Author Archives: familytreegirl

About familytreegirl

Shelley Murphy, aka “familytreegirl”, a native of Michigan residing in Central Virginia, Shelley has been an avid genealogist for over 25+ years researching the Davis, Marsh, Goens/Goins/Goings, Roper, Boyer, Worden, Cureton, and Murphy family lines. She is a Coordinator and faculty for the Midwest African American Genealogy Institute (MAAGI), presents Genealogy 101 workshops at the local community college, state and national genealogy conferences. She holds a Doctorate of Management in Organizational Leadership and works as an adjunct professor for Averett University. Murphy is known for her inspiring and interactive “Getting Started” Methods and Strategies for genealogy research, “Time and File management” along with interesting problem-solving methodology lectures. Shelley currently has 20+ publications with Charlottesville Genealogy Examiner and the Central Virginia Heritage, a publication of the Central Virginia Genealogical Association. She is an instructor for the Midwest African American Genealogy Institute (MAAGI). Doctor of Management in Organizational Leadership, Adjunct Professor, Professional Genealogist. Volunteers for American Red Cross as a Disaster Services Instructor, facilitates financial education workshops for the last 8 years, and former licensed Real Estate Broker

Saving Boyd Carter Memorial Cemetery in Kearneysville, West VA

Posted on April 27, 2019 by familytreegirl

I am so sorry to my ancestors and my heart is broken. A group of folks are trying to help save the cemetery from being disturbed. I feel we are too late, money and dirty tactics will probably win. But, … Continue reading →

Posted in Genealogy | 3 Comments

Just because you have a Black friend…

Posted on March 1, 2019 by familytreegirl

does not mean you are not a racist or have racist tendencies! This write up is a little rant, so it’s up to you if you want to read it or not. The 2019 Black History month has not been … Continue reading →

Posted in Genealogy | 6 Comments

From the Hendry’s to the Borden’s

Posted on December 17, 2018 by familytreegirl

Okay, let me back up a bit because I am on a roll. This is on my father’s side, so Murphy’s this is for you. I posted a blog on the Hendry’s. I welcomed William Hendry to the family via … Continue reading →

Posted in Genealogy | 1 Comment

DNA Made Clear at the Library of Virginia

Posted on September 5, 2018 by familytreegirl

Curious about DNA and what to do with it once you have received results? Sept 9th at the Library of Virginia (in Richmond, Virginia)  is the place to be to receive some answers. Registration is still open. Click on the … Continue reading →

Posted in Genealogy | Leave a comment

African American Family History Day at Poplar Forest! 9/22

Posted on August 19, 2018 by familytreegirl

Are you familiar with Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest in Forest, Virginia? Visit the home page at: https://www.poplarforest.org/#section-1  Information shared from the website event’s page: Discover your African American roots. Join the Poplar Forest African American Advisory Group for an interactive … Continue reading →

Posted in Genealogy | Leave a comment

Charlottesville Center for History and Culture: Home of the Albemarle Charlottesville Historical Society Announces New Board Chair

Posted on August 19, 2018 by familytreegirl

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 … Continue reading →

Posted in Genealogy | 1 Comment

Welcome to the family William Hendry/Henry and family.

Posted on August 11, 2018 by familytreegirl

This will be a short one since it is a work in progress. It is great to meet you William Hendry/Henry who was born in 1760-64 in Frederick, Virginia and moved on to Greene County, Tennessee. I am thrilled to … Continue reading →

Posted in Genealogy | 1 Comment

” DNA and Genealogy: How to Tell the Story”-Charlottesville, VA

Posted on April 8, 2018 by familytreegirl

” DNA and Genealogy: How to Tell the Story” by Midwest African American Genealogy Institute (MAAGI) (www.maagiinstitute.org) Join us! May 12, 2018 – 8:30am to 5pm Location: At the Jefferson School African American Heritage Center 233 4th St. NW, 2nd … Continue reading →

Posted in Genealogy | Leave a comment

52Weeks 52Ancestors-Lucky-James Roper

Posted on April 8, 2018 by familytreegirl

Was James Roper lucky to be born a mulatto and the only child of his father? Let me introduce you to James Roper who was born 12 May 1783 in Jefferson County, Virginia. James died 8 Dec 1867 in Jefferson … Continue reading →

Posted in Genealogy | 3 Comments

52Weeks 52Ancestors-Woman!

Posted on March 23, 2018 by familytreegirl

Meet my 3x great grandmother Sarah Ann “Hart” Goings/Goins/Goens. We have no photos of her or her husband. She was married to Lawson Goens/Goings/Goins, who was born in Loudoun County, Virginia in 1807 and passed in 12 July 1874, in … Continue reading →

Posted in Genealogy | Leave a comment