From Mike Watson: Calendar year 2025 was a busy, successful year at the Genealogy & History Research Center. More researchers visited and utilized our facility, more donations of genealogical research materials, historic documents, and artifacts came through our doors, more programs and events took place here and in the community.
April brought another employee to the front desk—Serena Corbin joined our merry band of historians as our technological expert and artist-in-residence. We also lost our veteran genealogist and cataloger, Ernestine “Ernie” Smith Bennett to retirement—but she will still be here a few days each month, and will be our on-call adviser on a regular basis.
The continuing partnerships with the Adair County Genealogical Society and the Jane Lampton Chapter, National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution are valuable in strengthening our historic and genealogical ties with hundreds of individuals and organizations scattered across the continent.
Our programming increased in 2025. We were responsible for and partnered with the above groups as well as others, including the City of Columbia and the County of Adair, to participate in forty-three (43) events. We hope to have at least fifty-five (55) in the coming year.
A few statistics: 2,240 individuals visited and researched at the Center; we fielded 776 phone requests and 1,415 emails and Facebook history and genealogy site requests.
We worked closely with and hosted research visits from 31 states and two foreign nations; collaborated on research and programs with Lindsey Wilson University, the Adair County Public Schools, Homeschool groups, the City of Columbia, 4-H Program, and more.
Through several generous benefactors we have acquired important artifacts and one-of-a-kind historic documents that will be on display periodically throughout the coming year. Our updated video security system is now in place so that every angle of the building’s interior and exterior can be monitored around the clock. Thank you to these generous and historically-minded patrons from near and far.
We look forward to seeing more people and helping more researchers find their family histories and document the lives of Columbia and Adair County residents as we near the 225th anniversary of the county and town.
(Michael C. Watson – Adair County Genealogy & History Research Center)