History

LAAAGS was established by a group of mutual friends that included Wilbur Howard, Brenda Henderson, Carrie Baptiste Jackson, Jan Smith Lewis and Mary Agnes Lipscomb. These individuals had begun extensive genealogical search of their respective family histories and had informally begun extensive genealogical search of their respective family histories and had informally began to consult with each other as they began to hit those proverbial 'brick walls' and shared in each others joy when one made a new discovery.

As they began to share their stories, they soon found others with genealogical interest, varying levels of skill and knowledge, and overwhelmingly, a desire to search.

In 2001 the group formed a steering committee, chaired by Mr. Howard. This group sought to reach out to other interested individuals and to explore the establishment of a formal organization. To that end, the first formal organizational meeting was held at the State of Michigan Library in December 2001. Approximately 17 interested individuals were in attendance. Since its inception the group has grown to more than 50 members. Family searches being conducted by group members include the states of Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Kentucky, Ohio, North and South Carolina, Virginia, the Cass County area of Michigan, and others.