2015 Medieval Congress free for local residents who register early

Attendees peruse a vendor's collection at the 2014 conference.

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Kalamazoo residents and members of the Western Michigan University community may attend the 50th International Congress on Medieval Studies for free if they register online or in person by the Wednesday, April 29, deadline for early registration.

WMU's congress is the world's largest annual gathering of people interested in the Middle Ages. This year's event will take place Thursday through Sunday, May 14-17, at venues on WMU's main campus in Kalamazoo. It is hosted by the University's Medieval Institute.

Organizers expect some 3,000 people to register for the 2015 congress, which will feature 567 sessions, including presentations of scholarly papers, panel discussions, roundtables, workshops and performances.

This year's conference highlights

• Hands-on history demonstrations.
• A concert of modern chamber music inspired by the music of the medieval mystic Hildegard von Bingen.
• A series of events that mark the origins of the congress, starting with the first conference on medieval studies hosted by WMU in 1962.

In addition, the exhibits hall will be filled with more than 70 publishers, used book dealers, artists and other vendors. There also will be some 100 business meetings and receptions sponsored by learned societies, associations and institutions.

Kalamazoo-area residents and WMU community members may register online or in person at the Miller Auditorium ticket office through April 29 at no charge. They also may register through that date by mail or fax for a nominal handling fee.

Those who do not take advantage of the free or nominal-cost registration options may register after April 29, but they will be assessed a $50 late fee.

For more information or to register online, visit wmich.edu/medieval/congress. For questions about registering by mail or fax, call (269) 387-8745.