David S. Vogels Award and its Recipients
David S. Vogels, Jr. , was founder and president of the Colorado Council in 1980, then became president of Federation of Genealogical Societies in 1982-1984. David was a legal administrator for Mountain States Telephone and Telegraph Company in Denver. The David S. Vogels, Jr. Award was established in 1990 at Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS) and at the Colorado Council (CCGS) to honor the accomplishments of noted volunteers.
The Awards Committee is responsible for implementing the procedure for the recognition of persons in Colorado who have given outstanding service to the genealogical community.
The Colorado Council of Genealogical Societies (CCGS) established the Memorial Hall of Fame-David S. Vogels Award to recognize persons in Colorado who have given outstanding service to the genealogical community of Colorado as a whole. The award is presented annually at the January Meeting of CCGS. A plaque with names of the recipients is on display at the Western History/Genealogy Department of the Denver Public Library. The committee also encourages Council members to recognize the service and work of local individuals with awards and has the goal of publishing their accomplishments in the Council media.
Criteria for Election to the Memorial Hall of Fame
- The nominee must have been deceased for at least 2 years prior to the nomination deadline.
- The nominee must have significantly contributed to the field of genealogy in Colorado in a way that is unique, pioneering or exemplary. The contributions may include but are not limited to the following:
- Authored books and/or other periodical material that added significantly to the published work relating to Colorado genealogy.
- Participated in projects making Colorado genealogical source records available to the public by preserving, transcribing, translating, abstracting, indexing, and/or publishing such records.
- Shared Colorado genealogical information and research methods and sources by teaching, lecturing and/or publishing educational materials.
- Contributed time, labor and leadership to a Colorado genealogical or historical organization/periodical.
- Contributed to Colorado legislation benefiting Colorado genealogy.
- Contributed to Colorado genealogy by organizing a society, oral history program or other similar endeavors.
Nominating Procedures
A genealogical society, similar organization or an individual may submit a nomination to the Colorado Council of Genealogical Societies Memorial Hall of Fame Committee. The submitter is asked to include a completed nomination form, an obituary, a photograph if possible, of the nominee and the name and address of a relative or an associate willing to take part in the presentation. The number of awards given is left to the discretion of the committee. The committee may choose to award honorable mention certificates to an individual whose contribution to the local community is outstanding.
Nominations will be accepted between Oct. 1 and Dec. 1 each year. Please
send nominations to the Vogels Award Committee, Colorado Council of Genealogical
Societies, P.O. Box 40270, Denver, Co 80204-0270.
Download a Memorial Hall of Fame - David S. Vogels Award Nomination Form (PDF)
Previous Recipients
1990 - David S. Vogels, Jr.(1925-1988)
1992 - Henrietta Bromwell (1858-1946)
1994 - Adelaide French (1878-1974)
1996 - Quantrille D. McClung (1890-1985)
1996 - Sanford Charles Gladden (1902-1992)
1998 - Alfred A. Look (1893-1992)
2000 - Bernice FitzSimmons Hathaway (1903-1988)
2002 - Everett H. Guerink
2004 - Bonnie Lou Brittain Yorgason
2010 - Joanne Claussen
2011 - Barbara Jones Brown
2012 - Birdie Monk Holsclaw
2016 - Mary Margaret Kelly Davis (1931-2012)
2018 - Betty Summers
2018 - Kay Merill
The 1990 award honored David S. Vogels, Jr. His contributions included serving as President of the Colorado Genealogical Society and being the founder of the Colorado Council of Genealogical Societies.
The 1992 award honored Henrietta Bromwell an early Colorado Genealogist known for her books on early pioneers in Colorado. Her genealogical research notes of some forty years are in the manuscript collection of the Western History section of the Denver Public Library.
The 1994 award honored Adelaide French who served as President of the Colorado Genealogical Society seven times from 1932 to 1968. Miss French donated a collection of her diaries, genealogical papers, and research writings to Denver Public Library.
The 1996 award honored Sanford Charles Gladden and Quantrille D. McClung:
Mr. Gladden published numerous volumes and pamphlets on early Boulder history. His manuscripts and publications can be found at the University of Colorado Library and Denver Public Library.
Ms. McClung contributed to Colorado genealogy with her numerous genealogies of Colorado Governors. She worked on 3 volumes of the Carson-Bent-Boggs Genealogy and published Memoirs of My Childhood and youth in North Denver.
The 1998 award honored Alfred A. Look. Mr. Look contributed as an author of numerous books on Colorado history. His collection of manuscripts, photos and scrapbooks reside at the Museum of Western Colorado in Grand Junction.
The 2000 award honored Bernice FitzSimmons Hathaway. Ms. Hathaway served in numerous lineage and genealogical organizations in Colorado. She was President of the Colorado Genealogical Society from 1944 to 1945 and Editor of The Colorado Genealogist from 1951 to 1967. Bernice was the compiler of four family histories and was a nationally recognized expert in heraldry and heraldic art. In 1985 she was named "National Woman of the Year" by the Daughters of Founders and Patriots of America.
The 2002 award honored Everett H. Geurink, who joined the Colorado Genealogical Society in 1978 and was made an honorary life member in 1989. He was co-editor of The Colorado Genealogist with Sue Lanham in 1981, with Edward McCune in 1982, Dianne Craig in 1983, and full editor 1984 to February 1988, when he retired from The Denver Post as an photoengraver, and moved to Iowa. He was past president of the Iowa Genealogical Society and the Scott County Genealogical Society of Iowa. He co-chaired the NGS Conference in the Quad cities, and was a member of the Scott County Historical Society and the Civil War Round Table.
The 2004 award honored Bonnie Lou Brittain Yorgason, who directed the effort to establish a genealogy research area in Colorado Springs newly opened Penrose Library in 1968. She set up the area with books and microfilm from the Family History Library in Salt Lake City, and recruited, trained and scheduled volunteers who worked there, as well as offering her expertise to the researchers. In 1975, when the LDS Church established their branch library in Colorado Springs, Bonnie set up the first, and still the largest, Family History Center in the city, and served as its Director until 1998. She was a charter member of the Pikes Peak Genealogical Society and served in many roles ensuring that genealogical research was not only taught in the community, but that resources were made available.
The 2010 award honored Birdie Monk Holsclaw. See the Birdie Monk Holsclaw profile below for her outstanding achievements.
The 2016 award honored Mary Margaret Kelly Davis. View the video below for the award's celebration.
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The 2018 award honored Betty Summers. Bob Larson (pictured right in group photo), President of Colorado Council of Genealogical Societies in Denver, presented the David S. Vogels award certificate to Jean Jenes, daughter of Betty Summers, recipient of the 2018 award along with Gary Davis, President of Larimer County Genealogical Society in Fort Collins. Betty Summer is shown in photo on the right side.
The second recipient of the 2018 award honored Kay Merrill. Bob Larson (pictured left in group photo), President of Colorado Council of Genealogical Societies in Denver, presented the David S. Vogels award certificate to Larry Merrill, Jr., husband of Kay Merrill. Kay Merrill is shown in photo on the right side.
Birdie Monk Holsclaw Memorial Fund and Awards
Birdie Monk Holsclaw, CG, FUGA, well-known and loved genealogical researcher, writer, lecturer, editor, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on Thursday, 13 May 2010. Roberta "Birdie" Joann Monk was born 23 August 1948 in Staunton, Virginia, the daughter of William W. Monk and Arliss Schaffer. She married Russell Holsclaw on 22 November 1980 in Greeley, Colorado. Birdie, Russ and their son, Will, lived in Longmont, Colorado, for many years.
Although her achievements were many (listed below), it was her exuberance for life that set Birdie apart as the unique and special person that she was. She had a passion for learning and was an artful communicator. Whether you were a student in one of her classes, a colleague working on a project, or a complete stranger sitting next to her at dinner, Birdie was genuinely interested in engaging and listening to each person in her company.
Birdie was a role model and mentor to many genealogists. She encouraged, coached, and guided countless fledgling researchers, writers, and lecturers. When others saw an unknown, inexperienced, or hesitant newcomer, Birdie always saw promise and possibility. She was generous and had a special way of sharing her knowledge, never forcing her opinions on others, always reaching out and asking good questions. She inspired others to succeed.
Birdie loved genealogy and she loved technology. When she made a new discovery in her genealogical work or found a technical tool to help with genealogy, she couldn't wait to share it. And her enthusiasm was contagious. It was impossible to resist the smile on her face and the excitement in her voice as she explained the new idea or device. Birdie was a friend to all genealogists in the truest sense because she had no expectation of reward or recognition. She was truly an amazing woman!
Birdie's achievements were many and spanned over 35 years in genealogy. While there are too many to list, some of the highlights are:
- 2004, winner NGSQ Award for Excellence
- 2004, ASG Scholar Award
- 2003, winner NGS Family History Writing Contest
- President, Colorado Genealogical Society (1987-1990)
- Editor, The Colorado Genealogist (1992-1996)
- Founding member, Colorado Genealogical Society Computer Interest Group
- Colorado Council of Genealogical Societies Parliamentarian and longtime delegate
- 1997, Fellow Utah Genealogical Association
- APG Trustee (1989-1992, 1994-1995)
- 2000, APG Grahame T. Smallwood, Jr. Award of Merit
- Instructor, Samford University Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research (IGHR)
- NGSQ indexer (1989-1996)
- Awarded first FGS Delegate Award for her work as editor of the Delegate Digest (1993)
- Frequent lecturer at NGS and FGS Conferences.
- Contributor to the NGSQ, APGQ, Genealogical Computing, The Colorado Genealogist, Boulder, Genealogical Society Quarterly and others.
Birdie will be missed, but definitely not forgotten. She continues to live on through her writing, lectures, and most importantly, through the many lives that she touched and the many people who love her.
Profile provided by Julie Miller, CG
The Birdie Monk Holsclaw Memorial Fund, established in 2010, is a tribute to the memory of noted genealogist, Birdie Monk Holsclaw. Distributions will be made to fund the following:
Birdie Monk Holsclaw Memorial
Lecture at the National Genealogical Society annual Conference.
CCGS has sponsored the following national speakers:
Birdie Monk Holsclaw Memorial Scholarship. Scholoarship program was deleted in 2020 due to funding.2011 - Jordan Jones
2012 - David McDonald
2013 - Warren Bittner
2014 - Tom Jones
2015 - Julie Miller
2016 - Karen Jones
2017 - Elizabeth Shown Mills
2018 - J. Mark Lowe
2019 - David Rencher, future
IGHR Scholarship Awarded with year attended:
2012 - Tina Sansone (Tennessee)
2013 - none (Scholarship recipent was unable to attend)
2014 - Kim Harrison (Utah)
- Roberta "Bobbi" King (Colorado)
2015 - Laura G. Prescott (New Hempshire)
- Shelley K. Bishop (Ohio)
2016 - Nancy Ward Remling (New York)
2017 - Denise Cross (Massachusetts)
- Meryl Schumacher (Connecticut)
2018 - James Thornhill (Texas)
- Dina Carson (Colorado)
Birdie Monk Holsclaw Volunteer of the Year "The Birdie Award" is given to an outstanding living individual, society, group, library, archive or other organization that has provided outstanding volunteer service to the Colorado Council of Genealogical Societies or some area of genealogical service in Colorado. Nominations are due by October 1 each year. Click here for award information. (PDF)
Past recipients of the Birdie Award
2018 - Mary McRoberts (Boulder, CO)
Bio coming soon.
2017 - Dennis Jenkins (Grand Junction, CO)
Bio coming soon.
2016 - Donald Elliott (Columbine, CO)
Bio coming soon.
2015 - Linda Masden Vixie (Colorado Springs, CO)
Bio coming soon.
2014 - Duane Kniebes, Colorado Palatines to America
Duane V. Kniebes, was nominated by the Colorado Chapter of Palatines to America for his outstanding individual contribution to the genealogy community in Colorado. He received the Award for his participation and leadership in the Colorado Cemetery Location Project, a joint effort of CCGS and the U.S. Geological Survey to find, GPS pinpoint, and document graves and cemeteries in all Colorado counties. As project volunteers, Duane and his wife Susan, chose Larimer County to document. Occupying 2640 square miles, Larimer County is in north-central Colorado and a fairly rural county, with plenty of burials on homesteaded ranches, now in others' hands, mines, and ghost towns. They started with CCGS's 1985 Colorado Cemetery Directory containing information for 69 Larimer County graves, cemeteries, and memorial markers. The Colorado Cemetery Location Project is still an active project with only 26 counties complete. Duane and Susan are now in the process of writing a three-volume history of Larimer. The book includes a thorough description of several government land laws and how dowser rods are used to locate graves and underground flowing irrigation water.
2014 - Donna J. Bishop Porter, Foothills Genealogical Society (Lakewood, CO)
Mrs. Donna J. Bishop Porter took her very first genealogy class in Billings Montana in 1957. She has been a faithful and active genealogist ever since. She received the very first Genealogical Certification (CG) awarded in Colorado. She has been a member of the Colorado Genealogical Society for close to 50 years. She was President in 1969-70, 2nd Vice President and program chair in 1971-73. She was editor of the Colorado Genealogist from 1970-75. She was a founding member of Colorado Council of Genealogical Societies and held the office of President. She was a charter member of Foothills Genealogical Society of which she was president and genealogist. For many years she conducted the genealogical Stagecoach Lending Library from her home. She is a 50-year member of NSDAR Peace Pipe Chapter in Denver where she was State Lineage Chair and Chapter Registrar. Donna has written books on genealogy and been an active member of a least a dozen other genealogical and historical societies in Colorado and other states. She has been sought after as a lecturer, instructor, teacher, and mentor because of her interest and understanding of genealogy.
2013 - Denver Public Library Genealogy and Western History Volunteers (Denver, CO)
DLP's Western History/Genealogy Department maintains one of the most comprehensive and best genealogy library collections in the country. Additionally, the Department: Has outstanding staff and volunteers who assist researchers in finding ancestors, making connections, and learning about sources. The staff and volunteers are helpful, respectful, dedicated, and pleasant to those asking questions. Provides training and education to researchers and the public. The Department with CGS conducts monthly beginning genealogy and special interest classes. It also has a 5th Saturday class on research topics and technology classes (e.g., ancestry.com). Many of the department staff have given programs at genealogical societies; these programs have included hidden gems at Denver Public Library, newspaper research, WorldCat, and many more. Supports local genealogical societies by publicizing programs, classes, and other activities. Staff often recommend that patrons attend one of these events. Additionally, the library partners with genealogical societies for seminars and all day workshops and maintains online databases for researchers to use. Local, national, and international researchers benefit from the collections, assistance, staff, and volunteers of the Western History/Genealogy Department of Denver Public Library.
2012 - Sue K. Nichol, Fore-Kin Trails Genealogical Society (Montrose, CO)
Sue became the editor of the Uncompahgre Valley Chronicle in 2006; worked to establish and open a genealogical library and research center which opened in 2008 in Montrose, Colorado; she donated a computer cataloging system and cataloged all of the society's acquisitions; established the society's website in 2010; she logs 50-75 volunteer hours per month in the research center; she provides monthly lunch programs for researchers.
2011 - Jackie Glavnick, Weld County Genealogical Society (Greeley, CO)
Jackie was Weld County's "Genealogist of the Year" four times, and finally received their "Lifetime Achievement Award"; established the WCGS website in 2003; created the "Weld County Master Index" which contains all names that the society has extacted and indexed from various Weld County sources; since 1984 she had published 17 books pertaining to genealogy; each year she logs almost 1,000 hours of volunteer time.