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Genealogical Society of Ireland

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Genealogical Society of Ireland
Cumann Geinealais na hÉireann
Formation1990
TypeNPO
Legal statusCharity
PurposeGenealogy
Vexillology
HeadquartersAn Daonchartlann, Archive & Research Centre, DLR Leisure Centre, Loughlinstown, County Dublin.
Location
Region served
Ireland
Official language
English, Irish
Cathaoirleach (Chairperson)
Gerry Hayden, MGSI
Main organ
Board of Directors
Websitewww.familyhistory.ie

The Genealogical Society of Ireland (Irish: Cumann Geinealais na hÉireann) is a voluntary non-governmental organisation promoting the study of genealogy, heraldry, vexillology and social history in Ireland and amongst the Irish diaspora as open access educational leisure pursuits available to all.

Founding, governance and purpose

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Founded in 1990, the society has charitable status in Ireland and it is incorporated under the Companies Acts. Membership of the society is open to all and therefore, the society has both a national and international membership. The society is also a nominating body for the Cultural and Educational Panel for Seanad Éireann.

The society is governed by a board of directors which is elected annually at the annual general meeting held in March of each year. The current cathaoirleach (chairperson) is Gerry Hayden,[1][failed verification] who was elected in March 2018. The society received a grant of arms from the Chief Herald of Ireland in 2001. The activities of the society include two open meetings each month; the publication of a monthly newsletter, biannual journal and other occasional publications; the operation of an archive at the DLR Leisure Centre, Loughlinstown, County Dublin. The premises were allocated to the society by the Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council in May 2016.

The society does not engage in any commercial research assignments; however, its members undertake individual research.

Political influence

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In May 2006, the Genealogy and Heraldry Bill, 2006, was introduced in Seanad Éireann (Irish Senate) by Senator Brendan Ryan. This bill was researched, written and promoted by the society, its officers, and members.[2]

Affiliations

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The Genealogical Society of Ireland, through its branch Vexillology Ireland, became a member of the International Federation of Vexillological Associations (also known as FIAV) at the 25th International Congress of Vexillology in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, in 2013.

References

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  1. ^ [1] Archived June 15, 2006, at the Wayback Machine
  2. ^ "New heraldry law needed urgently, society claims". The Irish Times. 25 October 2007.
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