What We Do
Preserve and share African American Appalachian history by documenting family genealogy, educating future generations, restoring and protecting historic places and cultural materials, and bringing families and community partners together through storytelling, programs, celebrations, and service.
Genealogy
We’re building a secure, living family tree and collecting photos, documents, and recordings that bring our ancestors’ lives into focus. Through collaborative research and the preservation of historical materials, we aim to strengthen connections across generations and ensure that the legacy of African-American families from Appalachia is never forgotten.
Education
We share the lessons, traditions, and experiences passed down by African American Appalachians to inspire and educate future generations. By documenting stories, highlighting cultural contributions, and offering historical context, AAAL fosters a deeper understanding of African American heritage and creates opportunities for ongoing learning within communities and families.
Restoration and Preservation
Through restoration and preservation efforts, we work to protect and maintain the physical spaces, artifacts, oral history, and memories that hold significance in African American Appalachian history. This includes but is not limited to cemeteries, schools, churches, homesteads, photographs, written records, pottery, tableware, and quilts. AAAL ensures that these historic sites and materials remain sources of pride, remembrance, and education.
Community Events
We create opportunities for family members and community partners to come together, celebrate shared heritage, and strengthen relationships. From fellowship celebrations and storytelling gatherings to cultural programs and volunteer initiatives, AAAL events foster connection, engagement, and a sense of belonging within the extended family network and society at large.
Our Accomplishments
Non-Invasive Cemetery Surveying
Scope:
Contracted non-invasive Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) surveys to locate and map marked and unmarked burials for the preservation of the physical and historical integrity of the cemetery grounds.
Contractor:
Rivanna Archaeological Services, LLC
Lead Archaeologist:
Benjamin Ford, Ph.D., Principal
434-293-3108 (o)
434-981-9468 (m)
African American Cemeteries & Graves Fund
Awarded the Basic Maintenance Grant via the Commonwealth of Virginia (DHR) to support ongoing care, vegetation control, and physical preservation of historic grounds
African American Cemeteries & Graves Fund
Awarded the Extraordinary Block Grant through the Commonwealth of Virginia (DHR) dedicated to major site restoration, specialized structural preservation, and long-term historical conservation.