In Memory of Dallas Henderson, Jr.

We are saddened to share that Dallas, a valued Menokin Descendant Engagement Team member since 2021, passed away on February 17, 2026. 

Dallas held an enthusiastic passion for genealogy and a deep knowledge of the families in the Northern Neck, which became a treasured resource in helping identify some of our Menokin descendants. His on-the-ground knowledge was invaluable and served to cut months, perhaps even years, off the research process. He understood the importance of preserving the history of those enslaved and giving descendants a voice in how that history is told. Dallas’ commitment to this work extended beyond Menokin. He intuitively knew the questions to ask and how to trace a surname that would often lead to connections to Menokin or other nearby historic sites in the region. Dallas was active with the Nomini Hall Slave Legacy Project and other organizations dedicated to uncovering descendants and honoring African American history. He had the ability to bring persons into the family history circle and never stopped reaching out to others.

Dallas was a member of the Menokin Descendant Collective and frequently, often without prompting, represented the Collective at community events.  He enjoyed sharing what was happening with the Menokin’s descendant community and how it truly takes a community to tell the most impactful and meaningful stories of our ancestors.

In addition, he was an active member of the Middle Peninsula African-American Genealogical and Historical Society and its Highway Marker Research Team. In that capacity, he was responsible for bringing to the group’s attention the historic acts of his great aunts, The Stewart Sisters, resulting in the 2025 dedication of a Virginia historic highway marker in recognition of their 1884 civil rights lawsuit.

We are grateful for his work with the Menokin Descendant Engagement Team in helping develop a vibrant Menokin descendant community.  

Dallas will be greatly missed but the legacy of his work and his inspiration will live on.