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
AAHGS-PGCM Chapter
P.O. Box 44252
Fort Washington, MD 20744
pgcm@aahgs.org
Chapter Events
The chapter meets bi-monthly via virtual meetings.
Ongoing Projects:
The Prince George’s County Lynching Memorial Project is an ongoing program that documents African American victims of several terror lynching in our county.
The Arlington House Museum project will continue to document the descendants of the enslaved formerly owned by George Washington Park Custis.
Chapter History
In July 1994, the Prince George’s County, Maryland Chapter of the Afro-American Historical & Genealogical Society, Inc. (AAHGS-PGCM) was organized by President, Carolyn Corpening Collins Rowe, Secretary Lillie Mae Atkinson and Treasurer Jane Taylor Thomas. The Chapter exceeded the requirement of 10 members and was chartered with 18 members at the Annual Conference on April 28, 1995.
Since being chartered by AAHGS National, there have been four Presidents – Carolyn Corpening Collins Rowe (1995-1999), Beverly Babin Woods (2000-2003), William Q. O. Shelton (2004-2007), and Jane Taylor Thomas (2007 - present).
AAHGS-PGCM has been conducting two signature programs annually since its inception: Maryland Legacy Day and Juneteenth. Many of its members have served on the National Board of Directors and national committees over many years. There has been one National President, a Vice President for Genealogy, Treasurers, a Webmaster (the first one), a Historian, Membership Coordinators, Conference Planners, a Records Management Specialist, a Recording Secretary, Awards Committee Chairmen, among others. There are several AAHGS Life members and awardees in the membership. The Chapter has been awarded Chapter of the Year twice.
PGCM was the first chapter to have a webpage.