
Upcoming Events

Juneteenth - Rooted & Grounded: The Basics - A Micro-Genealogy Workshop & Lab
Juneteenth – Rooted & Grounded: The Basics - A Micro-Genealogy Workshop & Lab
This special Juneteenth event is designed to help beginners start—or return to—their family history journey. Led by the Shelton Heritage Society team, the workshop will introduce essential tools for African American genealogy, including census and death records, strategies for researching families before and after slavery, DNA basics, and tips for building your research network. The session concludes with a live Q&A and hands-on lab to support attendees as they begin uncovering and preserving their family legacies.

Power in Partnership: Collaborating with Institutions on Descendant and Community-Led Preservation
Join us for an inspiring Juneteenth Heritage Month event featuring preservationist Niya Bates and genealogist Dr. Shelley Murphy. Together, they’ll explore the power of descendant-led preservation, the importance of protecting African American cemeteries, and the tools we need to uncover and safeguard our hidden histories. This dynamic conversation offers insight, guidance, and hope for those working to preserve their family's legacy and community heritage.

Lunch and Legacy - A Conversation - Honoring 6888th Battalion Member PFC Elouise V. Hudgins Rice (McMichael Hall)
On April 29, 2025, members of the 6888th Central Battalion Postal Unit, including our relative, PFC Elouise V. Hudgins Rice (McMichael Hall) will be formally honored at a Congressional Gold Medal award ceremony in Washington, D.C. Ms. Rice is a member of the Hudgins, Adams, Spruce, and Cathey families of Chattooga County and Rome, Georgia. Join us on Sunday, May 4, 2025 for a brief presentation, family reflections, and a conversation honoring her historic service with the 6888th Battalion. We’ll also discuss her family’s ties to two historic African American communities.

Descendant on Stage: Kim Banks - Love and Tradition
Celebrate family, tradition, and legacy with Descendant on Stage: Kim Banks – Love and Tradition. Kim shares how her family's deep roots in faith, service, and community continue to inspire new generations and keep the spirit of family alive.

From Memory to Legacy: A Roadmap for Preserving Historic Sites and Stories
Join us as we launch our new historic preservation series, Preserving the Legacy: Stories, Sites, and Heritage, with special guest Niya Bates, preservationist and former Director of African American History and Historic Preservation at Monticello. Ms. Bates will share strategies for protecting historic sites, empowering descendant communities, and preserving stories for future generations. This session will explore aspects of historic preservation and ways descendants and communities within historically marginalized groups preserve their heritage, setting the stage for our historic preservation series.

SHS Celebrates Black History Month!
This African American History Month, the Shelton Heritage Society (SHS) invites you to explore the power of history, legacy, and advocacy through three impactful events. On February 20 at 7:00 p.m. EST, renowned genealogist Andre Kearns will present "Defending Our Legacy: Uncovering and Preserving the Cornerstone Stories in Your Family’s History," offering insights into preserving family narratives. On February 22 at 7:00 p.m. EST, community leader Charlotte Shook will share her journey in "Descendant on Stage: Resilience and Community” discussing the intersection of history and advocacy. Finally, on February 27 at 6:00 p.m. EST, architect and Ph.D. candidate Adam Paul Susaneck will present "Segregation by Design," examining the role of urban planning in shaping racial divides.

For the Love of Family and Community: Seven Lessons of Possum Trot
For the Love of Family and Community: Seven Lessons of Possum Trot
Join us on Tuesday, January 30, 2025, at 7 PM EST, for a heartfelt virtual event as we celebrate the 150th anniversary of the historic Shelton Family settlement at Possum Trot. This special evening will explore seven powerful lessons inspired by the resilience, unity, and enduring spirit of the Possum Trot community.
Through compelling stories and shared wisdom, we’ll honor the legacy of the Shelton Family and their unwavering commitment to family and community. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a genealogist, or someone who values the lessons of the past, this event is for you.
Mark your calendar and join us in keeping this incredible legacy alive!

Descendant On Stage: Life Lessons Series - From Private to Major: Christine Myles-Oates
Join us for Descendant On Stage: Life Lessons featuring Christine Myles-Oates, a dedicated military soldier. Explore her inspiring career journey, life lessons, and the profound experience of discovering her family roots in this engaging and heartfelt event

MLK Service Initiative - 17 Days of Impact
Celebrate Dr. King’s enduring legacy with the Shelton Heritage Society by participating in our 17 Days of Impact initiative. During this special period, descendants and community members are invited to engage in acts of service that uplift and inspire. Explore key service areas, share your stories and photos, and join us in making a lasting impact. Together, we can continue Dr. King's mission of equality and service for all.

Descendant Spotlight - Life Lesson Series
Join the Shelton Heritage Society on Nov. 15 as we welcome Cousin Rosalyn Clark, a descendant of Jessie Spruce Towers, daughter of Irvin and Lucy Shelton Spruce. Ms. Clark has dedicated her life to advancing community engagement, as well as racial equity and inclusion. As a member of our Sankofa Community Advisory Council and a former co-facilitator with Coming to the Table, a national organization focused on racial reconciliation, Ms. Clark now facilitates the Women's Network in Jutiapa, Atlantida, Honduras. She will share about the importance of legacy.

Roots Honored: Descendant Roundtable - Honoring the Legacy
Join Karen Stewart-Ross and Beatrice Johnson, descendants of Hardy and Mary Bearden Shelton, for Roots Honored on Nov. 8 at 7:30p.m. as they host the Shelton Descendant Roundtable. The discussion will focus on "Honoring the Legacy" and preserving the family's heritage. Tune in via IG Live and Facebook Live for an enriching conversation. SHS Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/sheltonheritagesociety/. Shelton Family Settlement at Possum Trot Instagram (Affiliated Site):https://www.instagram.com/1874sheltonfamilysettlement/; Facebook (Affiliated Site):https://www.facebook.com/1874SheltonFamilySettlement; https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565443693767