The nation’s premier African-American history and genealogical gathering, The Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society (AAHGS) Annual Conference & Exposition, is gearing up to take place at the College Park Marriot Hotel and Conference Center, Thursday, October 10 – Saturday, October 12, outside Washington, D.C.

Port Of Harlem contributor C.R. Gibbs will be a keynote speaker along with historian Paul Heinegg and National Museum of African American History and Culture Researcher and Museum Specialist Mary Elliot.

"In front of an audience composed of some of the nations' most eminent scholars, historians and genealogists, I will examine the roots of what really happened at Jamestown four centuries ago and its still reverberating effects on our history, culture, and society," says Gibbs.

The conference attracts historians, genealogists, researchers, educators, enthusiasts, and the general public with all levels of experience. Exhibitors usually include the Midwest African American Genealogy Institute, AfricanAncestry.Com, and The Sons and Daughters of The United States Middle Passage.

AAHGS strives to preserve African-ancestored family history, genealogy, and cultural diversity by teaching research techniques and disseminating information. “Our primary goals are to promote scholarly research, provide resources for historical and genealogical studies, create a network of persons with similar interests, and assist members in documenting their family histories,” say Toni Byrd-Vann, AAHGS public relations director.

AAHGS has also organized pre-conference tours to Mount Vernon, Arlington National Cemetery, Washington DC (City) African Heritage, The Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Harriet Tubman, Sotterley Plantation, and Historically Black Colleges and Universities from free to $80.

Conference registration ranges from $150 to $370 with or without various meal plans. The conference is still accepting exhibitor applications, with fees ranging from $200-$800.

Note: Read keynote speakers C.R. Gibbs’ latest Port Of Harlem contribution, “Jamestown: The 400th Anniversary, Relevance, Reflections, Myths, & Truths.”