(Baton Rouge, Louisiana) — Emily Dowden Wilcox is the 2024 recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Baton Rouge Genealogical and Historical Society.

In presenting the award, the society’s president, Robert Brevelle noted, “It is my pleasure to bestow this honor onto Emily in recognition of her lifelong contributions to genealogy and Louisiana history. Emily has spent over 40 years researching, promoting, and teaching genealogy and history all over the world. Throughout her travels, she has been a proud ambassador of Louisiana, our history, and our culture.”

Emily is a Louisiana native and descendant of the Choctaw Indians. She is a graduate of LSU and earned her doctorate at the University of Chicago. Her career includes teacher and administrator in the public school system, university professor, professional genealogist, and small business owner. For over 10 years, Emily lived abroad teaching history and genealogy at universities in Europe and Asia. For the past 15 years, Emily has been a member of the Baton Rouge Genealogical and Historical Society. Emily is currently working with genealogy libraries leading efforts to organize, translate, and digitize local records and other important historical documents.

“Thank you for this award,” said Emily. “I am truly honored and grateful. This organization means so much to me. I look forward to working on our next project for Baton Rouge and Louisiana.”

The award includes a complimentary lifetime membership, walnut and brass plaque in the shape of Louisiana, and a $500 Barnes & Noble gift card.

Founded in 1981, the Baton Rouge Genealogical and Historical Society was established to research, preserve and share genealogical and historical information of the people and communities of the greater Baton Rouge area. The society is a registered Louisiana non-profit and hosts seminars, classes, and events throughout the year for its members and guests.