Skip to main content
Home2026 Virtual National Symposium

2026 AAHGS 1-Day Virtual Symposium

Research. Recover. Reclaim.

Saturday, October 24, 2026

9:00 AM - 7:00 PM ET

Documenting Our Legacy with Evidence and Intention
Join the Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society (AAHGS) for an engaging and transformative one-day virtual symposium dedicated to advancing Afro-American genealogy, historical preservation, and evidence-based family research.

This national virtual gathering on Whova will bring together genealogists, historians, researchers, educators, archivists, storytellers, preservationists, and community leaders committed to uncovering, protecting, and documenting the stories of Black families and communities across generations.

Attendees will experience a full day of dynamic presentations, interactive learning opportunities, moderated discussions, and practical research strategies designed to help participants move beyond basic family trees toward deeper historical understanding and documented legacy preservation.
Register Today   

AAHGS Members: $95
AAHGS Students: $40
Non-Members: $110
Non-Members Students: $50 

This virtual gathering
will take place on Whova.

Symposium Tracks

To provide meaningful learning opportunities for all experience levels, the symposium will feature three educational tracks:

Beginner’s Track

Perfect for individuals who are new to genealogy or beginning their Afro-American family history journey. Sessions will focus on foundational research skills, getting started with records and archives, organizing research, oral history collection, and understanding essential genealogy tools and terminology.

Intermediate/Advanced Track

Designed for experienced researchers seeking to strengthen methodology, analyze complex records, and deepen evidence-based research practices. Topics may include land and probate research, DNA analysis, migration studies, forensic genealogy methods, archival interpretation, community reconstruction, and advanced documentation strategies.

Moderator-Led Discussion Track

An interactive discussion-based experience featuring facilitated conversations, case studies, research challenges, collaborative problem-solving, and community dialogue around preservation, historical erasure, Black land loss, archival gaps, research ethics, and documenting community narratives with intention.

Special Lunch & Learn Session

Attendees will also enjoy a special Lunch & Learn presentation hosted by FamilySearch, featuring valuable tools, resources, and insights to help strengthen family history research and discovery.

Symposium Topics May Include:
  • African American Genealogy Research Methods
  • DNA & Genetic Genealogy
  • Land Records, Heir Property & Black Land Loss
  • Census, Probate & Court Record Analysis
  • Community & Church History Preservation
  • Military & Migration Research
  • Archival Research & Historical Documentation
  • Oral Histories & Digital Preservation
  • Research Methodology & Evidence Standards
  • Cultural Memory, Storytelling & Legacy Building
Who Should Attend?
  • Beginner to advanced genealogists
  • Family historians and researchers
  • Historical societies and museums
  • Librarians and archivists
  • Educators and students
  • Community preservation advocates
  • Anyone passionate about preserving Black history and family legacy
Why Attend?
  • Learn practical research strategies from experienced speakers
  • Explore multiple learning tracks tailored to your experience level
  • Engage in meaningful conversations surrounding preservation and legacy
  • Discover tools and resources to strengthen your genealogy research
  • Connect with a national network of historians, genealogists, and preservation advocates
  • Gain inspiration to document and protect your family and community history
This virtual experience is designed to educate, inspire, and mobilize attendees to reclaim and preserve the stories of our ancestors through research, evidence, documentation, and intentional historical preservation.

Loading...

National Office
 

Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society, Inc.

P. O. Box 73067
Washington, DC 20056-3067

202.234.5350

info@aahgs.org
Help Support AAHGS

Donate Today