Who we are

The Virginia Beach Genealogical Society was founded in 1983 near the site of the first landing of the Jamestown colonists at Cape Henry. Although some members are primarily interested in local genealogy, most of the Society’s membership, like the city of Virginia Beach itself, is drawn from both civilian and military families who have come here to live. As a result, this is a group with far-flung areas of research interest.

If you are interested in more, here are our bylaws. 

What we do

Our  objectives:

• Aiding individuals in genealogical research and compiling family histories.
• Providing lectures and instruction on how best to do genealogical research.
• Promoting an interest in genealogy throughout the community.

Meetings

Monthly Meetings: Held the second Thursday of each month at the Virginia Beach Central Library (unless there is a conflict), September to June.  During Covid-19 restrictions, we began holding meetings over Zoom and now offer hybrid meetings as an option as much as possible. Monthly meetings are open to the public and are a great way to check out the group before deciding to join. Come early for a little social time, have questions answered, and seek help; stay for the meeting where a nationally known speaker is often featured! 

Small groups are open to current VBGS members:
Computer User Group: A small group where members learn different computer applications and techniques, as well as assist each other. The group meets monthly September to November and January to May. 

Writers Group: A small group where members strengthen their writing skills. Carol Johnson, a VBGS member and Virginia Wesleyan University English Professor, encourages and guides members to put their work into writing. The group meets monthly September to November and January to May.

How-to Group: A small group where learn the methodology on a wide variety of topics. Classes meet on Zoom the first  Tuesday of each month September to June.

Attending a meeting on Zoom: Current VBGS members will automatically receive Zoom links for meetings. Non-members must request a link. Non-members on the email distribution list will receive an invitation to sign up. If you are not on the list and would like to attend, send an e-mail  to [email protected] requesting to attend as a guest. Please note that VBGS members will have registration priority if space becomes an issue. The Zoom waiting room opens about 15-20 minutes before each event.

Leadership and Contact info

Feel free to contact us with questions, comments, or concerns. If you aren't sure who to contact, message the administrator.  Members at large are a n additional bridge between the membership and board, and can be contacted about anything. 

Interested in seeing the history of VBGS leadership? Find a record of those who served the society from the beginning, until today here.

Board Members

President: Heather Wright ​email: [email protected]	Member at Large: Debby Christian ​email: [email protected]
Vice President: Bob Bruce ​email: [email protected]	Member at Large: Carmen Cross email: [email protected]
Secretary: Linn Baiker email: [email protected]	Member at Large: Raymond Smith  ​email: [email protected]
Treasurer: Craig Fenton email: [email protected]	Member at Large: Diana Quinn ​email: [email protected]
Past President: Wendy Bransom ​email: [email protected]	ff

Committees, Groups, and Other Contacts

For more information on groups and committees, click here.
If you are a VBGS member and want to get involved with a group or committee, send an email today!
Want to get involved but don't know how? fill out the Interest and Talent form  

Membership Committee: Lori Sherwood, chair email: [email protected]	Education Committee: Diana Quinn, chair email: [email protected]
Program Committee: Mary Ann Simmons, chair ​email:[email protected]	Publicity Committee: Barbara Murray, chair email: [email protected]
Librarian: Brian Baldwin email: [email protected]	Social Committee: Debby Christian, chair email: [email protected]
Newsletter: Heather Wright, editor email: [email protected]	Computer User Group: April Owens, chair email: [email protected]
​Administrator: Mary Ann Simmons email: [email protected]	Writers Group, Carol Johnson, chair email: [email protected]
​	Webmaster: Don Moore email: [email protected]