About IHGS
Genealogy Education, Family History Research & Professional Training Since 1961
The Institute of Heraldic and Genealogical Studies (IHGS) has been providing genealogy education, family history training, and historical research expertise since 1961. Based in Canterbury, England and serving students worldwide, IHGS offers structured genealogy education, qualifications, specialist courses, expert-led tuition, research services, and access to one of the leading family history libraries in the United Kingdom.
Whether you are researching your own family tree, developing advanced genealogy skills, or pursuing a professional career in genealogy, IHGS provides the knowledge, resources, and expert support to help you succeed.
Accreditation
IHGS is a member of The CPD Certification Service.
Founded 1961
Education, research, and family history expertise in one place.
IHGS offers qualifications, publishes family history material, maintains a specialist library, and shares its site with Achievements, its sister research company.
Independent charity
IHGS was founded as an educational charitable trust to support training and research in family and historical studies.
Structured qualifications
Students can progress through genealogy study pathways leading to the Licentiateship of the Institute of Heraldic and Genealogical Studies.
Teaching and research
The Institute combines tuition, publications, library resources, and specialist research support through its wider network.
Institute Overview
IHGS brings together academic study, practical research, and historical resources.
Set in its own grounds in Canterbury, the Institute offers courses in genealogy and related subjects auxiliary to history. It is especially known for its heraldic strengths, long-running publications, and support for students tracing their own family histories as well as those pursuing professional development.
Mission
IHGS was established to provide full academic facilities for training and research in the study of the history and structure of the family.
Publications
The Institute has published its journal Family History since 1962 and also distributes a monthly e-mail newsletter.
Research Network
IHGS shares its premises with Achievements, a sister company specializing in genealogy, heraldry, family tree research, and associated artwork.
Why IHGS
Why Study Family History With IHGS?
For more than six decades, IHGS has helped family historians, genealogists, researchers, and heritage professionals develop the skills needed to uncover and interpret historical records. Its genealogy education combines structured study with practical research methods and expert support.
Established in 1961
More than six decades of specialist education, research, and support.
CPD accredited education
Structured learning shaped by expert tuition and professional standards.
Expert tutors
Learn from tutors with professional research experience and specialist knowledge.
Genealogy Education Pathways
Progress from beginner study to advanced qualifications and specialist topics.
Specialist subjects and library
Explore genealogy, heraldry, DNA, palaeography, and historical records with access to a renowned genealogy and heraldry library.
Worldwide community
Join students from the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia, and beyond.
Professional Training
Professional Genealogy Education: Preparing The Next Generation Of Professional Genealogists
Many students begin their studies to research their own family history, while others use IHGS qualifications to develop professional genealogy careers. Our structured Genealogy Courses teach the research methodology, evidence analysis, record interpretation, and problem-solving skills used by experienced genealogists when investigating complex family history questions.
The Institute's emphasis on sound methodology helps students move beyond online hints and unsourced family trees to build accurate, evidence-based genealogical research. Continue with the Higher Certificate in Genealogy, develop complementary skills through Heraldry Courses, or seek specialist support through Family Research Services.
Meet The IHGS Experts
Dr Paul A Fox
Paul's long association with IHGS and founder Cecil Humphery-Smith developed from a childhood interest into a deep focus on heraldic research. After a career in medicine, he retired early to publish historical work including his study of the Great Cloister of Canterbury Cathedral.
He has also served The Heraldry Society in senior roles, edited The Coat of Arms, and led the 35th International Congress of Genealogical and Heraldic Sciences in Cambridge in 2022.
Jane Smyth
Jane brings leadership experience across the public, private, and voluntary sectors, supported by an LLB (Hons) from the University of Kent. Her background spans civil service management, vocational education, property, and voluntary sector leadership.
At IHGS she provides strategic leadership and oversees daily operations, with a focus on advancing the Institute's mission across genealogical, heraldic, and historical studies.
Sarah Bulson
Sarah studied History at Kent and Library and Information Studies at University College London. Alongside her education leadership role, she also contributes genealogical and historical research support through Achievements, the Institute's research arm.
Emma Jones
Emma graduated from Canterbury Christ Church University with a BA in History and previously volunteered at the Canterbury Cathedral Archives. She is especially interested in the social and economic details of everyday ancestral life.
Elizabeth Yule
Elizabeth Yule has been researching her own family history for many years and is especially interested in East Anglian genealogy. She joined the Institute after gaining her BA Hons in History from the University of Kent and has subsequently attained the Diploma in Genealogy, and MSc in Genealogical, Palaeographic and Heraldic Studies.
She is the Director of Research for Achievements, the research arm of IHGS and appeared as a researcher on the Dutch series of Who do You Think You Are?. Liz is a member of the professional organisation the Association of Genealogists and Researchers in Archives (AGRA) and a member of the Register of Qualified Genealogists (RQG).
Course Tutors
Dr. Andrea Degl’Innocenti
Dr. Andrea Degl’Innocenti is a molecular biologist and genomics specialist, as well as founder and principal investigator of Istituto Vinciano per le Scienze – The Vinci Institute of Sciences in Vinci, Italy.
He graduated cum laude in molecular biology at the University of Pisa, completed his PhD at the Max Planck Institute for Brain Research, and has held research and teaching roles in Italy and across Europe, including courses in molecular biology, medical genetics, and environmental sciences.
Chris Huning
Chris brings lifelong interests in history and heraldry, a BA in History from San Jose State University, and experience from a technology career in project and product management.
After completing the IHGS Heraldry Course, he passed the Heraldry Society Elementary and Intermediate examinations and is now studying for the Heraldry Diploma, helping students build a sound understanding of heraldic principles, practice, and interpretation.
John Norris
John has had an interest in heraldry since his teens. Following a career as a
Chartered Insurer and manager with a large commercial insurer, he took the
opportunity to deepen his interest in the subject by completing the Heraldry Course
at the Institute of Heraldic and Genealogical Studies and passing the Heraldry
Society Elementary and Intermediate exams.
In 2026 he was awarded the Heraldry
Society Diploma. A member of the Heraldry Society and the City of Bath Heraldic
Society, John has continued to grow his passion for the subject. During his career he
studied with the Open University Business School and was involved in providing
training to colleagues. He is looking forward to being a Heraldry Course tutor, helping
students to get the most out of their IHGS experience.
Ann Ballard
Ann progressed through the Higher Certificate, Diploma, and Licentiateship, later building a business in family history research and training after a nursing career.
Judith Batchelor
Judith trained with IHGS after studying History at Leicester, worked on client family histories for Achievements, and now writes widely on family history through her blog.
Lucy Browne
Lucy combines history training, archive experience in Exeter, and a long-standing interest in Westcountry research and lesser-known Devon sources.
Maggie Gaffney
Maggie brings IHGS genealogy qualifications, Oxford local history study, and a background spanning theatre and web development, with particular interest in migration research.
Lorna Kinnaird
Lorna's work centers strongly on Scottish genealogy, supported by advanced study, professional memberships, one-place study work, and decades of experience tracing Scots across archives.
Chloe O'Shea
Chloe moved from museum work into professional genealogy, has published family history books, and writes for genealogy magazines while helping learners improve research accuracy.
Sarah Pettyfer
Sarah combines a legal background with family, house, and local history expertise, with special interest in deeds, manorial material, and Chancery court records.
Lorraine Whale
Lorraine shifted from Human Resources Management into professional genealogy and house history research after discovering a passion for family history in the early 2000s.
IHGS Campus and Library
IHGS Campus and Library
The IHGS library supports both students and professional researchers with extensive collections covering genealogy, local history, heraldry, family history methodology, historical records, and lineage research. As a FamilySearch Affiliate Library, visitors can also access additional FamilySearch resources while conducting research on-site.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What is IHGS?
IHGS is an educational charity established in 1961 that provides genealogy education, family history courses, heraldry training, research services, and access to a specialist genealogy library.
Can I study genealogy online with IHGS?
Yes. Many IHGS genealogy courses and qualifications can be completed through distance learning from anywhere in the world.
Does IHGS offer professional genealogy training?
Yes. IHGS offers structured genealogy qualifications designed to develop advanced research skills and professional standards.
Is IHGS recognised internationally?
IHGS students come from around the world, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom.