Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society

AAHGS was founded in 1977 in Washington, DC by a small group of historians and genealogists, who felt a need to share resources and methodology for pursuing historical and genealogical research. For more than 43 years, our members have worked together to trace the historical ties that bind us one to another, mold the present, and shape the future.

We operate as a national organization with local affiliate chapters. The national organization is responsible for maintaining the website, producing publications, hosting the annual conference, maintaining communications, and promoting the work of AAHGS on a national level. Chapters represent “our feet on the ground.” They meet regularly to share historical information and conduct local projects. 

AAHGS sponsors and supports projects and programs across the country, either on a national basis, through our local chapters, or through the initiative of individual members. Our members share their knowledge and discoveries by conducting workshops and giving lectures at events for a wide variety of organizations. They have worked with private and parochial school systems, Boy Scouts of America, Black Family Reunion, George Washington University, Federal Departments of Housing and Urban Development, Defense and Justice, Library of Congress, National Archives and Records Administration, U.S. Postal Service, National Park Service, and other historical and genealogical organizations.