Annual Awards

Volunteer Award

Volunteers are responsible for much of the work done at the Missouri State Archives. Their service ensures that countless documents are preserved for future generations and made available to the public. Each year, the Friends select one volunteer who has exhibited a particularly strong commitment to the work of the Archives and recognize the individual with the Volunteer Award.

Past winners include:

2022 – Bernice Helle
2021 – Jane Purcell
2019 – Sherri Lewis
2018 – Charlie Palmer
2017 – Linda Holdinghaus
2016 – Tom Waters
2015 – Cathie Schoppenhorst
2014 – Bill Moorman
2013 – Donnie and Marita Custard
2012 – Beth Iliff
2011 – Quan Triel Arnett Pruitt
2010 – Jon Bergenthal
2009 – D. J. Nash & Lynda Stubblefield
2008 – Jean Ferguson
2007 – John and Katy Duckett
2006 – Ethel Hartman
2005 – Vickie Barker
2004 – Nay Grigone

Jonas Viles Award

Each year, the Friends select an institution or person that has made a significant contribution to the preservation of Missouri’s heritage to receive the Jonas Viles Award, which is named after the University of Missouri history professor who rescued thousands of documents from the capitol lawn after the 1911 fire. The recipient must be a strong supporter of Missouri history; possess a deep commitment to its preservation and study; and have made a positive impact on the safekeeping, accessibility, scholarship, and/or promotion of Missouri’s past. Nominations for the Jonas Viles Award are encouraged and may be submitted by completing a nomination form.

Past winners include:

2022 – Douglas Davenport
2021 – Robert Kelly
2019 – Don Phillips
2018 – Recorders’ Association of Missouri
2017 – Thomas B. Hobbs
2016 – Gary R. Kremer
2015 – Lynn Morrow
2014 – Robert J. Behnen
2013 – Truman State University
2012 – Mark Schreiber
2011 – Nancy Hampton
2010 – Frank Nickell
2009 – Steve Ehlmann
2008 – Polk County Genealogical Society
2007 – Columbia, Missouri Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
2006 – St. Louis Circuit Clerk Mariano Favazza
2005 – Supreme Court of Missouri Historical Society
2004 – Jim Goodrich