An avid genealogist for over 40 years, Dr. Shelley Viola Murphy, aka “familytreegirl,” was born and raised in Michigan, now living in central Virginia. She conducts genealogy workshops at local, state and national conferences. Murphy is known for her inspiring & interactive “SO WHAT” with genealogical research, along with interesting problem-solving methodology lectures such as the use of Timelines. She serves on the Boards of the Library of Virginia and the Albemarle Charlottesville and Fluvanna Historical Societies. She is a Coordinator and Instructor at the Midwest African American Genealogy Institute (MAAGI) and develops staff and public genealogy educational programs for the Center for Family History at the International African American Museum (IAAM). Shelley serves as the Genealogist General for the Society of the First African Families of English America and Trustee for the International Society for British Genealogy and Family History. Also serves on the Genealogists Council for the 10 million names project. She holds membership in AAHGS NGS, DAR, and local genealogy groups. Shelley is currently working for the University of Virginia as the Descendant Project Researcher-seeking descendants the enslaved laborers who helped build the university. Host of “Freedmen’s Bureau Friday’s. An Adjunct Professor at Averett University since 2009. Dr. Murphy’s personal research focuses on Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Virginia/West Virginia, South Carolina, Tennessee, New England and the UK.
