Newly formed East TN Chapter of AAHGS to meet in Knoxville

The newly formed East TN Chapter of the Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society will meet at the Beck Cultural Center on Saturday, February 8, 2020 @ 11 am. Beck Cultural Center is located at 1927 Dandridge Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37915

Calling all East TN Family Historians and Genealogists who specialize in African American Family Research. We are working our way through East TN introducing ourselves and welcoming new members.

AAHGS East TN is an affiliate of the national organization of AAHGS. We are a group of individuals dedicated to preserving and sharing genealogical and historical research techniques and methods. Our meetings and Facebook group are dedicated to disseminating information toward that endeavor. We will also be conducting educational programs, exhibits, and workshops to educate those interested in finding their roots and the history of African Americans in Tennessee.

The first project will be “The Black Experience and Growing Up in White Pine, TN”. It is scheduled for Saturday, February 29, 2020 at 1625 Main Street, White Pine, TN 37890

White Pine, TN was once home to several plantations with large amounts of slaves. Federal Census records show the black community mostly left White Pine around 1920. There has been little effort to protect the history of Black life in and around White Pine.

The organization is calling all past and present residents of White Pine, TN and any of their descendants. They would like to piece the remaining pieces of the stories to better understand the dynamics of this mostly white community. AAHGS wants to learn of your experiences growing up or living Black in this tiny East TN town. What happened to the once significant African American population? Where did they go and why? What family lore has been passed down through the years. Please bring your memories or family stories to preserve for future generations.

For more information: Call (423) 248-8916 or email easttn@aahgs.org or visit facebook.com/groups/AAHGSEASTTN.

Published January 28, 2020