Discover how DNA evidence helped identify King Richard III and provided new evidence in the Adolf Hitler death investigation. IHGS honours Professor Turi King with the Bickersteth Medal.
Online genealogy courses from the family history experts.
IHGS is the place to learn genealogy online, from your very first family history discovery to professional-level research.
For more than 60 years, The Institute of Heraldic and Genealogical Studies has been a leading authority in family history, genealogy, heraldry, and historical investigation, offering online genealogy courses for beginners, advancing researchers, aspiring professionals, and already practising genealogists who want to strengthen their expertise.
Genealogy is more than building a family tree. It is the disciplined study of real people, real records, DNA evidence, historical context, and the proof that connects generations across time. Through IHGS online genealogy courses, students learn from family history experts who understand both the excitement of discovery and the professional standards needed to research with accuracy and confidence.
We Have Online Genealogy Courses for Every Stage of Your Journey
Ever wondered how experts uncover records on genealogy programmes such as Finding Your Roots or Who Do You Think You Are? At IHGS, the genealogy experts who teach our online genealogy courses show you how those discoveries are made, from reading old handwriting and parish records to interpreting deeds, house histories, travel records, DNA evidence, heraldry, and historical documents.
Our courses help you move beyond names and dates on a family tree. Whether you are a beginner, an experienced family historian, or a practising professional, IHGS gives you expert teaching, structured methods, and the research techniques needed to follow the evidence, understand the records, and uncover the fuller story of the people behind the names.
Below, explore our latest articles of discovery, where records, DNA research, heraldry, historical investigation, and proven genealogical methods reveal remarkable stories from the past and show why IHGS remains one of the trusted places to learn family history properly.
Discover
IHGS Welcomes Three New Tutors to Its Team
IHGS welcomes three new expert course tutors: Dr. Andrea Degl’Innocenti, Chris Huning, and John Norris. Their appointments bring expanded specialist support in DNA, genealogy, and heraldry for students studying with the Institute.
US Family History & Lineage Societies
Explore U.S. lineage societies, Mayflower descendants, and cultural genealogy groups—plus how to prove your ancestry and avoid common research mistakes.
Americans On The RMS Titanic
Explore the stories and statistics of Americans aboard the RMS Titanic—who they were, where they came from, and how survival varied across class and circumstance.
George Washington & The Origin of The Arms & Flag of The United States
Uncover the hidden history of the U.S. flag—did George Washington shape its design, what’s the truth behind Betsy Ross, and how did Freemasonry influence its iconic symbols?
The Identification Of American Coats Of Arms
Uncover the origins of American coats of arms—learn where they come from, why identification is challenging, and how expert heraldic research can reveal your family’s story.
Bridging the Atlantic to find lost English, Scottish or Irish ancestors
Hit a dead end in your family tree? Discover how Y-DNA can trace your English, Scottish, or Irish roots—and how to turn results into real answers.
US Presidents’ Royal Ancestry | English Royal Ancestors Explained
Discover the surprising royal ancestry of U.S. Presidents—and what it reveals about your own British Isles roots.
Go Beyond the Stories
From royal bloodlines to historic migrations, these connections are uncovered through careful, evidence-based research—not guesswork.
If you’re ready to explore your own ancestry with the same level of accuracy, the experts at the Institute of Heraldic and Genealogical Studies offer accredited courses designed to teach you exactly how it’s done.
About IHGS
The Institute of Heraldic and Genealogical Studies (IHGS) is an independent educational charity, founded in Canterbury in 1961 and dedicated to the study of genealogy, family history, and heraldry.
From its historic 13th-century base, IHGS offers expert-led courses and recognized qualifications, including the respected Licentiateship (LHG). Whether you're exploring your own ancestry or building professional expertise, our programs are designed to guide you with accuracy and confidence.
Renowned for its specialist library, publications, and long-standing Family History journal, IHGS has been a trusted authority in genealogical education for over 60 years and is a member of The CPD Certification Service.