Our Founding Story

In the late 1980s, Karen Hughes White and Karen King Lavore began researching their family lines. As they got knee deep in genealogy, their friendship blossomed as they shared their common interest. They tracked down documents, sources… anything to shed light on the lives of those who came before. They sought to join the Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society, but they would have had to start a local chapter, as well as pay national dues, which would have been difficult for many of the local Black residents of Fauquier County. So with the support of the Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society and their network, Karen Hughes White and her co-founder Karen King Lavore decided to start their own organization, the Afro-American Historical Association of Fauquier County.

Who We Are, What We Do

The Afro-American Historical Association of Fauquier County, Virginia serves as an invaluable resource for those researching their own family history or the history of the region. The 4,269 square foot museum on the lower level is home to 1,634 artifacts detailing the rich history of Fauquier County’s Black residents. It provides an interactive experience for school and community groups. The AAHA’s 2276 sq. feet auditorium hosts special events — a celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday for instance, or a family celebration, recognizing a family line.

Our work is made possible by supporters like you:

AAHA Staff

Karen Hughes White
Director

Mrs. Karen Hughes White was born, raised, and now resides in Fauquier County, Virginia. She is a descendant of free and enslaved African Americans of Virginia dating to the early 1700s. White has served on several county boards and committees and was a Fauquier County Circuit Court deputy clerk. Her research of Fauquier’s African Americans is not only known locally but nationally. She is a co-founder and President of the AAHA (Afro American Historical Association of Fauquier County).

Norma Logan
Collections Manager

Norma Logan has been a member of the AAHA team since 2000. She currently serves as Collection Manager. This work includes memberships, donations, and management of the Past-Perfect software program that houses all the organization’s collections. She attended Fauquier Vocational Center and Lord Fairfax Community College completing courses in bookkeeping and accounting. Norma’s family has a long history in Fauquier County which is important to AAHA’s mission to identify and document Fauquier’s African Americans and the communities in which they lived. She brings to AAHA strong professional and organizational skills.

Angela Davidson
Grants Administrator

Angela Davidson, born in Washington, D.C., grew up and attended elementary and high school in Fauquier County. She received an undergraduate degree from Howard University and an M.A. in Counseling from the University of the District of Columbia. She is a member of the AAHA Board, supports its programs and assists with many administrative and clerical functions.

Troy Marshall
GIS Technician

Troy Marshall originally joined AAHA as an intern in August of 2021. After graduating from Virginia Tech in December of 2021 with a bachelor's degree in Geography, he was brought on as the organization's GIS Technician. Troy's work includes digitizing historical maps and records, data analysis, and creating cartographic products for use by the organization and its patrons.

Madison Canterbury
Intern

Madison Canterbury joined AAHA as an intern as part of our partnership with the PATH foundation in June of 2023. She attends Radford University pursuing a degree in Education. She currently assists AAHA’s efforts in restoration and preservation of historical records, social outreach, documentation, testing of internal tools, giving guided tours of the museum, some light data entry and most recently hosting AAHA’s summer program of movies under the theme of African American Resistance, which is the 2023 theme for African American History month.

Emily Nolan
Intern

Emily Nolan joined AAHA as an intern in June of 2023. She attends Mary Washington University pursuing a degree in Anthropology. She currently assists AAHA’s efforts in restoration and preservation of historical records, social outreach, assisting research for our guests, giving guided tours of the museum and most recently hosting AAHA’s summer program of movies under the theme of African American Resistance, which is the 2023 theme for African American History month.

Board of Directors

Karen Hughes White

Brett McAllister Tyler

Brett M. Tyler is a retired veteran of more than 30 years in the transportation industry. A veteran researcher with over 30 years of genealogical research, including extensive research in Albemarle, Amherst, Fauquier and Orange Counties, Virginia, Mr. Tyler also serves as president of Heritage Associates, a firm that conducts genealogical research and informational seminars. He is currently enrolled as a graduate student at the University of Maryland Baltimore County and a member of AAHA’s Board of Directors.

Angela Davidson

Donna Tyler Hollie, Ph.D.

A native Baltimorean, a retired administrator with that city’s Department of Social Services, and AAHA Board member, Dr. Donna Hollie served for 13 years as professor of History and chair of the Social Science Department at Sojourner-Douglass College. She has researched her family history (the Blackwells, Chapmans, Tyler, and Washington’s) for 40 years. She has documented her Fauquier County roots to 1788. Dr. Hollie has been a member of our Board since organizing in 1992.

Karen King Lavore

Co-founder and Vice President of AAHA, Karen King Lavore is a researcher and genealogist. She is a descendant of early Fauquier and Roanoke County freed and enslaved African Americans dating to the early 1800s. She is co-founder of AAHA, co-author of Fauquier County Free Registry of Negroes 1817-1865 and of the AAHAFC’s quarterly newsletter.

Charles Wesley Lewis

Charles Wesley Lewis is an educator in Fauquier County. He teaches US History, African American Studies, & US Government. Over the years he has attended and participated in our programs and facilitated on-tours with his students. He has followed in the footsteps of his great grandfather and grandparents teaching in our County. Mr. Lewis is our newest Board member.

Aysha Davis

Aysha Davis, a member of the AAHA Board, supports its many programs. Aysha is a graduate of Old Dominion University with a B.S. in Communications, Emphasis in Public Relations and Advocacy. She brings to AAHA skills in web communications and digital strategies. Her knowledge and skills in numerous software programs have proven vital in AAHA’s website content, navigation, and professional appearance.

Lisa Elligant Tines

AAHA Treasurer, Lisa Elligant Tines, after 20 years’ service, retired from the United States Navy. She is a graduate of Lord Fairfax Community College with a bachelor’s degree from Old Dominion University. She is a member of AAHA’s volunteer cast and supports AAHA events.

Nichelle Calhoun

Board Member Nichelle Calhoun, a bilingual educator and author, is well versed in the advantages of a strong social media presence and remotely and posts pertinent news features, events, programs involving AAHA. She is manager for Perpetual Blackness Podcast and Blog which is maintained on AAHA’s website. Nichelle, like others of our Board and Staff, traces her roots to Fauquier County.

Miriam Hall Porter, Ph.D.

Miriam Hall Porter (Secretary) is a retired Assistant Professor of Special Education with the Graduate School of Education and coordinator of Project SELF at George Mason University, Fairfax, VA. She holds a B.S. From Hampton Institute, a M. Ed. from George Mason University, an M. Ed. from Virginia Tech, and a Ph D. from Virginia Tech.

Amy Acors, Ph D.

Amy has supported our efforts in educational programs for over three years. In her role as Fauquier County Public School’s Instructional Supervisor - History, Social Sciences, Academic Counseling, Dr. Acors shares our programs with educators and students and participates whenever her schedule allows. She was a vital member of the successful Rosenwald School Project, 2019 and most recently she joined the shared efforts of AAHA and the Piedmont Environmental Council in developing an interactive Story Map highlighting Fauquier’s historically African American Communities, schools, and their churches.