Madison ​County Historian Stephen Jackson is very much appreciated​ by both area residents and state officials.  Indeed, he is a multiple award winner.  ​As of 2024, he has delivered over 1,300 presentations to 37,000 enthusiastic attendees, has written five books on Madison County topics with a sixth in preparation, and has contributed countless articles on local history to area publications. Additionally, he is in charge of the county orphanage records. In this capacity since 2009, Steve has reunited 131 individuals with their biological relatives. Mr. Jackson is our featured speaker for the First Sunday Series presentations.

These honors are among our county historian’s many accolades:
From the Indiana Historical Society, Stephen Jackson received in 2012 the Hubert Hawkins History Award and in 2024 the Dorothy Riker Hoosier Historian Award.

In 2019, Mr. Jackson was the recipient of the Circle of Corydon Award created by Governor Holcomb. This prize is given jointly by the members of both the executive and legislative branches of state government for “remarkable contributions that have bettered Indiana…”

In 2025, Stephen Jackson received the Distinguished Hoosier Award issued by Indiana Governor Braun. Presented to Mr. Jackson by State Representative Kyle Pierce, this award features those residents who have given “significant contributions to their communities and whose qualities and actions endear them in the hearts and minds of Hoosiers.”