The American Heraldry Society

The arms of the American Heraldry Society.
Rendered by Chad Krouse, 2024.

When I dove head first into the world of heraldry back in 2014, I was curious to know if there were other crazy folks inspired by this abstract and rather arcane subject.  Upon discovering the American Heraldry Society (AHS), I was excited to know others like me existed in the world, and I immediately joined and became a new member.  

In those days all discussions were posted within forums on the Society's website, whereas today the Society's FaceBook page hosts those conversations.  I remember well seeing all the brilliantly colored digital emblazonments of members' arms in those forums, and those images fueled my desire to find a digital heraldic artist for my own arms.  I was thrilled to find a sharing community of scholars and enthusiasts who were simply passionate about heraldry.

Society members patiently answered questions from this tenderfoot, provided assistance with blazoning, and otherwise mentored me on this journey of discovery.  Simply put,  Society members hold a wide body of knowledge relating to many aspects of heraldry--from civic/corporate, ecclesiastical, Scottish/English, to the heraldry of US Presidents and American historical figures.  AHS is a veritable feast for networking and learning.  

The Society awards annually its Pierre de Chaignon la Rose Design Award to organizations in the US bearing and currently using arms.  The design award is the Society's opportunity to promote corporate arms by recognizing their use in the 21st century.  The Society also maintains a scholarship fund.  

Though I had to step away from any heraldic pursuits for a number of years to buckle down on my doctoral research, I am oddly grateful for those dark days of quarantine during the pandemic--the isolation reignited my passion for heraldry and I resumed membership in AHS.   

Arms of AHS emblazoned by
Quentin Peacock of the UK. 
Image source: AHS Facebook.

Now in 2023, I was recently elected to serve as a Governor-at-large for the Society.  For context, board membership consists of five elected members; three serve one year terms as officers of the Society, while the other two serve at-large with staggered two year terms. 

I cannot describe how I felt when I was nominated to be on the Board of Governors--I was honestly surprised and quite humbled actually.  Through this blog, I have since learned, colleagues in the field know who I am along with my research focus--this was the surprising part (humbling as well).  For the next two years, I will endeavor to give my all towards furthering the work and mission of the Society.  I am excited to get started; the opportunities for AHS and its members are plentiful.

In the meantime, please consider pointing your browser to The American Heraldry Society's website and our AHS Facebook page.  All are welcome and invited.

The Board of Governors has its work cut out, and fixing our website is top of mind.  With the International Congress of Genealogical and Heraldic Sciences coming to the US for the first time in September 2024, the Society has a significant opportunity to help represent American heraldry in Boston--oddly where my research muse spent the majority of his life.  I will certainly post relevant AHS news and happenings here in the days and weeks to come.  Onwards!

Board of Governors for 2023-2024

President: Ethan MacDonald, FSA Scot

Secretary: Kimon Andreou

Treasurer: David Boven, Ph.D. (Immediate Past President)  

Jeremy Hammond is currently one of two Governors-at-large with a term ending in 2024, and thus was not up for election.  Let's roll up our sleeves and dig in.

Additionally, I want to acknowledge and thank Joseph McMillan and David Pope for their tireless service, devotion, and leadership to AHS.   

The blazon for the arms of the American Heraldry Society:  Gules, an American Bald Eagle displayed proper on a chief azure three escutcheons argent.