About

History

The first conference on medieval studies at Western Michigan University was held in 1962. At first a biennial affair, by 1966 the conference had grown to nearly 200 participants from colleges and universities across the United States and Canada. It became an annual event in 1970, and its name was changed to the International Congress on Medieval Studies in 1979.

The Congress now boasts hundreds of sessions, including sessions of papers, roundtables, poster sessions, workshops, demonstrations and performances. Inspired by the egalitarian approach to medieval studies advocated by John R. Sommerfeldt (1933-2023), its founding director, the Medieval Institute invites emerging researchers, graduate students, and independent scholars to organize sessions and submit paper proposals to the Congress.

60th International Congress on Medieval Studies 

The 60th International Congress on Medieval Studies takes place Thursday, May 8, through Saturday, May 10, 2025.

Future Congresses

The 61st International Congress on Medieval Studies takes place Thursday, May 14, through Saturday, May 16, 2026.

The 62nd International Congress on Medieval Studies takes place Thursday, May 13, through Saturday, May 15, 2027.