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.