Ken Hendricks, former Pioneer Museum of Alabama board chair, was honored as the first recipient of the Curren Adams Farmer Outstanding Pioneer Achievement Award Saturday night at the Troy Country Club.

“The Pioneer Museum of Alabama has a passion for the past, is an advocate for the future and a champion for our community,” said Kari Barley, museum director. “The same can be said about Ken Hendricks

“He was the ideal choice as the first recipient of the Curren Adams Farmer Outstanding Pioneer Achievement Award. His passion for the past is evident in the growth of the museum. He has supported the museum in every way, with his time, his talent and with financial support. We thank him for all he means to the Pioneer Museum of Alabama.”

Barley shared the tale of how the museum got its start more than 45 years ago.

“Mr. Farmer was driving out in the country and noticed an old, rusty plow in the field,” she said. “He thought it would be shameful if the hard labor of our ancestors, who made it possible for us to have bright futures, was forgotten. He founded the museum in 1971 so that others may learn from the past. With his strong support, Ken Hendricks is helping keep Mr. Farmer’s dream alive.”

Hendricks graciously accepted the award but was quick to acknowledge Farmer and his wife, Margaret Pace Farmer, for their dedication to the past and to their commitment that the past be preserved.

“I do have an appreciation for the past,” said Hendricks, a genealogist with a sense of humor. “After three months on the ocean, my ancestor got off the boat with one chicken – one chicken.”

Hendricks admitted that, like Farmer, he has a passion for the past and a commitment to the preservation of the past.

“When an eight-year-old comes to the museum and, says, ‘Wow!’ when he is shown how horseshoes are made or a quilt, that’s exciting. That’s reason to invest your time, your talent and your treasures in preserving the past.”

Hendricks recounted the efforts required to bring the steam-driven locomotive to the museum grounds. He said Farmer “lost his mind” over the acquisition of that artifact.

Hendricks spoke of the research and resources necessary to build the museum’s covered bridge. And, there have been lean times — times when the museum board members and staff had to “look under each rock to find the next penny” needed for the museum to stay afloat.

Hendricks expressed appreciation for the opportunity to be involved in the growth of the museum and encouraged continued community support of Curren Adams Farmer’s dream.

Barley said the awards banquet recognized and honored Hendricks and was also a celebration of those who are dedicated to keeping history alive by supporting the Pioneer Museum of Alabama in its interpretation of early pioneer life in Alabama.

Jeff Kervin, chairman of the museum’s board of directors, said the Pioneer Museum of Alabama is a private non-profit organization that depends on memberships and contributions to continue its mission of preserving the past for the future.

He encouraged those in attendance to become members of the museum and to consider the many volunteer opportunities available.

The museum is located on U.S. Highway 231 North in Troy. The hours of operation are from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Admission is charged.