The mission of the Middle Peninsula African-American Genealogical and Historical Society of Virginia (MPAAGHS) is to create and provide a venue for the research, documentation and publication of African-American genealogy.

The focus of the organization was originally the Middle Peninsula area (including the counties of Essex, Middlesex, King and Queen, King William, Gloucester and Mathews) which is in the Tidewater region of Virginia. However, we have expanded to include the Northern Neck counties of King George, Lancaster, Northumberland, Richmond and Westmoreland.

Anyone doing black genealogy research is encouraged to become involved and will surely find something to share. Membership is open to anyone who is interested in African-American ancestry, history and culture.

The group meets on the second Saturday of each month (except July and August) at 11:00 a.m. normally at the Essex Public Library located at 117 North Church Lane in Tappahannock, Virginia 22560.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, for the near future, MPAAGHS meetings will be conducted virtually. If you would like to receive notice of future meetings and other MPAAGHS events, please submit your email address to us via our contact information form.