Mission Statement: GRIVA promotes, fosters and encourages serious and accurate genealogical and historical research through instruction, lectures, seminars, workshops, field trips and publications.
Who We Are: GRIVA is an IRS recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit educational organization. (EIN: 52-1258689). Established in 1981, we are an all volunteer organization. GRIVA’s diverse membership is comprised of family historians and genealogists from all over the United States. We seek to preserve the priceless heritage bequeathed to us by our ancestors. GRIVA does not have a physical location for research, nor does GRIVA do research for hire. Many genealogy organizations advertise researchers for hire, including the Virginia Genealogical Society (VGS) at vgs.org.
GRIVA’s Historic Preservation Fund supports efforts to conserve documents of significance and the Andrew Hogwood Memorial Fund supports activities that advance the study of family history. Donations made to these funds enables GRIVA to support important genealogical efforts.
Most of our programs are offered free to all, but becoming a member helps GRIVA keep the programs free for every attendee. Please consider joining!
GRIVA offerings include:
- Virtual programs on a wide variety of topics are held six times a year.
- Virtual Special Interest Groups (SIGs) for DNA and German research, in addition to virtual “chat” sessions to learn from each other.
- A day long conference is generally held each fall.
- Special programs and workshops related to topics of interest.
- Most programs are recorded and can be viewed on GRIVA’s YouTube channel.
- News and Notes, GRIVA’s newsletter of topical interests
Follow GRIVA on Facebook at: GRIVAgenealogy
GRIVA’s YouTube channel is: @GRIVAGenealogy
If you would like to receive our email blasts about upcoming programs, please complete the contact box labeled “GRIVA Notes” in the footer of the Home Page. The email blast is for everyone — members and those who want to be ‘in the know’ about GRIVA’s programs!
GRIVA’s bylaws can be accessed in PDF form here.
GRIVA Board of Directors, 2025 – 2026:
Executive Board:
President: David Jordan
1st Vice President: Open
2nd Vice President: Marcy Elliott-Rupert
Treasurer: Sylvia Elchinger
Recording Secretary: Mary Beth Dalton
Corresponding Secretary: Sharon Garber
Board of Directors:
Beverley Brinkley
Peter Broadbent
Karen Caravaglia
Trish Taylor
Paula Williams
Tim Wilson