We are pleased to share our third Hometown Histories profile! See our News & Events page or click on Lillian’s name for our spotlight on Lillian Turner Holly

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About the Madison County African American Historical Association

Our Mission

The MCAAHA’s mission is to honor and preserve the rich history and stories of African Americans in Madison County, Virginia. We believe that a deeper understanding will be achieved through education, research, and community engagement; and that an appreciation for our collective American history is essential to building a more inclusive and equitable community for all.

Our Vision

The MCAAHA will foster greater understanding and appreciation of African American contributions to our community while supporting diversity and promoting cultural inclusivity. We believe that everyone should be empowered to engage in their history and culture and fully recognize and celebrate African American achievements. 

Our Values

We are dedicated to the belief that sharing the true history of our Madison community enlightens and enriches us all. We believe that understanding this important history, reflecting both adversity and achievement, can serve to inspire and unite us, and strengthen our community ties.

The History of the MCAAHA

Madison County was founded in 1792, with people of African descent contributing greatly to the region throughout its history as enslaved workers, laborers, farmers, educators, professionals, and entrepreneurs. The MCAAHA was founded in 2006, after years of deep research by Madison native Nancy Garnett Williams. Interns from James Madison University, Smith College, and Virginia Commonwealth University assisted the staff of the Madison County Circuit Court and the Madison County Library, providing invaluable research, data collection, and documentation regarding wills, marriage licenses, deeds, chancery filings, and other historical material. A collection of family files was established to assist families in their genealogical searches. 

In 2018, MCAAHA partnered with the University of Virginia’s Small Special Collections Library to house a collection of memorabilia of the 1880 Grand United Order of Odd Fellows of Madison County. Recently, the MCAAHA and the Madison County Historical Society opened an exhibit of Odd Fellows artifacts at the society’s location in the Kemper Residence on Main Street. The display will remain until December 2023. In 2023, MCAAHA established a new board of directors along with a new president, Mesha Jones.

Our Work

We seek to honor local African American history through:

Board of Directors

Mesha Jones – President

Nancy Garnett Williams – Vice President

Lois Goodall – Treasurer

Carlotta Beasley Smith – Secretary

Dorothy Arrington

Dorren Brown

Ray Goodall

Charles Landgraf

Rev. Frank D. Lewis

Zann Nelson

Cindy Taylor

Paul Williams, Jr.

How You Can Help

Join Us!

Interested in the collective history of Madison County? Want to learn more or share information about African American achievements in our community? There are many ways you can help:

 

become a Member