AWARDS

Missouri State Genealogical Association (MoSGA) recognizes individuals, groups and organizations that have put forth that extra effort to support genealogical research, activities, and publications in the Show-Me State.

Missouri State Genealogical Association Award Recipients 2007

From Left: Awards of Merit were presented to, Wayne Johnson, Nancy Thompson, Kristie Barnhill, and Betty Nelson. The President's Award was presented to Robert Doerr (on right.)

Awards were also presented to Mrs. Vera Mitchell, Glenna Bollinger and John Paul Skaggs Sr.

Southwest region –

Kristie Barnhill:  Kristie has served over four years as Corresponding Secretary for the Genealogy Friends of the Library in Newton County during which time she has done an outstanding job!  When Kristie agreed to accept the position, unbeknownst to her, the research requests had unfortunately accumulated to nearly a two year back log.  With no prior experience in such a position, Kristie took on the mound of work with a smile spending at least one or more evenings a week at the Genealogy Room at the library after working 8 hours at her day job.  After over four years of work, Kristie has effectively eliminated the backlog.  She frequently uses her lunch hour to go the County Courthouse to do research there as well as makes trips to other facilities to make sure requests are thoroughly researched before answering them. She is an active member of the organization’s Executive Board and her work has been a significant fund raiser for the group. Kristie has also assisted with two genealogy workshops hosted by the organization.

Mrs. Vera Mitchell:  Nominated by the Webster County Historical Society, Mrs. Mitchell has almost single-handedly organized and prepared the Webster County probate files for microfilming by the State Archives so the files can be indexed and accessible to researchers at the county’s Historical Museum.  She has worked tirelessly on the probate project since February of 2002, logging well over 1000 hours thus far.  She is now working in files dated 1967 and the project is nearing completion.  In addition, Mrs. Mitchell volunteers every week at the Museum.  She exemplifies dedication and perseverance.  Mrs. Mitchell was regretfully not able to attend the banquet to receive her award. 

Betty Nelson:  Betty is a charter member of the Dade County Genealogical Society, the organization being formed in 1994.  She has held a number of offices in the Society including her current position as Vice President and “right hand” person to the President.  Betty donates many hours to the Society securing resources for the library and assisting new and out-of-state researchers.  She was a registered nurse before retiring and is now generously giving of her time to the Society and helping her children raise their children. 

Nancy Thompson:  When Nancy joined the Tri-County Genealogical Society (Vernon – Cedar – St. Clair counties) five years ago, she brought her experience as an administrator and organizer to the small, dwindling group of about 18.  Thanks to her special talent for getting people enthused and involved, the organization today has more than 70 members many of whom are actively involved in genealogy projects.  Nancy has held several offices in the society and served as their Webmaster.  She designed and coordinated publication of the 2005 commemorative churches of Vernon County calendar as well as playing an instrumental role in developing and preparing a new cemetery directory.  Nancy has also written several successful grant applications, established a paid research policy for the Society, coordinated Genealogy Department resource inventorying, presented programs and computer/Internet classes for genealogists, and designed and constructed informational display boards about genealogy topics such as beginning genealogy and formation of Missouri counties.

Southeast Region --

Glenna Bollinger:  Nominated by Historic Madison County, Mrs. Bollinger has spent much of her time over the past twenty-five years preserving community, veteran, and family history.  She served as co-chairman of the “Communities” section of “The History of Madison County, Missouri, 1818-1989” publication as well as serving on the book committee for three volumes pertaining to veterans.  Mrs. Bollinger is also a member of the local chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution as was instrumental in planning and preparing for a dedication of two Revolutionary War soldiers’ graves in Madison County.  She has written an autobiography for distribution to family members.  At the age of 92 years, Mrs. Bollinger is currently serving in an advisory capacity to a committee which is working to compile the history of the United Methodist Church in Fredericktown, Missouri.  Sadly, Mrs. Bollinger was not able to attend the banquet due to ill health.

Northeast Region --

Wayne Johnson:  Wayne Johnson has organized the web site for Kingdom of Callaway Historical Society at Fulton, Missouri and serves as the society’s “computer person”.  He has also assisted the newly formed New Bloomfield History Society with their web site as well as being involved in the development of web sites for the Cole County Historical Society and the Callaway County Journal web site.  In addition, he has been very active in cemetery research and documentation, in helping locate and plot local one room school houses, and in helping to digitize and inventory the society’s photograph collection.  Wayne volunteers one day a week at the museum and does a lot of work at home on his personal computer for the organization. 

Directors’ Award --

John Paul Skaggs Sr.:  Nominated by Historic Madison County, Mr. Skaggs is the recipient of MoSGA’s 2007 Directors’ Award for his distinguished service over an extended period of time in support of genealogy, for exceptional contributions to the field, and for his extra effort to promote good will and improve service.  He recently received the Missouri Humanities Council Award for his lifelong commitment to the heritage of the residents and historical publications and information on Madison County.  Mr. Skaggs has served as the historical society’s president for nearly 40 years.  He has committed his life to preserving and communicating local history, helping revive the county historical society in the 1970s.  Mr. Skaggs has worked hard to rescue, copy, and preserve countless old photographs of the people, places, and activities of Madison County.  He has edited, encouraged, and prompted numerous books published by the society.  In addition, he has been a regular contributor to the local newspaper, writing columns and stories. In his 80s, Mr. Skaggs has spent many days at helping at either the library or museum.  He also participates in a county Reading for the Blind program – selecting, reading, and audiotaping newspaper articles and historical items of interest for distribution to those who cannot read.  Unfortunately, Mr. Skaggs was not able to be here to receive his award.

Nominations Open August 15 - June 1

Since we cannot hope to keep track of all genealogical activities in the state, we are asking you in the local genealogical and historical societies and libraries to assist us in identifying those who should be candidates for special recognition. Neither submitters nor nominees need be members of MoSGA.

Nominations will be accepted for:

• AWARDS OF MERIT (presented for particularly outstanding achievements by volunteers or persons not financially compensated for their efforts). For example, nominees for Awards of Merit might be local societies and their officers, or diligent researchers, compilers, and authors.

• CERTIFICATES OF APPRECIATION (awarded to salute those professionals who, although paid for their efforts, consistently give more than required or expected). Nominees for Certificates of Appreciation could include repositories, librarians, archivists, or governmental employees and officials.

How to make an Award Nomination

1. Submit the name and address of the individual or group.

2. Include a brief summary of their accomplishments.

3. Send your nominations to the Awards Committee, care of MoSGA, at P.O. Box 833, Columbia, MO 65205-0833, or email us at mosga@mosga.org

Nomination Form

Not all nominees will receive awards (we present three or four in each category each year), but all will receive careful consideration. If a past nominee did not receive an award, please feel free to re-submit the nomination.

• Those who do receive awards will be recognized and honored at MoSGAs annual conference and awards banquet .

• Attendance is not required to receive an award, but we do hope that all of those selected for these special honors will make every effort to be present.