For over twenty-five years, Regina Rush has used primary and secondary source research tools to trace her ancestors’ historical footprints in Central Virginia. Using oral history records, census data and other sources, she uncovers the story of how the Rush line of her family came to settle in the Chestnut Grove vicinity of Albemarle County. Their journey begins as slaves on a plantation in Nelson County, Virginia, continues as freedmen eking out an existence during Reconstruction and eventually becoming landowners in Albemarle County during the Jim Crow period of history.

Ms. Rush crafted her family’s story into the scholarly article “Over the Brick Wall: A Genealogical Journey to Discover My Family’s Roots” published in the 2018/2019 double volume of the Magazine of Albemarle Charlottesville History. Her article received the 1857 Memorial Essay Award from the Albemarle Charlottesville Historical Society.

Regina Rush was born, raised, and educated in Albemarle County, Virginia. She attended James Madison University where she majored in Political Science and minored in Criminal Justice. Regina is currently a Reference Librarian at the Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library at the University of Virginia.

She enjoys all aspects of her job as a reference librarian, but assisting researchers embarking on their own genealogical quest is her true passion, particularly African Americans seeking information concerning their forbears.

Register for Zoom meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/…/tZMlc…