XIVTH INTERNATIONAL COLLOQUIUM OF GENEALOGY IN GERMANY

The International Academy of Genealogy members, lecturers, organizers after the Colloquium, Gotha, Germany, 10-23-2025. Photo GHVI

At the Gotha Education Centre (Germany), from 22 to 25 October 2025, the International Academy of Genealogy (French: Académie Internationale de Généalogie, AIG), in cooperation with the International Confederation of Genealogy and Heraldry (French: Confédération Internationale de Généalogie et d’Héraldique, CIGH, www.cigh.info), the Association of German Genealogical Societies (German umbrella: Deutsche Arbeitsgemeinschaft genealogischer Verbände, DAGV, www.dagv.org), the Gotha seated Thuringian society (German: Arbeitsgemeinschaft Genealogie Thüringen, AGT) and academic partners as departements of the University of Erfurt (German: Forschungsstelle und Forschungsbibliothek in Gotha), made possible the 14th International Genealogical Colloquium (hereinafter – the Colloquium). The theme of the Colloquium was: “The Roots of Gotha, and their connections with the world – Centre of noble and non-noble genealogies.” Over the course of four days, more than twenty papers were presented. 
On the first day, Lord Mayor Knut Kreuch formally opened the Colloquium at the Education Centre. Held biennially, the Colloquium took place this year in Gotha, which is celebrating its 1250th anniversary. It was the first time that this Colloquium, dedicated to the study of world family history, was organised in Germany.
The event brought together genealogical scholars, researchers, and experts from twelve countries – Ukraine, Brazil, Australia, Portugal, the United States, Germany, France, Spain, Romania, Poland, Austria, and Lithuania. The lecturers, speaking in German, English, and French, exchanged information on current research projects, international cooperation, and the future of genealogy.
On the third day of the Colloquium, a forum was held entitled “The Future of Genealogy – Visions and Challenges.” The discussion featured Christophe Drugy (President of the French Genealogical Federation), Prof. Georg Fertig (Germany), Benjamin Günther (CEO of Synium Software GmbH), Barbara Schmidt (President of the International German Genealogy Partnership), and José Carlos Soares Machado (President of the Portuguese Genealogical Association). The discussion was moderated by Dirk Weissleder.
For the participants, an excursion was organised to Friedenstein Castle, the research centre, the State Archive of Gotha, and the Old Town of Gotha by a tourist guide.
A highlight of the programme was the reception and dinner hosted by Lord Mayor Knut Kreuch in the Town Hall. At the Gotha Town Hall, Knut Kreuch, Mayor of Gotha, together with Dirk Weissleder, AIG, and Chairman of the Association of German Genealogical Societies, presented the Badge of Honour for Outstanding Merits in Genealogy to the following recipients: Miriam Provence (France), Adam Żurek (Poland), Mario Colin (Brazil), Christophe Drugy (France), José Carlos Soares Machado (Portugal), Remigijus Bimba (Lithuania), and Attila István Szekeres (Romania).
Participants also had the opportunity to attend a festive celebration marking Gotha’s 1250th anniversary, held at the Gotha Cultural Centre. The nearly three-hour event was captivating, featuring a programme of classical and rock music, theatrical performances, choral singing, bell ringing, and circus acts – including a remarkable tightrope performance in which one artist carried another across the rope. The entire event was hosted by Lord Mayor Knut Kreuch himself.
Saturday as fourth day of the colloquium offered the impressive celebration of 1250 years of Gotha with open museums, fair at Friedenstein Castle, and a several-hour historical parade through the city.
The Colloquium has been organized every two years since 1999 (www.geneacademie.org/about-us). This year is the first time that the International Genealogy Academy has decided to organize the Colloquium twice a year in different countries: first part in Spain, second part in Germany. In 2027, the Colloquium is planned to be held in Monaco.

Gotha – the “Capital of Genealogy” in the Heart of Germany

The laureates were photographed with the Lord Mayor of Gotha and the organiser and moderator of the International Colloquium of Genealogy (AIG), Dirk Weissleder. From left to right: Adam Żurek (Poland), Mario Colin (Brazil), Knut Kreuch, Lord Mayor of Gotha, Dirk Weissleder (Germany), Christophe Drugy (France), José Carlos Soares Machado (Portugal), Remigijus Bimba (Lithuania), Attila István Szekeres (Romania). In the front – Miriam Provence (France). Virginio Bautista photo.

A forum The Future of Genealogy – Visions and Challenges. Participants from left: Benjamin Günther, managing director of Synium Software GmbH, Christophe Drugy, Président Fédération Francaise de Généalogie (FFG), Dirk Weissleder (moderator), 
Barbara Schmidt, President International German Genealogy Partnership (IGGP), José Carlos Soares Machado, President Associação Portuguese de Genealogia, Prof. Georg Fertig, University of Halle/Saale. Remigijus Bimba photo.

The International Academy of Genealogy members, lecturers, organizers after first day at the Gotha Town Hall, Germany, 10-22-2025. DAGV photo.