IHGS: The School of Family History

Come and join us on 4th July for Canterbury's annual Medieval Pageant. This year the trail has a Bayeux Tapestry theme, in honour of its arrival at the British Museum later this year, and for the first time IHGS is going to be opening its doors as part of the pageant, and welcoming pageant attendees to its historic premises on Northgate. It joins venues across the city such as the Westgate Towers, Beaney Institute, St Augustine's Abbey amongst many others, offering 20 different trail activities. Collecting stamps along the way in turn earns you a chocolate coin from Canterbury Cathedral!

Further details regarding the trail and where is open, together with the trail map, can be downloaded here,

Family Trail - Canterbury Medieval Pageant Parade and Family Trail

Congratulations to Professor Turi King!

IHGS has awarded Professor Turi King the prestigious Julian Bickersteth Memorial Medal for her outstanding contributions to genealogy and the advancement of genetic family history research.
Professor King, Director of the Milner Centre for Evolution at the University of Bath, is one of Britain’s leading forensic geneticists. She rose to international prominence by leading the DNA analysis that confirmed the identity of King Richard III’s remains discovered beneath a car park in Leicester. She also co-presents DNA Family Secrets on the BBC. Her pioneering work continues to transform genetic genealogy, archaeogenetics, and forensic genetics.

Her influential research including her ground breaking PhD on the relationship between Y-chromosomes and British surnames has played a vital role in bridging modern forensic science with traditional genealogy.

The medal will be formally presented at the IHGS Awards Day in July 2026.

“I am honoured to receive the Julian Bickersteth Memorial Medal from the IHGS. Family history and genetic genealogy have always been central to my work. This award highlights the exciting ways in which scientific research can enrich our understanding of British heritage and ancestry.” Professor Turi King

A fantastic and well-deserved honour!

We are delighted to announce that the Higher Certificate in Genealogy has now been recognised by AGRA for the same membership pathway exemption as our Diploma in Genealogy.

This is because the IHGS Higher Certificate itself now concludes with a 20-hour research assignment that meets the AGRA criteria. This recognition means that future Higher Certificate graduates applying for AGRA Membership are now also exempt from completing the 20-hour research assignment, reflecting AGRA's confidence in the quality, rigour, and research skills developed through the course.

We are proud that the Higher Certificate continues to meet the exacting standards expected within the profession, and we remain committed to maintaining close alignment with AGRA's high standards of genealogical practice and research excellence.

To celebrate this exciting development, we are offering a 10% discount for all new higher certificate enrolments.

Enrol now and save 10% using the code IHGSAGRA10

Enhanced AGRA Recognition for our Higher Certificate in Genealogy We are delighted to announce that future graduates of our Higher Certificate in Genealogy (HC) are now exempt from the 20-hour research assignment when applying for AGRA Membership.

Join this lunchtime zoom talk Monday 18th May
AI: Its Origins, Meaning and Implications with Paul Carter

Paul will talk about the origins of AI and why it has taken until now for us to see so much development in the technology. He will also break down some of the technical buzzwords, offer his own view of the use of AI tools today & what the future means for us. Should we be ready to embrace or fear this technology?

https://www.ihgs.ac.uk/2721

https://mailchi.mp/ihgs/ai

Tutorial - AI (Artificial Intelligence): Its Origins, Meaning and Implications with Paul Carter 18th May 12pm The past couple of years has seen a significant increase in awareness and discussion around artificial intelligence (AI). But many of the concepts behind it date back many years.

IHGS May Newsletter -

IHGS May Newsletter Our June Live Talk AI (Artificial Intelligence) Its Origins, Meaning and Implications  with Paul Carter 18th May 12pm In this talk, Paul will talk about the origins of AI and why it has taken until now for us to see so much development in the technology. He will also break down some of the technica...

As King Charles III undertakes his historic State Visit to the United States, the enduring connection between the two nations is once again in the spotlight.

This visit—marking 250 years of shared history—highlights the deep cultural, political, and ancestral ties that continue to link Britain and America today.

But how deep do those connections really go?

At the Institute of Heraldic and Genealogical Studies, we’ve explored that question through a uniquely revealing lens—tracing the English royal ancestry of U.S. Presidents. Our latest research uncovers just how many American leaders can trace their lineage back to English kings, offering a fascinating perspective on the shared heritage behind modern transatlantic relations.

Read the full article here:
https://ihgs.us/english-royal-ancestors-of-us-presidents/

This moment also marks the launch of our new U.S. website—created to bring the study of British Isles genealogy and heraldry closer to an American audience. Designed for accessibility, clarity, and depth, it serves as a gateway for those ready to move beyond curiosity and into evidence-based family history research.

What begins as an interest in history often leads somewhere more personal.

Discover where your story connects.

English Royal Ancestors of US Presidents - IHGS US Discover the surprising royal ancestry of U.S. Presidents—and what it reveals about your own British Isles roots.

Interpreting Historical Documents Wills and Probate this lunchtime -

Interpreting Historical Documents Wills and Probate Zoom Talk this lunchtime Interpreting Historical Documents with Caroline Adams Practical examples will help to familiarise you with the handwriting and terminology of wills and probate, and gain valuable experience in understanding the documents. The course is suitable for those who wish to develop their skills and make bet...

Heraldic Sources Blazoning and Papworth and other sources with Ann Ballard - https://mailchi.mp/ihgs/heraldicsources4
Ann's series of popular and practical Tutorials continues this Thursday 6.30pm https://www.ihgs.ac.uk/live-tutorials-and-workshops-7

Heraldic Sources Blazoning and Papworth and other sources with Ann Ballard Heraldic Tutorials with Ann Ballard  Ann's series of popular and practical Tutorials continues. Heraldic Sources 4: Blazoning and Papworth and other sources 23rd April 6:30pm

Writing a Professional Research Report Online Talk Wednesday 22nd April
Join professional genealogist Liz Yule this Wednesday or listen later! https://mailchi.mp/ihgs/reportwriting

https://www.ihgs.ac.uk/live-tutorials-and-workshops-7

Zoom talk Writing a Professional Research Report Writing a Professional Research Report   with Elizabeth Yule 22nd April 12pm This tutorial provides hints and tips on how to put together and write a professional genealogical research report. This zoom session will cover structure, what to include in the narrative, referencing and much more, led ...

Interpreting Historical Documents Online Talks Caroline Adams
This short course is designed for anyone interested in learning how to understand some of the most valuable historical documents
https://www.ihgs.ac.uk/live-tutorials-and-workshops-7
https://mailchi.mp/ihgs/interpreting

Live Tutorials and Workshops | IHGS The Institute of Heraldic and Genealogical Studies                       Terms and Conditions 80-82 Northgate Canterbury Kent, CT1 1BA UK Tel: +44 (0)1227 768664