Press coverage

The Institute has now succeeded in securing a member of the former Austrian imperial family as its patron. An article noting as much has appeared in the local press.

The Heraldic Institute e.V. is dedicated to promoting heraldry as an international field within the history of art and culture. As an auxiliary discipline of history, heraldry plays an important role in the interpretation of historical sources, material culture, and systems of representation. The Institute seeks to connect specialist scholars (Fellows) with an interested public. The registered non-profit association operates entirely voluntarily. Its members are primarily experts in heraldry who exchange knowledge among themselves. In conscious reference to historical learned societies, however, the Institute also aims to communicate heraldic knowledge beyond the boundaries of traditional educational institutions.

For some time, the Heraldic Institute has been seeking a suitable figure to serve as a symbolic head of the organization. The choice fell on His Imperial and Royal Highness Casimir of Habsburg-Lorraine, whose traditional titles include Archduke of Austria, Prince of Tuscany. The Institute’s director, Dr. John F. Mueller, expressed his pleasure that “His Imperial and Royal Highness has agreed to serve as our patron. Not only because of the historical connection of the Institute’s permanent home to the former rulers, but also because Archduke Casimir has a personal interest in heraldry and himself designs heraldic motifs in numerous woodcarving works.”

To celebrate our new Patron the Board has designed a Banner: Combining Austrian, Hungarian and Portuguese traditions (spanning many of the areas ruled by the Habsburgs) the banner features the arms of the Patron encircled by the ribbon and badge of a Fellow (which he may wear by virtue of his office) and accompanied by decorative foliage (similar to other Institute designs). The whole is presented in the manner of a standard of the ceremonial commander of a regiment, with our badge displayed in the four corners.