The idea for FIAV began with the informal “International League of Vexillologists,” formed on September 5, 1965 at the First International Congress of Vexillology held in Muiderberg, The Netherlands. The Congress was organized by Whitney Smith of the United States and Klaes Sierksma of The Netherlands. The Fédération Internationale des Associations de Vexillologie was organized in Rüschlikon, Switzerland on September 3, 1967 at the Second International Congress of Vexillology held in Zürich, Switzerland. The FIAV flag, designed by Klaes Sierksma, was first hoisted during ICV 2 on Sunday, September 3, 1967, at the Institute Gottlieb Duttweller.

Twelve associations and institutions recognized themselves as the charter Members of FIAV on September 7, 1969 at Boston University at the Third International Congress of Vexillology held in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. FIAV has sponsored the biennial International Congresses of Vexillology that have been held in Argentina, Australia, Austria, Canada, Germany, Italy, Japan, The Netherlands, Poland, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

In 1996 Whitney Smith wrote a short history of organized vexillology that may be viewed here.

The Federation’s name was changed in 1999 to Fédération internationale des associations vexillologiques, with official translations recognized in English, German, and Spanish. Recognizing the truly international nature of FIAV, the official translations were eliminated in 2017 to avoid the need to adopt additional official translations.

The current FIAV Board consists of Željko Heimer (President, first elected 2019) of Zagreb, Croatia; Bruce B. Berry (Secretary-General, first elected 2019) of Pinegowrie (Johannesburg), South Africa; and Graham M.P. Bartram, (Secretary-General for Congresses, first elected 1999) of Ruislip (London), United Kingdom.

Last Updated on August 14, 2021