Research. Document. Educate. Connect. Inspire.
Membership
Become Part of the Story
Our History Needs People Who Believe in It.
Membership is more than joining AAHGS–Surry NC. It is an investment in the work of researching, documenting, and sharing African American history and genealogy throughout Surry County and the surrounding region.
Our members are an essential part of the strength and future of the organization. Membership dues provide important annual support that helps AAHGS–Surry NC carry out its mission, offer educational and cultural programs, expand access to historical and genealogical resources, engage the community, and continue developing the historic J.J. Jones School as a resource for generations to come.
Just as importantly, a growing membership means more people bringing their knowledge, experiences, family connections, ideas, and talents to this work. Every new member strengthens the network of people committed to keeping African American history visible, accessible, and valued.
Whether you are researching your family history, have roots in Surry County, want to learn more about African American heritage, or simply believe this history deserves to be documented and shared, there is a place for you in AAHGS–Surry NC.
Join us. Add your voice, your support, and your connection to a growing community committed to keeping our history alive.
Become a member today and help carry the story forward.
Why Join?
Connect. Discover. Learn. Make an Impact.
Membership in AAHGS–Surry NC connects you to a community of people who value African American history, genealogy, cultural heritage, education, and the stories that connect generations.
As a member, you become part of the work—learning, sharing, participating, and helping strengthen an organization committed to keeping African American history and genealogy visible, accessible, and valued.
As a member, you can:
- Explore African American history and genealogy connected to Surry County and the surrounding region
- Discover resources that can support your own family-history and genealogical research
- Learn through educational programs, workshops, presentations, and community events
- Connect with others who share an interest in African American history, genealogy, and cultural heritage
- Share family stories, photographs, oral histories, documents, and research that can contribute to a fuller historical record
- Support the responsible stewardship of historic places and resources, including the historic J.J. Jones School
- Participate in volunteer opportunities, programs, projects, and organizational activities
- Stay connected to AAHGS–Surry NC programs, events, research, resources, and organizational updates
- Help strengthen the organization through your membership, participation, knowledge, and annual support
Your membership matters. Your participation makes us stronger. And your connection helps carry this work forward.
Membership Options
Membership Rates effective January 2027
Find the Membership That’s Right for You
Whether you’re beginning your connection to African American history and genealogy, researching your family story, joining alongside your family, or making a lasting commitment to AAHGS–Surry NC, there’s a membership option for you.
Choose the membership that best fits how you want to connect, participate, and support the organization.
Youth / Student Membership
Connecting the Next Generation to History
Designed for young people age 21 and under, Youth / Student Membership creates opportunities to explore African American history, genealogy, education, and cultural heritage while becoming involved in the work of AAHGS–Surry NC.
Youth / Student Members can participate in programs and activities and receive one complimentary admission to a designated AAHGS–Surry NC program or event each membership year.
Annual Dues: $25.00
Individual / Regular Membership
Become Part of the Work
Individual / Regular Membership is designed for adults who want to connect with AAHGS–Surry NC through learning, participation, service, and support of the organization’s mission.
Members can participate in membership meetings, educational programs, activities, volunteer opportunities, and other aspects of organizational life. Eligible members may also exercise voting privileges in accordance with the organization’s bylaws.
Annual Dues: $50.00
Family Membership
Connect Your Family to the Story
Family Membership provides an opportunity for eligible members of a household to explore African American history, genealogy, cultural heritage, and community together.
Family members can participate in AAHGS–Surry NC programs, activities, and membership opportunities. Eligible adult Family Members may exercise voting privileges in accordance with the organization’s bylaws and membership requirements.
Annual Dues: $75.00
Lifetime Membership
Make a Lasting Commitment
Lifetime Membership is for individuals who want to make an enduring commitment to AAHGS–Surry NC and the future of its mission.
The
$1,500 Lifetime Membership contribution must be paid in full within a single fiscal year (January 1–December 31).
Lifetime status becomes effective once the full $1,500 has been received.
Once Lifetime Membership is established, no additional annual membership dues or renewals are required, and the member remains financially current thereafter.
Lifetime Members receive the same voting privileges as eligible Individual / Regular Members, along with special recognition associated with Lifetime Membership.
One-Time Membership Contribution: $1,500.00
Interested in AAHGS–Surry NC?
Take the First Step Toward Getting Involved
Interested in learning more about AAHGS–Surry NC but not quite ready to become a member? We’d love to stay connected with you.
Complete our interest form to tell us a little about yourself and how you would like to connect with the organization. Whether your interests include African American history, genealogy, educational programs, volunteering, the historic J.J. Jones School, or supporting our work, we want to hear from you.
By sharing your interests with us, we can help connect you with programs, events, volunteer opportunities, membership information, and other ways to get involved.
Ready to Become a Member?
Your membership helps strengthen AAHGS–Surry NC and supports the work of researching, documenting, and sharing African American history and genealogy throughout Surry County and the surrounding region.
Join today and become part of the story.
Membership FAQ
Who can become a member?
AAHGS–Surry NC welcomes individuals and families who are interested in African American history, genealogy, education, cultural heritage, and advancing the mission of the organization.
Membership opportunities are available for youth and students age 21 and under, individual adults, families, and individuals seeking Lifetime Membership. Each membership category has its own eligibility, dues, and participation requirements as established by the organization’s bylaws.
You do not have to be a genealogist, historian, or have family roots in Surry County to become a member. We welcome anyone who supports the mission of AAHGS–Surry NC and wants to learn, participate, and help keep African American history accessible for generations to come.
What membership categories are available?
AAHGS–Surry NC offers four membership categories:
Youth / Student Membership — for young people age 21 and under.
Individual / Regular Membership — for adults who want to participate in and support the organization’s mission.
Family Membership — for eligible members of a household who wish to participate together.
Lifetime Membership — for individuals who make a one-time $1,500 membership contribution in accordance with the organization’s membership requirements.
Each membership category offers opportunities to connect, learn, participate, and support the work of AAHGS–Surry NC.
How much does membership cost?
Annual membership dues are:
Youth / Student Membership: $25 annually
Individual / Regular Membership: $50 annually
Family Membership: $75 annually
Lifetime Membership: $1,500 one-time membership contribution
Lifetime Membership must be paid in full within a single fiscal year (January 1–December 31). Once the full $1,500 contribution is received and Lifetime Membership is established, no additional annual membership dues or renewals are required.
How do I update my contact information?
Members can update their contact information through the AAHGS–Surry NC Member Portal.
Please keep your mailing address, email address, phone number, and other contact information current so you don’t miss important membership communications, program announcements, event information, and organizational updates.
If you need assistance updating your information, please contact AAHGS–Surry NC.
Who can I contact with membership questions?
Have questions about membership, dues, eligibility, or which membership option is right for you? We’re happy to help.
Dee Green, Membership Director
Email: membership@aahgssurrync.org
Phone: 336-648-8529
How do I renew my membership?
AAHGS–Surry NC memberships follow the calendar year and are active from January 1 through December 31.
Annual membership dues are due by November 30 for the upcoming membership year. When paying your dues online, you may choose the automatic renewal option to have your annual membership dues renewed automatically each year.
Members who do not select automatic renewal will need to submit their membership dues each year to maintain current membership status. Membership dues received after the November 30 deadline are subject to a $10 reinstatement fee.
Lifetime Members do not renew annually once the full Lifetime Membership contribution has been paid and Lifetime status has been established.
Membership Resources
Stay Connected to AAHGS-Surry NC
Members are encouraged to participate in the organization’s programs, research, educational activities, preservation efforts, and community initiatives.