Essex Archaeological and Historical Congress was founded in 1964 to bring together all the organisations in the country interested in Archaeology, local history and civic life. Today Essex Congress has nearly 100 member groups and actively promotes awareness and study of the rich heritage of the County.
As an umbrella body the role of Essex Congress is co-ordinating and promoting the work of local groups and societies across the county. The popular Symposia organised by Congress bring together the range of activities: an Archaeological Symposium is held every year in autumn, together with a local and Family History Symposium held every other spring. These conferences are both informal and informative, summarising current knowledge and presenting new information.
The Annual General Meetings are held in a different historic venue around the county each year, and are also informal and convivial events which includes behind-the-scenes tours, talks and walks.
There are two executive meetings a year; the business session is usually brief and followed by a presentation and discussion.
1 To advance the education of the public in the fields of archaeology, history and conservation in the historical county of Essex.
2. To bring together into permanent association all authorities, societies and other organisations the activities of which, in whole or in part, are concerned with the archaeology or history of Essex.
3. To provide such facilities as it seems desirable for the closer co-operation of members in respect of such activities.
4. To stimulate interest in the care, investigation and preservation of antiquities, buildings and records in Essex, and to engage in such action including publication as is deemed necessary for these purposes
5. To collaborate with any bodies outside Essex, the activities of which are deemed relevant to the archaeology or history of Essex.
