About Us
The focus of AAHGS-Greater Richmond, Virginia Chapter is genealogical and historical studies of the Richmond area and Central Virginia counties. The chapter has members who have family roots that extend beyond Virginia. Anyone with interest in African American ancestry is invited to join the Chapter and will find information that extends their genealogical and historical knowledge. AAHGS-GRVA local chapter members are networked to over thirty-five other local chapters dispersed across the country, through their membership in AAHGS National. The AAHGS local members receive numerous benefits by being members of AAHGS National.
In 2007, the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia partnered with FamilySearch and the National Archives and Record Administration (NARA) to index the Virginia Freedmen’s Bureau records. The Virginia records were the first state records of this Reconstruction-era federal agency to be indexed. The project was highly successful and considerable interest was expressed in Richmond area African American genealogy. In March of 2008, as a part of a plan to spotlight African American genealogy, the Board of Directors of the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia sought to have African American genealogy as one of the areas of focus for the museum. Over the next two years the museum held multiple genealogy-related programs. It was noted that although there were two chapters of the Afro-American Genealogical and Historical Society in Virginia (Hampton Roads and Charlottesville), there was not a chapter in Richmond, despite an earlier attempt to form one.
The first meeting of about fifty interested persons to form a Richmond chapter was held at the Black History Museum on March 27, 2010. Over the course of the year, the founding members led by Maureen Elgersman Lee, Director of the Black History Museum established the Purposes and By-Laws of the organization: (1) to encourage scholarly studies in local and family history, (2) to encourage individuals who desire to share genealogical and historical expertise to enhance the heritage of African Americans, (3) to host workshops and seminars, to present informative speakers on history, genealogy, and cultural aspects of our heritage and (4) to support and carry out the objectives and policies of the National Society.

The purposes of this organization are (1) to encourage scholarly studies in local and family history, (2) to encourage individuals who desire to share genealogical and historical expertise to enhance the heritage of African Americans, (3) to host workshops and seminars, to present informative speakers on history, genealogy, and cultural aspects of our heritage and (4) to support and carry out the objectives and policies of the National Society.
The major focus of AAHGS-GRVA is genealogical and historical studies of the Richmond area and Central Virginia Counties. The Chapter has members who have family roots that extend beyond Virginia. Anyone with interest in African-American ancestry is invited to join the Chapter and will find information that extends their genealogical and historical knowledge.
AAHGS-GRVA local chapter members are networked to over thirty-five other local chapters dispersed across the country, through their membership in AAHGS National. The AAHGS local members receive numerous benefits by being members of AAHGS National.
These include:
- Being a part of the largest African American genealogy society in the country
- Subscription to the award-winning, informative AAHGS News, our quarterly electronic magazine for up-to-date information about Black genealogy issues
- Subscription to the award-winning AAHGS Journal, an annual publication
- Discounts on AAHGS publications
- Members submit books for AAHGS International Book Awards
- Submit nominations of members and volunteers for AAHGS National Awards
- Submit articles for inclusion in both the AAHGS News and AAHGS Journal
- Gain exposure by making presentations at AAHGS events and conferences
- Coordinate with researchers from other areas
- Post queries in other chapters’ newsletters and blogs
- Improvement of genealogical research skills
One major benefit of membership in AAHGS, is the discount that members receive to attend the Annual National Conference. The conference brings together numerous scholars presenting a wealth of information on genealogical and historical subjects. In 2021 there were over 700 people virtually attending the National conference.