Award of Excellence
in Genealogical Research
2009 - Gerald F. & Janice D. Gower
Joe Anderson, chair of the MGS Awards Committee, reported that consideration was given to presenting this award to just one of them, but the Gowers very much work as a team and honoring one and not the other would be a bit of an injustice.
Jerry and Janice have been invaluable in their support of the Maine Families in 1790 series, having contributed 215 families for the last 6 volumes and many more for the upcoming Volume 11. Not only have they contributed families, they have led workshops encouraging and teaching various genealogical groups around the state about the 1790 project and they have taken a number of individuals under their wing to help them work up their first submissions to the project. Both have also contributed over the years numerous articles and source material for publication in The Maine Genealogist and have served as Contributing Editors of the journal for several years.
2007 - Marlene A. Groves
In recognition of her outstanding scholarship in carefully transcribing and publishing volumes of Maine town vital records and for encouraging others to do the same. Her published works include: Vital Records of Lisbon, Maine, Prior to 1892; Vital Records of Islesboro, Maine; Vital Records of Rockland, Maine; Vital Records of South Thomaston, Maine; Vital Records of St. George, Maine; Vital Records of Warren, Maine; Vital Records of Union, Maine; Vital Records of Camden/Rockport, Maine; Vital Records of Friendship, Maine;. Vital Records of Matinicus, Maine; Vital Records of Washington, Maine; and Records of the Rockland Congregational Church 1835-1945. She has also compiled the Index to Maine Seine and The Maine Genealogist and the indices to History of Old Broad Bay and Waldoboro; North's History of Augusta; Wheeler's History of Brunswick, Topsham and Harpswell; and Allen's History of Dresden. In addition, Marlene has also published 3 genealogies of her family: Descendants of John Clarke, Malbon Genealogy and Hinckleys of Maine.