Research. Document. Educate. Connect. Inspire.

History & Genealogy

Discover the Stories That Connect Us

African American history in Surry County lives in the stories of our families and communities—in the people, institutions, historic places, photographs, documents, and memories that connect one generation to the next.

AAHGS–Surry NC researches, documents, and shares African American history and genealogy while expanding access to the resources that help people discover, understand, and connect with this important history.

Whether you’re researching your family roots, exploring the history of a local community, or simply curious about the people and places that helped shape Surry County, we invite you to explore, learn, and discover the connections that are part of our shared history.

Explore African American History in Surry County

African American families, schools, churches, businesses, institutions, communities, and historic places are an essential part of the story of Surry County.

AAHGS–Surry NC researches and documents these stories and works to make local African American history accessible to families, researchers, students, educators, and the broader community.

Our work explores the people, places, institutions, events, and cultural traditions that shaped the African American experience in Surry County—from family and community life to education, faith, work, civic engagement, and the places where history happened.

As new stories, records, photographs, documents, and other historical resources are researched and documented, we will continue expanding this website as a place to discover, learn from, and connect with Surry County’s African American history.

““Honoring our history means ensuring the stories of our community are documented, shared, accessible, and valued for generations to come.” ”

Research Your Family History

Every family has a story. Genealogy helps us discover those stories, understand where we come from, and connect our individual family journeys to the larger history of our communities.

AAHGS–Surry NC supports individuals and families as they trace, document, and share African American family histories and lineages connected to Surry County and the surrounding region.

Family-history research can lead to discoveries in census and vital records, family documents and photographs, cemetery records, oral histories, archival collections, newspapers, church records, and other historical sources that help bring the people and stories of the past into clearer view.

Whether you’re just beginning your family-history journey, searching for an ancestor, or trying to solve a long-standing family mystery, our goal is to connect you with resources, information, and guidance that can help move your research forward.

Keeping Community Stories Alive

History is more than dates and documents. It lives in the voices, memories, experiences, traditions, and stories of the people who shaped our families and communities.

AAHGS–Surry NC works to document and share these voices through oral histories, family stories, historical photographs, personal documents, and other materials that provide a deeper understanding of the lived experiences of African Americans in Surry County.

By documenting these stories, we help connect generations, honor the people who came before us, and ensure that their experiences, contributions, and memories remain visible and accessible as part of our shared historical record.

Collections, Archives & Digital Access

Photographs, family records, oral histories, historical documents, and archival materials provide valuable connections to the people, places, and experiences of the past.

AAHGS–Surry NC is committed to expanding access to African American historical and genealogical resources through research, documentation, digitization, online access, and collaboration with families, researchers, community partners, and organizations that care for local historical resources.

As materials are researched, documented, digitized, and prepared for public access, this website will continue to grow with historical photographs, documents, oral histories, family-history resources, and other materials that help connect our community with its history.

Historic Places & Cemeteries

Historic buildings, cemeteries, cultural landscapes, and community landmarks help tell the story of African American life in Surry County and connect us to the people and communities who came before us.

AAHGS–Surry NC works to identify, research, document, and interpret places connected to African American history, particularly those whose stories may have been overlooked, forgotten, or are at risk of being lost.

Our work includes documenting African American cemeteries and other historic resources, researching the people and stories connected to them, and supporting responsible stewardship so these places and their histories remain recognized, accessible, and connected to the families and communities they represent.

Need Help With Your Research?

Trying to learn more about an ancestor, family, community, historic place, or other connection to Surry County? AAHGS–Surry NC may be able to help point you in the right direction.

Submit a research inquiry and tell us what you already know and what you hope to discover. The more information you can provide—such as names, locations, approximate dates, family relationships, and sources you have already consulted—the better we can understand your research question.

While we cannot guarantee that every inquiry can be answered, our goal is to help connect researchers with available information, historical resources, and potential next steps.