The Gibbons Project Descendant Outreach Researcher, University of Virginia

Shelley Viola Murphy

An avid genealogist for over 30 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. Murphyisknown for her inspiring& interactive "SO WHAT"with genealogical research, along with interesting problem-solving methodology lectures such as the use of Timelines.

Murphyserves on the Boards of the Library of Virginia and the Albemarle Charlottesville and Fluvanna Historical Societies.

She is the President, Coordinator and Instructor at the Midwest African American Genealogy Institute (MAAGI) and develops staff and public educational programs for the Center for Family History at the International African American Museum (opening Fall/22). She holds membership in AAHGS NGS, APG,DAR,and local genealogy groups.

Currently working for the University of Virginia as the Descendant Project Researcher-seeking descendants the enslaved laborers who built the university. Adjunct Professor at Averett University since 2009. Dr. Murphy’s personal research focuses on Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Virginia/West Virginia, South Carolina, and Tennessee.