The past and the present are our means – the future alone is our goal
B. Pascal
My path to heraldry
Heraldry entered my life as a natural continuation of my genealogical research. For more than three decades, researching my family's history, archival documents, old parish registers and the genealogies of the noble families of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, I increasingly came across coats of arms, seals and other heraldic sources. Research carried out at the Lithuanian State Historical Archive in 2011 confirmed my ancestors' descent from the noble Grand Duchy of Lithuania families of Platkevičius, Usavičius and Pesliakas. This discovery encouraged me to take an even more active interest in heraldry, the symbolism of the nobility and European heraldic traditions. Over time, genealogy, heraldry, vexillology and armigerous descent became inseparable areas of my work. Today they encompass not only personal research but also academic, publishing, organizational and international activity.
Public and academic activity
I am:
President of the Academy of Genealogy (GA);
President of the Institute of Genealogy, Heraldry and Vexillology (GHVI);
an academician of the International Academy of Genealogy (French: Académie Internationale de Généalogie, AIG) — the first, and so far the only, member of this academy from Lithuania;
administrator of the International Academy of Genealogy's (AIG) website, www.geneaacademie.org;
Advisor for the Baltic States (French: Conseiller pour les Nations Baltes) to the International Confederation of Genealogy and Heraldry (French: Confédération Internationale de Généalogie et d'Héraldique, CIGH). I represent the Baltic States in the international genealogy and heraldry community and contribute to international scholarly cooperation.
founder and member of the International Institute for Comparative Genealogy, Heraldry, and Vexillology (IICGHV);
founder and member of the International Association of Armigers (IAA);
organizer of international scholarly events;
compiler and editor of the publications "Genealogija" and "Genealogija, heraldika ir veksilologija".
My work in the Lithuanian Genealogical and Heraldic Society also mattered greatly to my professional activity — it was there that I built up practical experience organizing genealogy and heraldry activities in Lithuania.
Since 2021 I have organized the international scientific conference "Alberto Vijūko-Kojalavičiaus skaitymai" (English: International Science Conference 'The Readings of Albertas Vijūkas-Kojalavičius', RAVK), and since 2022 — the international colloquium "Genealogija, heraldika ir veksilologija" (English: International Colloquium of Genealogy, Heraldry, and Vexillology, ICGHV). Every year these events bring together scholars, genealogists, and researchers of heraldry, vexillology and history from Lithuania and from abroad.
From left: FIAV President Dr Željko Heimer (Croatia), CIGH Vice-President Dirk Weissleder (Germany), GHVI President Remigijus Bimba, AIG President Dr Maria Loredana Pinotti degli Uberti (San Marino), CIGH Secretary-General Dr Giorgio Cuneo (Italy). At the closing of the colloquium, 23 May 2026, Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania, Vilnius. GHVI photo.
International initiatives
Founding of the International Institute for Comparative Genealogy, Heraldry and Vexillology
On 9 June 2023 the Vilnius Declaration was signed in Vilnius, becoming the foundation for establishing the International Institute for Comparative Genealogy, Heraldry and Vexillology. I am one of the initiators, founders and members of this institute. The institute brings together researchers from various countries around the world and seeks to promote international cooperation in the fields of genealogy, heraldry and vexillology.
International Association of Armigers
Since 2024 I have been one of the initiators (IAA) and founders of the International Association of Armigers. The IAA brings together people entitled to bear a coat of arms, fosters European heraldic traditions, and promotes research into armigerous descent and international cooperation. I contribute to fostering the traditions of armigerous descent in Lithuania and to organizing international meetings of armigers.
International Academy of Genealogy
In 2019 I became an associate member of the International Academy of Genealogy (AIG), and an academician in 2022. That same year I was entrusted with the duties of administrator of the AIG's website, www.geneacademie.org. I also coordinate the academy's communication on social media and contribute to spreading genealogical scholarship in the international arena.
International activity
International activity in the fields of genealogy, heraldry, vexillology and armigerous descent has become an important part of my professional and public activity. It has given me the opportunity to collaborate with researchers from Europe, North America, South America, Asia, Africa and Australia, and to present Lithuania's achievements in genealogy, heraldry and vexillology in the international arena.
International genealogy colloquia (organized by the International Academy of Genealogy, AIG)
I took part in international genealogy colloquia:
2019 — Warsaw (Poland);
2021 — Messina (Italy);
2023 — Madrid (Spain);
2025 — La Laguna (Spain), Gotha (Germany).
International heraldry colloquia (organized by the International Academy of Heraldry, French: Académie Internationale d'héraldique, AIH)
I took part in international heraldry colloquia:
2019 — Antwerp (Belgium);
2023 — Lund (Sweden);
2025 — Iași (Romania).
I plan to take part in the 37th International Heraldry Colloquium, to be held in Wageningen (Netherlands) in 2027.
International vexillology congresses (organized by the International Federation of Vexillological Associations, French: Fédération internationale des associations vexillologiques, FIAV)
I took part in international vexillology congresses:
2022 — Ljubljana (Slovenia);
2024 — Beijing (China);
2026 — Paris (France).
The title of FIAV Fellow
On 10 July 2026 in Paris, at the closing of the 31st International Congress of Vexillology (ICV31), I was awarded the title of FIAV Fellow (FF). The FF title is awarded to individuals for a significant contribution to vexillology and/or significant work for the benefit of the Federation and its members. I take this international recognition as an important acknowledgement of my work in the field of vexillology, of my international cooperation, and of my representation of Lithuania within the worldwide vexillologist community. The FF title is, for me, also an incentive to keep developing vexillological research, to strengthen international ties, and to contribute to the understanding and spreading of the history, symbolism and heritage of Lithuania's flags. More about the 31st International Congress of Vexillology in Paris, and my role in it, can be found in the congress review prepared by the GHVI at: www.ghvi.lt
From left: FIAV Secretary-General Dr Bruce Berry (Republic of South Africa), FIAV Fellow Remigijus Bimba, FIAV President Dr Željko Heimer (Croatia), FIAV Congress Secretary Dr Anne M. Platoff (USA). ICV31 closing and awards ceremony, 10 July 2026, Paris (France). Photo from Remigijus Bimba's personal archive.
International congresses of genealogical and heraldic sciences (CIGH)
I took part in international congresses of genealogical and heraldic sciences:
2021 — Madrid (Spain);
2022 — Cambridge (United Kingdom);
2024 — Boston (USA).
I plan to take part in the 37th International Congress of Genealogical and Heraldic Sciences, to be held in San Marino in 2027, where I will present a paper on heraldic and genealogical sources in Lithuania.
International cooperation
An important place in my international genealogical activity has been occupied by my acquaintance and cooperation with the French genealogist Michel Teillard d’Eyry (1940–2022), long-serving President of the International Academy of Genealogy. He led the academy from 1998 to 2021 and was one of the most important organizers of its international activity. During his leadership, the AIG regularly held international genealogy colloquia in various countries of Europe and the world, strengthened academic ties among researchers and promoted the international development of genealogical scholarship.
I became more closely acquainted with Michel Teillard d’Eyry in 2019, at the AIG's 11th International Genealogy Colloquium held in Warsaw. This acquaintance became an important stage in my international activity. The same event was also attended by CIGH President Dr Pier Felice degli Uberti (Italy) and the noted Polish genealogist and heraldist Prof. Dr hab. Sławomir Górzyński. Meeting these and other scholars, and receiving their support, was a significant step on my path to becoming an AIG member.
Michel Teillard d’Eyry was regarded as one of the most prominent authorities on international genealogy in Europe. He was CIGH President (2002–2014), a member of many genealogical institutes and organizations, and an active participant in the international genealogical community. For his services to genealogy and heraldry he was appointed CIGH Honorary President. His work left a marked trace on the worldwide genealogical community, and my personal acquaintance with him became one of the most important and valuable international professional relationships in the early stage of my activity at the International Academy of Genealogy.
One of the most significant stages of my international cooperation was my 2019 acquaintance and joint projects with Dr Pier Felice degli Uberti. He is President of the International Commission for Orders of Chivalry (English: International Commission for Orders of Chivalry, ICOC), and an authority in Europe and worldwide on genealogy, heraldry, the history of the nobility and the study of orders of chivalry.
I also maintain close ties with Spanish researchers of genealogy, heraldry and noble traditions. I am personally acquainted with Dr Manuel Pardo de Vera y Díaz, President of the Royal Association of Hidalgos of Spain (Spanish: Real Asociación de Hidalgos de España). This organization is one of Spain's most important institutions of nobility, genealogy and heraldry.
From left: President of the International Confederation of Genealogy and Heraldry Dr Pier Felice degli Uberti (Italy), President of the International Academy of Genealogy Michael Teillard d’Eyry (France), and Chairman of the Lithuanian Genealogical and Heraldic Society Remigijus Bimba. 11th International Genealogy Conference, 3 July 2019, Warsaw (Poland). Photo from Remigijus Bimba's personal archive
The Albertas Vijūkas-Kojalavičius Memorial Medal and Prize
I am the founder and initiator of the Albertas Vijūkas-Kojalavičius Memorial Medal and Prize.
The medal's designer is Žydrūnas Strumila. Laureates of the Albertas Vijūkas-Kojalavičius Memorial Medal and Prize:
2021 — Julius Kanarskas;
2022 — Prof. Rolandas Rimkūnas;
2023 — Dr Sigitas Narbutas;
2024 — Prof. Dr Ramunė Šmigelskytė-Stukienė;
2025 — Algimantas Kaminskas-Krinčius.
Heraldry today
To me, heraldry is not merely the study of coats of arms or symbols. It is an intersection of history, genealogy, art, law and identity that makes it possible to better understand the development of people, families, institutions and states. More than three decades of genealogical research, international scholarly activity, publishing, and cooperation with researchers of heraldry and vexillology from various countries of the world have let me come to know heraldry not only as a historical discipline, but also as a living part of cultural heritage. My personal coat of arms, my family's flags, my activity in armigerous descent, and my participation in international organizations are a natural continuation of this work. It is an effort to preserve historical memory, strengthen family identity, and contribute to fostering genealogy, heraldry and vexillology in Lithuania and in the international arena.
The Bimba family coat of arms
The Bimba family coat of arms is the result of more than thirty years of genealogical research. It symbolically embodies the family's origin, living environment, historical memory and its connection to the Labanoras region. The coat of arms was created following heraldic traditions and is registered in Lithuanian and foreign heraldry registries.
Origin and meaning of the Bimba surname
In creating the Bimba family coat of arms, the first aim was to get to know the family's own history, the origin of the surname and its traditions. The "Dictionary of Lithuanian Surnames", published in 1985 (Vol. I, p. 260), notes that the surname Bimba was widespread in eastern Aukštaitija – in Balninkai, Kaltanėnai, Kamajai, Kuktiškės, Labanoras, Linkmenys, Molėtai, Rokiškis, Utena and other localities. The publication's authors connect the surname with the word "bimba", which the Dictionary of the Lithuanian Language explains as meaning a clumsy person or a good-for-nothing. However, another tradition of the surname's origin has survived within the family.
The legend of the surname
Antanina Vidžiūnaitė-Bimbienė (b. 1920) told the story: "In the old days the Bimba family were Urbonavičius. The Bimba ancestor was a woodcutter. Walking through the forest, he liked to strike trees with the butt of his axe. An echo would ring out – bim bam, bim bam... People began to give him a nickname and called him Bimba." Genealogical research shows that in some baptism, marriage and death records from the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century, members of the Bimba family were recorded as Bimba-Urbonavičius or Urbonavičius. For example, in the death record of Justinas Bimba (1860–1908), the surname is written as "Бимба или Урбонавич" ("Bimba or Urbonavičius"). Later, the surname Urbonavičius gradually disappeared from use within the family, and only the surname Bimba was used. To this day it has not been established what reasons led to this change of surname. One of the representatives of the Bimba family, the teacher Stasė Stundžaitė-Juzelskienė (b. 1940), told the story: "In the Labanoras parish, families often had nicknames. For instance, the Pilipavičius family was called Blažys, the Dyčius family was called Šeigas, and so on." Therefore it cannot be ruled out that the surname Bimba was at first a nickname, which over time became the family's principal surname.
From the history of the surname to the coat of arms
More than three decades of genealogical research made it possible to gather information about the origin of the Bimba family, its direct ancestors and their living environment. It became clear that many of the men of the Bimba family were closely connected with the Labanoras forest. Among them were farmers, forest rangers, foresters, woodcutters, raftsmen, hunters and fishermen. The forest was not only their living environment but also their main source of livelihood. It was precisely these results of genealogical research that became the foundation for creating the Bimba family coat of arms.
The idea to establish the Bimba family coat of arms
Having gathered and researched most of the branches of the Bimba family's direct ancestors and their descendants, the idea arose to create a Bimba family coat of arms. This initiative was also supported by representatives of other branches of the Bimba family. In creating the coat of arms, the family's traditions, occupations, living environment, character traits and historical memory were analysed. The symbolism of the coat of arms reflects the family's connection with the forest, woodworking and the Labanoras region. The legend of the surname's origin, connected with striking tree trunks and their echoing sound ("bim bam"), gave additional grounds to regard the coat of arms as canting arms.
The Bimba family coat of arms
Blazon: on a shield of red (gules), three silver (argent) tree-trunks palewise. Between the outer and the middle trunk, two axes of gold (or) are crossed in saltire. Above the shield – a steel, pointed helm with a mantling of silver and red. The helm's crest bears the emblem of St Hubert, patron saint of hunters – a red stag's head, from between whose silver antlers rises a gold cross. The helm's mantling is red, lined in silver. The coat of arms was designed by Arvydas Stanislavas Každailis.
The Bimba family coat of arms
The Bimba family coat of arms as interpreted by artists from other countries
Over several years, heraldic artists from a number of countries have interpreted and depicted the Bimba family coat of arms in their own styles:
Coat of arms designed by Tudor Radu Tiron, Romania, 2021.
Coat of arms designed by Danilo Carlo Martins, Brazil, 2022.
Coat of arms designed by Björn Fridén, Sweden, 2024.
Shield design by Edgars Sims, Latvia, 2026.
The Bimba family coat of arms has become not only a family symbol, but has also encouraged a deeper interest in personal and family heraldry. In later years I took part in various heraldry projects, consultations and international events, and the experience gained has contributed to a wider spread of heraldry in Lithuania.
The Bimba family coat of arms is registered in Lithuania, Russia, Poland, the Czech Republic, Spain, the United Kingdom and Malta:
1. The Chief Herald of Arms of Malta (Malta), Dr Charles Anthony Gauci, Chief Herald of Arms of Malta, No. Goo68/2023
2. Junta De Castilla Y Leon El Cronista De Armas (Spain), Dr Alfonso de Ceballos-Escalera y Gila, Marqués de La Floresta;
3. Institute of Genealogy, Heraldry and Vexillology, registration date – 13 October 2021, Personal Coats of Arms Registry, No. AH-21/17, www.ghvi.lt;
4. The Armorial Register - International Register of Arms (United Kingdom), registration date – 1 May 2019, No. 0491 (Vol.3), www.armorial-register.com;
5. Nova Heroldia (Poland), registration date – 20 February 2019, No. 160219, www.novaheraldia.net;
6. Česká genealogická a heraldická společnost v Praze (Czech Republic), registration date – 17 December 2018, No. 327, www.genealogie.cz;
7. Lithuanian Genealogical and Heraldic Society, registration date – 15 December 2018, No. 28;
8. Союз Возрождения Родословных Традиций (Union for the Revival of Genealogical Traditions) (Russia), registration date – 4 November 2018, No. 238, www.svrt.ru.
The Bimba family's ceremonial heraldic flag
Description of the flag: cloth of white, bordered on three free edges with a red band and gold fringe. At its centre, on both sides, the Bimba family coat of arms is depicted. The flag's width-to-length ratio is 5:6. The staff is of natural wood, topped with a silver spearhead. Gold cords with tassels are tied to the top of the staff, near the spearhead. The flag was designed by Arvydas Stanislavas Každailis.
The Bimba family's ceremonial heraldic flag
Description of the flag: cloth of white, bordered on three free edges with a red band and gold fringe. At its centre, on both sides, the Bimba family coat of arms is depicted. The flag's width-to-length ratio is 5:6. The staff is of natural wood, topped with a silver spearhead. Gold cords with tassels are tied to the top of the staff, near the spearhead. Flag designer: Arvydas Stanislavas Každailis.
The Bimba family's ceremonial heraldic flag is registered in Lithuania:
1. Institute of Genealogy, Heraldry and Vexillology, registration date – 13 October 2021, Personal Heraldic Flags Registry, registry No. AHV-21/4-R, www.ghvi.lt;
2. Lithuanian Genealogical and Heraldic Society, registration date – 5 November 2019, No. AV-1.
The Bimba family's field heraldic flag
Description of the flag: the symbols of the Bimba family coat of arms, taken out of the shield, are centred on the field flag's cloth – centred. The flag is in the coat of arms's colours. The flag's width-to-length ratio – 10:11 (3:5).
Flag designer: Arvydas Stanislavas Každailis.
The Bimba family's field heraldic flag is registered in Lithuania:
1. Institute of Genealogy, Heraldry and Vexillology, registration date – 13 October 2021, Personal Heraldic Flags Registry, registry No. AHV-21/4-L, www.ghvi.lt;
2. Lithuanian Genealogical and Heraldic Society, registration date – 5 November 2019, No. AV-1.
Armigerous descent
In recent years, one of my most important areas of interest has become armigerous descent. An armiger is a person entitled to bear a coat of arms. Traditions of armigerous descent have existed in Europe for many centuries and are inseparable from the history of heraldry. I take an interest in the history of armigerous descent, its place in contemporary society, and the practice of various European countries. I am one of those fostering the traditions of armigerous descent in Lithuania. Since 2024 I have been one of the initiators of founding the International Association of Armigers. I also contribute to the activity of the Lithuanian Armigers' Lodge and to organizing international meetings of armigers in Vilnius. To me, armigerous descent is not only the right to bear a coat of arms. It is a responsibility to foster historical memory, to respect heraldic traditions and to pass them on to future generations. That is why, in my work, I seek to strengthen the culture of heraldry, genealogy and vexillology in Lithuania and to promote international cooperation among researchers and practitioners in these fields.
Today I regard heraldry, genealogy, vexillology and armigerous descent not only as fields of scholarly interest. They are means of preserving cultural memory that help us better understand the identity of a person, a family and a state. Through my work I seek to contribute to fostering these traditions in Lithuania and to spreading them internationally.
Heraldry speaks of origin. Genealogy — of people. Vexillology — of identity. Armigerous descent — of the responsibility to preserve what was created before us, and to pass it on to those who come after us
Remigijus Bimba