Organizing Northern Virginia Branch
ABOUT THIS BRANCH
Organizing President, Dr. Joseph P. Boutte
The Organizing Northern Virginia Branch of ASALH was established in 2025 to extend Dr. Carter G. Woodson’s legacy of researching, preserving, and promoting Black history across the diverse communities of Northern Virginia. Our branch brings together educators, historians, civic leaders, genealogists, students, veterans, and community organizations to deepen understanding of African American life and history in the region.
Northern Virginia’s rich Black heritage—Gum Springs, Green Valley, Quantico, Fort Belvoir, Manassas, Dumfries, Alexandria, Fairfax County, Loudoun County—provides a powerful backdrop for our work. We seek to illuminate these stories, advance scholarship, promote youth engagement, and strengthen community connections through programs, partnerships, and public education.
As an organizing branch preparing for chartering, our mission is to create a vibrant, visible, and sustained presence for ASALH across Northern Virginia and to serve as a model for community-centered historical engagement.
Why Join the Northern Virginia Branch?
Members gain:
- Direct connection to ASALH’s national mission
- Opportunities to participate in public history programs
- Local partnerships with museums, schools, libraries, churches, and military communities
- Genealogy and family heritage workshops
- Invitations to lectures, tours, events, and community programs
- Opportunities for leadership in new and innovative initiatives across Northern Virginia
- Networking with scholars, historians, community leaders, and educators
ASALH identifies growing, mission-focused branches as essential to expanding Dr. Woodson’s work. Our NOVA branch invites all who believe in preserving, promoting, and protecting historical truth.
HOW TO JOIN
(All memberships require joining both ASALH National and the Branch.)
Step 1 — Join ASALH National
Step 2 — Select “Organizing Northern Virginia Branch”
as your branch affiliation.
Institutional Memberships Welcome
Universities, churches, civic organizations, libraries, businesses, and nonprofits are encouraged to join and support the regional mission of historical education.
Branch Events
Quarterly Genealogy & Family History Workshops
Location:
PWC Libraries, Fairfax Library, RELIC, Alexandria Library, Loudoun County Libraries
Description:
Hands-on workshops designed to help families research their African American lineage and preserve intergenerational stories.
NOVA African American Heritage Tours (Spring & Fall) Trips to:
- Gum Springs Historic District
- Green Valley (Arlington)
- Manassas African American Heritage Trail
- Freedmen’s Cemetery (Alexandria)
Youth & Education Series (Year-Round)
Programs in partnership with schools, youth groups, and churches to engage teens in ASALH’s mission.