Family Tree Girl

Charlottesville, VA, August 16, 2018 – The Charlottesville Center for History and Culture: Home of the Albemarle Charlottesville Historical Society, today named Dr. Shelley Murphy as the new Chair of the Board of Directors.

A native of Michigan, Dr. Murphy has been an avid genealogist for nearly three decades, specializing in the study and practice of African-American genealogical research. She is a much sought-after guest lecturer throughout the country, and is well known here in the Central Virginia region for her exceptional work in this field. Dr. Murphy holds a Doctorate of Management in Organizational Leadership from the University of Phoenix. She is an Adjunct Professor for Averett University’s satellite campus in Richmond. She also works part time as a Housing Counselor with the Piedmont Housing Alliance, routinely educating citizens on family financial literacy and the benefits of home ownership.

“I am thrilled with this honor,” Dr. Murphy said. “This is an exciting time of great opportunities for the Historical Society. I’m proud to be part of this organization and am looking forward to contributing to the important work we do.”

The Board has expressed its sincere thanks to out-going Chair Will Lyster, who re-joined the Board earlier this year and agreed to temporarily serve as Chair to help steer the organization through a challenging transition period. Dr. Murphy said, “Will’s exemplary leadership and his outstanding commitment to the well-being of our organization has been an inspiration for every one of us on the Board. We are so thankful for all the work he has done.”

Coy Barefoot is the Center’s Executive Director. “The Board’s unanimous decision to elect Shelley as our new Chair,” Barefoot said, “signals the beginning of an exciting new chapter in our story. Our goal is to re-imagine and re-invent the role of an historical society in the 21st century, to be a strong civic organization that works to enrich the lives of our neighbors and visitors here in Central Virginia. We believe history can be a powerful tool to create experiences that can inform, enlighten, inspire and bring people together. Shelley’s leadership and vision will be crucial to our efforts. We are all looking forward to working with her.”

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The Charlottesville Center for History and Culture: Home of the Albemarle Charlottesville Historical Society (Founded in 1940) is an independent, nonprofit 501(c)(3) educational organization focused on exploring the history of the Central Virginia region. The Center receives no on-going operating funds from any federal, state or local agencies but relies entirely on membership support, gifts, donations, and grants. A new website at cvillecenter.org is currently in development and will be launched soon. You can follow the latest news and announcements at their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/achs1940