Afro-American Historical and Genalogical Society of Memphis, TN and the Mid-South

Welcome to AAHGS-Memphis

The Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society, Inc. (AAHGS) strives to preserve African-ancestored family history, genealogy, and cultural diversity by teaching research techniques and disseminating information throughout the community. Our primary goals are to promote scholarly research, provide resources for historical and genealogical studies, create a network of persons with similar interests, and assist members in documenting their histories.

Upcoming Feature Presentations

In consideration for the safety of our members during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, our next meeting will be held virtually. The meeting is for Members ONLY.

Past Feature Presentations

Saturday, September 19 2020 12:00 PM CDT

African American Soldiers in WWII

Presented by

It has been 75 years since the end of World War II. We will be celebrating the African-American soldiers who bravely served their country during this conflict.

If you would like us to acknowledges a WWII service member, please send a photo (preferably in uniform) as well as a brief biography OR description of their wartime service to us at [email protected].

Saturday, August 15 2020 12:00 PM CDT

Genealogy Think Tank 2020

This virtual event will be presented on Zoom

Presented by Dr. L. LaSimba M. Gray, Pastor Emeritus, New Sardis Baptist Church & Verjeana Hunt, Memphis Public Library, Public Services Supervisor- History Department

Each year, AAHGS Memphis presents a "Think Tank" to introduce the general public to our group and to help people get started with their own genealogical research

This year's program will feature Dr. L. LaSimba M. Gray. He is the author Metamorphosis of Memphis: the Blues and Beale Street 1819-2019 and will speak about his book

Following the feature presentation, there will be presentation aquainting guests on how to get started with their own genealogical research.

Discovering Family Ties in Unmarked Slave Graves At Red Banks Baptist Church

Presented by Eunice Buffington

Eunice Buffington, genealogist, family historian, entrepreneur, speaker, and YouTube host.

The Family Tree Buff's mission is to research, record, and reveal the unvarnished truth of lost and hidden blood ties using research and DNA analysis. To raise awareness of the generational trauma inherited from slavery and break the cycle of inherited dysfunction.Preserve pride in the importance of family by connecting blood drops, one cousin at a time. Impact the community through activism and a voice for change.

Retired US Army Warrant Officer(CW4), Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Master's Degree in Human Resource Management, and Certified Vocational Rehabilitation Coach.Descendant of Black Pharaohs, Kings and Queens from England and Scotland, enslaved Africa and Caribbean Natives, and Native American Indians.

Equipped with visual artifacts, books, and historical documents to educate and inspire.My goal is to uncover blood ties through research and DNA connections and reveal the unvarnished truth of the blood ties that connect Black, Red, and White.In doing so leave a record for other researchers seeking that missing link.

Saturday, June 20 2020 02:00 PM CDT

Documenting Your Family History: What You Need to Know as You Get Started

Members, check your email or contact [email protected] for login details.

Presented by Marie Scott

Marie Scott is currently the Parliamentarian for the Black Family Historical and Genealogical Society of Arizona. Her presentation on Saturday, June 20. 2020, will emphasize the importance of applying ethical standards in genealogical research.

Marie is a graduate of Fontbonne University(ST.Louis, MO) with a degree in English Literature.She has spent her career in media related positions which include,Community Affairs Director, KPLR - TV, St.Louis, MO, and Deputy Press Secretary for Vincent C. Schoemehl, Jr., Mayor, ST.Louis, MO, and Community Affairs Director, KMOX News / Talk 1120, a division of CBS Radio.

Saturday, June 13 2020 01:30 PM CDT

Medical History Is A Family History

Presented by Robert Scott, M.D., Ph.D

Our presenter was born and reared in Omaha, Nebraska. He completed his undergraduate studies at Fisk University (Nashville, TN), and he received his M.D. and Ph.D. degrees from Meharry Medical College (Nashville, TN). Robert went on to do his residency at Barnes Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri and he did his general cardiology fellowship at St. Louis University Hospital. He received his sub-specialty fellowship in heart failure and transplant, at Cleveland Clinic, in Cleveland, Ohio. Robert practiced in New Orleans, Louisiana for seven years before accepting the position of medical director of the nascent team, that began the cardiac transplant program at Mayo Clinic, Arizona. He currently serves as the Director of the Pulmonary Hypertension Program, of the Heart Failure and Cardiac Transplant Clinic, Mayo Clinic, Arizona.

Dr. Scott is a member of the American Heart Association; American College of Cardiology; International Society of Heart and Lung Transplantation; Heart Failure Society of America; and Pulmonary Hypertension Association.

Robert holds membership in the Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society, AAHGS-Memphis Chapter, Black Family Genealogy and History Society(Phoenix, Arizona), and West Valley Genealogical Society.He is researching the surnames of Anderson, Hartsfield, Sargent, and Scott in the states of Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Tennessee, and Texas