Edgar County Genealogical Society is pleased to announce the 2020 Edythe Stephens Family History Award. This award was established in 1990 and is presented annually to a member or members of the society or county who has exhibited outstanding service in the preservation of genealogy. This year’s ceremony was brief and outdoors due to COVID-19 precautions.

The two members chosen for the 2020 award reflect the individual knowledge and cooperative efforts of all society members who focus on the preservation of local family history and archives.

Linda Cary is honored in recognition of her 30 years of multi-faceted leadership and research contributions to Edgar County Genealogy Society and Library. Over the years, she served as newsletter editor, trekked through cemeteries updating burial records, and indexed library resources. She continued her dedication to preserving local genealogy until she retired as the library’s director in 2019.

Monica Brunelle is the co-honoree, chosen for her many hours researching and writing the society’s quarterly newsletter, sharing her research skills, and serving as a volunteer librarian in the genealogy library. She has recently assumed the role of society treasurer.

Last year’s honoree Jenny Barkley presented the award to Linda Cary and ECGS member Joy Van Meter presented to Monica Brunelle. Their names have been added to a plaque in the genealogy library.

After much thought and discussion, Edgar County Genealogical Society  has canceled its September and December 2020 meetings.

Most officers from last year will remain through June 2021: Judy Cash as president, Jenny Barkley as vice-president, and Teresa Pennington as secretary. Monica Brunelle has accepted the office of treasurer.

The genealogy library will continue its COVID-19 schedule of opening by appointment only on Thursday and Friday. Librarians will continue to reply to queries received by mail and email.

Please email, or use our contact us form if you have any questions or concerns.

Research visits are available on Thursdays and Fridays by appointment only.

Our volunteer librarians may not be in the library at all times on those days. Please contact us at least one week in advance to request a date/time. You will receive confirmation of your appointment. Masks will be required while in the library building.

Librarians will reply to queries received by mail and email.

We have a new sign. It’s not easy to tell from Main Street when the library is open. Our hours are posted on the door, but it faces the driveway, not the street.

This sign will help identify the library and show that we are open for walk-in visits. We hope that it will encourage passersby to stop in.