Each year the Nebraska State Genealogy Society offers an award to one genealogist or family historian for exceptional and outstanding service to his or her local genealogical society and/or the genealogy community as a whole. Nominations are sought from all the genealogical societies and organizations in the state, however, you do not have to represent an organization to nomate someone for this award - individuals are welcome to submit nominations as well. The NSGS board will select a winner from the nominations received, and the Genealogist of the Year is recognized at the Annual Conference each spring.
2025 Genealogist of the Year
Catherine Renschler
Catherine is a charter member of the Nebraska State Genealogy Society (NSGS) which organized in 1977. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for the NSGS and has served in various officer and chair positions over the past 40 years. Catherine is currently Editor of the NSGS quarterly, the Nebraska Ancestree, and has been a dedicated contributor of Nebraska Ancestree articles for many years. She also serves as chair of the NSGS Family Recognition Committee and as NSGS Librarian acquires new publications and resources for the NSGS Library at Beatrice, Nebraska.
In addition to her significant contributions to NSGS, Catherine has been a leader in promoting Nebraska history, serving on the Nebraska State Historic Preservation Board for four years. Catherine is a charter member of the Adams County Genealogical Society, Hastings, NE, where she held many offices throughout the years: President, Vice President, Secretary, and the Board of Directors. During that time, she presented many genealogy classes and programs. Catherine was the Director of the Adams County Historical Society for 30 years in Hastings, NE. Before that she was on the Board of Directors of the Adams County Historical Society.
Catherine continues to be a valued advisor and expert on history and genealogy. She authored the book Adams County - The Story Continues 1970-2021. She currently has a family history blog where she writes articles and stories for her children, relatives and friends. Catherine shares her passion by encouraging, assisting, and showing others how to get started researching their genealogies. She has entertained with genealogical and historical programs and presentations to many different organizations in the area, throughout the years.
Past Genealogist of the Year award winners:
2008 Denny Norvell, Auburn
2009 Kenneth Freeman Moseman
2010 Mary Landkamer, Broken Bow
2011 Ruby Coleman, North Platte
2012 Sue Doak, McCook (SWNGS)
2013 Judi Cook, Lincoln (LLCGS)
2014 Sandra Slater, Holdrege
2015 Phyllis Ericson, Lincoln (LLCGS)
2016 Rosalie McKnight, Broken Bow
2017 Ruth Briney, Lincoln (LLCGS)
2018 R. J. "Chris" Christensen, Curtis (SWNGS)
2019 Clarabelle "Clair" Mares (Eastern Nebraska Genealogical Society)
2020 Teresa Sullivan, Lincoln (LLCGS)
2021 Shannon Justice, Omaha (GOGS)
2022 Cindy Cochran (LLCGS)
2023 Vicki Wilkinson (PPGS)
2024 Terri Mabon (PPGS)
