The annual convention of the Orders & Medals Society of America is coming to Chicago this August. Its annual meeting moves around the country and is sponsored by local medal collectors. This is the first time the convention has been in Chicago since 1998.

Commonly known as OMSA, members of the numismatic specialty group collect, research, and preserve American and worldwide medals of all kinds, military and civilian, including decorations for bravery and medals for various types of service. Related books on Orders, Decorations & Medals (ODMs) and the circumstances surrounding their award are also an important part of the hobby and are well represented at the convention. Medal collecting is a study of history reflected in the imagery of its honors.

OMSA attendees pay a registration fee, granting access to the convention floor for the four day showroom floor and exhibits, two days of seminars on related topics and concluding with an annual banquet. On the Saturday of this weekend, the convention floor is open for free to the general public.

Seminar Topics: (British and its Commonwealth)
British Campaign Medals of the Anglo-Afghan Wars
An American in the Indian Army

Seminar Topics: International
Zimbabwe’s Bravery Crosses: A Collectors Guide
Allied Women of WW II And Their Awards, Part IV
An Award of the Rif Republic

Seminar Topics: (United States of America)
Armed Forces Reserve Medals Insignia and Ribbons
Buyer Beware: Real and Fake Medals
Fake Naming Styles Part II

With the remote possibility of a previously scheduled presentation on
Montenegrin Medal Mélange by Winifred Taylor (Schedule permitting)

The convention floor and fascinating exhibits will also be open to non-registered OMSA members and the general public on Saturday, August 17, 2024 from 10am to 5pm. All are welcome to browse the dealer tables, talk with members, and view the competitive exhibitions on display. Subjects are varied and are created by members who wish to share their research.

The convention will be held at the MARRIOTT CHICAGO O’HARE located at 8535 West Higgins Road, Chicago, IL 60631, from August 15 through 18, 2024.

Those presently, or potentially, interested in learning about medal collecting are enthusiastically invited. For more information about OMSA, see www.omsa.org.