Abstract: An electrical connector assembly for interconnecting a pair of circuit boards in parallel spaced-apart planes comprises first and second connectors. The first connector includes a dielectric first housing having a mating face and an array of first contacts exposed along the mating face. The first housing has a shroud which defines a boundary around the array of first contacts. The shroud has an edge at a height above the mating face and the first contacts are recessed below the edge. The second connector includes a dielectric second housing having a mating face and an array of second contacts exposed along the mating face for mating with the first contacts. The second housing is configured for complementary reception within the boundary of the shroud, wherein the shroud serves to align the first and second housings for mating before engagement of the first and second contacts can occur.