Clayton Rand Adams Memorial Award
Maine Genealogical Society proudly introduced the Clayton Rand Adams Memorial Award at its Annual Conference held in Bangor, Maine, on September 26, 2009. The award was introduced by MGS President Dale W. Mower with the following comments: "As many of you know, MGS lost a true friend back in December, 2008. Clayton Rand Adams served for many years as president of MGS, he was a driving force in helping shape the Society as we know it today. Clayton's dedication to genealogical research and publication extended far beyond documentation of his own family lines. As an enthusiastic member of MGS he served as its director for several years, president for 11 years, and a contributing editor to the Society's journal. He wrote prodigiously for all of the Society's publications, including nearly 190 family histories appearing in the Maine Families in 1790 series."
This award will be presented at the Executive Committee's pleasure and will be used to recognize individuals whose contribution to the Society and the community are truly significant. It will recognize those individuals whose outstanding achievement, leadership, ingenuity and superior performance set a model for all of us to emulate. Clayton set the standard for this award and it is with honor that we introduce this award in his honor.
MGS was honored to have Clayton's widow, Nancy, and his daughter, Sarah, join us for the introduction of this award and the announcement of its first recipient.
Joseph Crook Anderson II, FASG
Joe Anderson was honored for his contribution to MGS at the Annual Conference held in Bangor, Maine, on September 26, 2009, being presented with the inaugural Clayton Rand Adams Memorial Award. In considering this award, it seemed fitting that the first recipient be Joe Anderson. Joe and Clayton had a deep respect for each other, which was particularly apparent at conferences and during Executive Committee meetings.
As for credentials, Joe is a Certified Genealogist and a Fellow of the American Society of Genealogists - a true honor as there are only 50 lifetime members. Election to that society is based on a candidate's published genealogical scholarship. Joe also serves as editor of The American Genealogist, joining that publication in 1999.
Where MGS is concerned, the names Joe Anderson and Maine Genealogical Society are synonymous. The list of Joe's contributions to MGS are lengthy. Joe serves as editor of the Society's scholarly journal, The Maine Genealogist. Beginning as co-editor in February 1991 when the journal transitioned from The Maine Seine to its current format, Joe became its editor with Lois Thurston in February 1994, and has been its sole editor since August 1998.
As chair of the Publications Committee, Joe also oversees all of the special publication projects. He has transcribed early town records. He has been instrumental in the success of the Maine Families in 1790 series. He joined that project in 1992 as Associate Editor of Volume 3, working with the project's founder Ruth Gray. He was Co-Editor with Lois Thurston of Volume 4, and has been the series sole editor from Volume 5 on. He manages all of the special publication projects - reviewing, editing and working closely with the authors of all the Maine Families in 1790 sketches that are submitted for publication.
We are also fortunate that we can occasionally entice Joe to leave his home in Texas to come up to Maine to lecture at conferences.
But probably the most significant contribution that Joe makes to the Society is the inspiration and encouragement he gives to fellow researchers. He knows how to gently push trying to bring out the best analysis and research. It is amazing all that Joe gives to further the cause of genealogical research in Maine - all of the contribution that Joe provides to MGs he does out of his love of the state and his generosity, his efforts purely voluntary. Many would say that Joe Anderson is pretty much the heart and soul of MGS and is truly worthy of this prestigious award.
Recipients
Joseph Crook Anderson II, FASG
