Austin, state honor Madison County Historian Stephen T. Jackson
INDIANAPOLIS – Madison County historian and educator Stephen T. Jackson received one of the state of Indiana’s highest honors Monday when he was presented the Circle of Corydon Award by State Rep. Terri J. Austin (D-Anderson).
Austin presented the award to Jackson during a meeting of the Madison County Historical Society. He has served as the Madison County Historian since 2008.
“It simply isn’t enough to say that Stephen Jackson is the person to go to when you want to know more about Madison County,” Austin said. “To listen to him speak is to have the opportunity to hear someone who can make the past breathe and come to life for you. It is a rare gift, and his willingness to share with others makes him a treasure to be cherished by us all.”
Jackson was born and raised in Anderson and graduated from Anderson High School. After working for more than 38 years at General Motors, he chose to spend his retirement pursuing his love of history. He has given literally hundreds of programs and presentations through the years to students, groups and organizations throughout Madison County. He has written columns for the Anderson Herald-Bulletin, appeared on the Madison County Hidden Treasures podcast, serves as a regular presenter on Anderson City TV, and has done more than 300 programs on WHBU.
Recognition for Jackson has included the 1999 Elwood H. Phillips Historical Award for contributions to the cause of preserving the heritage of Madison County, the 2012 Hubert Hawkins History Award presented by the Indiana Historical Society, the 2015 Herald-Bulletin Person of the Year, the 2018 National Society of the DAR Excellence in Community Service Award, and the 2019 Indiana Society of Professional Journalists in Books Division Award.
The Circle of Corydon Award was created by Gov. Eric Holcomb to recognize Hoosiers who have made remarkable contributions to the betterment of Indiana and its people, demonstrating through their lives and service the qualities that are exemplified by the state’s greatest citizens.