Murphy’s Rule: Researching African American Genealogy Virtual Event
Celebrate Black History Month as we explore the history, culture, and contributions that shape the African American narrative, locally and nationally, and deepen our appreciation for our shared heritage.
Join Dr. Shelley Murphy, a seasoned professional genealogist and esteemed Descendant Project Researcher at the University of Virginia, as she delves into the intricacies of African American research. In this engaging discussion, Dr. Murphy will share her expert insights, unveiling innovative methods and effective strategies for uncovering ancestral histories. Whether you’re a novice enthusiast or an experienced researcher, you’ll gain valuable tools to navigate the unique challenges of tracing African American lineage.
About the Presenters
George R. Monroe, Jr. is a native of Charlottesville, Virginia and a 1998 graduate of Virginia Union University (VUU), receiving a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the School of Arts and Sciences. After graduating from VUU, George went on to earn a Master of Liberal Arts/History degree from the University of Richmond in 2000. His course of study focused on 19th century racial ideology and its generational impact on African Americans. He has spent the last 27 years working in the financial services industry, most recently as the Senior Vice President of Operational Risk Management for a top 10 (nationally) financial services firm. George is a serial entrepreneur, and humanitarian, having visited over 13 countries to assist others out of negative human conditions. He is also a published author, and a veteran of the United States Marine Corps. In his spare time, George finds enjoyment in researching his genealogy, all things history, gardening, and relaxing with his wife of 20 years, and their two sons in Hanover County, Virginia.
Dr. Shelley Viola Murphy is the Descendant Project Researcher at the University of Virginia where she spearheads the study of the enslaved laborers who laid the university’s foundational stones. Her background spans with nonprofit and local government work focused primarily on real estate, affordable housing and fair housing discrimination issues. An avid genealogist for over 30 years, Dr. Shelley Viola Murphy, aka “familytreegirl,” was born and raised in Michigan, now living in central Virginia. She conducts genealogy workshops at local, state and national conferences. Murphy is known for her inspiring & interactive “SO WHAT” with genealogical research, along with interesting problem-solving methodology lectures such as the use of Timelines.
Murphy is also a coordinator and instructor at the Midwest African American Genealogy Institute (MAAGI) and serves on the Boards of the Library of Virginia and the Albemarle Charlottesville and Fluvanna Historical Societies. She is currently the Genealogist General for the Society of First African American Families of English America (SOFAFEA). She has developed educational programs for the Center for Family History at the International African-American Museum (IAAM). She is a founding member and current President of the Afro-American Historical Genealogical Society Chapter of Central Virginia (AAHGS) and Vice-President of the Central Virginia Genealogical Association. She holds memberships with local, national, state genealogy groups, various historical societies in the United States, including the National Genealogical Society (NGS) and Association of Professional Genealogists and Central Virginia History Researchers. Dr. Murphy’s personal research focuses on Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Virginia/West Virginia, South Carolina, and Tennessee.
A respected voice in the genealogy sphere, Dr. Murphy has been featured on prominent platforms such as Family Tree Magazine and multiple times as a presenter at the world’s largest family history conference, Roots Tech. Her insights on tracing African American roots were showcased on CNN with Victor Blackwell and The Today Show with Craig Melvin, reflecting her expertise to a global audience.
