HomeDelaware Afro-American Historical & Genealogical Society

Welcome to the Delaware Chapter | AAHGS

The Delaware Afro-American Historical & Genealogical Society Chapter

The mission of DEAAHGS is to educate members and the community about African American history and genealogy, and to train members and the community on how to research, record, and present facts about African American history and genealogy. We do so through monthly meetings that feature presentations and/or discussions on these topics and by forming partnerships with like-minded organizations. Our meetings are open to the public.

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Chapter Info

The purposes of this organization are:

To encourage scholarly studies in local and family history;

To encourage individuals who desire to share genealogical and historical expertise to enhance the heritage of African Americans;

To host workshops and seminars, that present informative speakers on history, genealogy, and cultural aspects of our heritage;

and to support and carry out the objectives and policies of the National Society.

Chapter Contact Details
P.O. Box 7205
Wilmington, DE 19803
delaware@aahgs.org

Chapter Events

Monthly on 4th Saturday at 10:30 am; no meeting in December; May & November meetings may shift to the 3rd Saturday to avoid the holiday weekend.

Meetings are usually hybrid, but may occasionally be virtual or in-person only.

Please contact us for details about our upcoming meetings.

Chapter History

Delaware Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society (DEAAHGS) was founded on September 22, 2012, when Alicia Clarke, Syl Woolford, Willis Phelps, and Jim Jones met after an African American Genealogy Workshop hosted by the Delaware Genealogical Society at the Delaware Historical Society. They decided it would be a good idea to start an African American genealogy group in Delaware and thought the Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society would be the right group to join. The workshop presenters were Shamele Jordon, Syl Woolford, and Jim Jones. In October 2012, an informal meeting was held at Jim Jones’ home to begin the formal undertaking to become a sanctioned AAHGS chapter.

By February 2013, the following interim officers were in place: President Erwin Polk, Vice-President & Secretary Syl Woolford, Treasurer Jim Jones, and Keeper of Documents Willis Phelps. Our Founding members are Darleen Amobi, Alicia Clark, Jim Jones, Bruce King, Willis Phelps, Erwin Polk and Syl Woolford. On March 9, 2013, a membership planning meeting was held with Nathania Branch-Miles advising DEAAHGS on what was required to become an AAHGS chapter. AAHGS approved DEAAHGS’ application to become a chapter of AAHGS on October 10, 2013.