About
Guiding Principles & History
Hosted by the Medieval Institute at Western Michigan University, the International Congress on Medieval Studies is an annual gathering of thousands of scholars interested in medieval studies. The Congress embraces the study of all aspects of the Middle Ages, extending into late antiquity and the early modern period, including—but not limited to—history, language, literature, linguistics, art, archaeology, religion, science, medicine, music, drama, philosophy, gender, sexuality, mysticism and technology, as well as medievalism.
Guiding Principles
From the start, the International Congress on Medieval Studies was intended to be different from other academic conferences.
It is a place for all medievalists.
No matter who you are, where you are from, how you were educated, or what you study, the Congress is for you.
It is a collaborative scholarly enterprise.
Congress is hosted by the Medieval Institute but 95% of its events are organized by and for the international community of medievalists. It is you all who make the Congress and you who determine what it will be.
Encourage your colleagues to participate and join the conversations. Help shape the future of the past.
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.
62nd International Congress on Medieval Studies
62nd International Congress on Medieval Studies
The 62nd International Congress on Medieval Studies will take place Thursday, May 13, through Saturday, May 15, 2027.
Future Congresses
Future Congresses
The 63rd International Congress on Medieval Studies dates will be announced soon.
