public about the art, practices, and history of heraldry and its auxiliary sciences. For more information on the Society, our programs, or publications, please see our website.

Association of Professional Genealogists

The Association of Professional Genealogists represents more than 2,000 professionals in various genealogy-related businesses. APG encourages genealogical excellence, ethical practice, mentoring, and education. The organization also supports the preservation and accessibility of records useful to the fields of genealogy and history. Its members represent more than forty countries.

College of Arms Foundation

Founded in 1983, the College of Arms Foundation supports the College of Arms – the heraldic authority of England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and certain Commonwealth nations – while also sharing knowledge of England’s vibrant heraldic heritage in the United States. It is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization raising funds from members and patrons for special projects including the preservation of important historical manuscripts and the production of new publications of the College. We are also pleased to contribute to the cost of publishing the Gore Roll of Arms facsimile by American Ancestors/New England Historic Genealogical Society. We invite you to join us.

EasyGenie Genealogy Charts

EasyGenie provides tools for genealogists to trace family history and preserve research for future generations. We are a family-owned business located outside of Boston, and make all of our charts in the USA on thick, acid-free paper that's suitable for framing or gifting. Fillable genealogy PDFs are available, too. Genealogy Endures with EasyGenie!

Echodify

Imagine the impact of your words, memories, and wisdom reaching loved ones in the future, when they least expect it! Echodify is more than just a data storage solution for your family heritage—it's a bridge between generations. Whether it's a heartfelt message from a distant ancestor, family heritage, recipes and traditions, photos and videos or genealogy materials, Echodify preserves and passes on your most meaningful digital files encapsulated in your unique Virtual Legacy. Echodify empowers you to connect with the future through a unique ‘time-capsule’ feature, ensuring your legacy journeys across time, up to 50 years. Visit Echodify.com today and start creating your legacy that will be cherished forever.

FamilySearch

FamilySearch offers free access to genealogical records, education, and software for everyone regardless of tradition, culture, or religion. Provided by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, FamilySearch resources help millions of people around the world discover their heritage and connect with family members.

Historic Germanna

The Memorial Foundation of the Germanna Colonies in Virginia, Inc. (a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization) was chartered in 1956 to preserve the heritage of the earliest organized settlements of Germans in colonial Virginia in 1714 and 1717, augmented with additional infusions of immigrants in the 1730s and 1740s.

Joyce V. Kelly, Ph.D

Author of “Our Irish Heritage” trilogy, a unique resource to help you discover and share your family history and stories. Each book: (1) displays a newly developed and validated family tree for an Irish Family; and (2) integrates the history and stories of that family with the social history of 19 th century Irish tenant farming families before and after emigration. The author’s sources and techniques may help you develop your own family trees, and collect and share records, documents, stories, images, and more.

Palfrey Press

Palfrey Press is a specialist publisher producing authoritative books on obscure historical subjects, heraldry, oral histories, and other antiquarian matters. Drawing on an extensive network of subject matter experts and unprecedented access to top-tier collections around the world, we aim to deliver best-in-class books, combining exceptional research with world-class art. We are committed to producing books that tell stories you won't hear anywhere else.

University of Strathclyde Glasgow

The Strathclyde Institute for Genealogical Studies (SIGS) was established in May 2023 to deliver academic excellence through the creation of exciting new courses, events, and research opportunities, to run alongside the University’s long-standing and world-leading postgraduate programme. Based in the University of Strathclyde, the Institute is in the enviable position of being able to bring together a growing network of academics, individuals, and organisations to share knowledge and build a thriving genealogy community. Choose from a variety of online learning pathways, from short courses to a master’s degree in Genealogical Studies. Visit our website to find out more.

For more information about the 2024 Congress of Genealogical and Heraldic Sciences, as well as future opportunities please contact Congress2024@nehgs.org.

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