Jackson also is the 1999 winner of the Elwood H. Phillips Award given to those who have made outstanding contributions toward preserving heritage. He is an Indiana University graduate, Indiana Master Gardener and volunteer at Saint John’s Medical Center.

As county historian, Jackson will act as the coordinator for the county’s historical resources and as the resource person for inquiries from the public. He will educate local organizations on county history and learn new techniques and technology associated the preserving and studying history.

Finally, he will promote cooperation among Madison County’s historical societies, including MCHS and historical organizations in Pendleton and Elwood.

“If we could get these guys together, we can get a better feel for the history of Madison County,” Hensley said. “We’re not only Anderson; we are the county.”

Jackson’s job will be an important one in preserving the sense of community in Madison County, Harris said.

“History is what really ties that community together,” he said. “If a community doesn’t share history, they’re not a community, it’s just a place for people to sleep. Once it has shared experience, that’s when it really starts to become a community.”