Dr. Brian Clardy

The Jackson Purchase Historical Society announced that Brian K. Clardy, Associate Professor of History at Murray State University, has received the Dr. Lonnie E. Maness Award for the outstanding article in the Journal of the Jackson Purchase Historical Society in 2020. Dr. Clardy's article, "Blood at the Root: A Historiographical Commentary on Lynching in America" provides an overview of the tragedy of lynching in the United States by reviewing how historians have approached the subject and the substance of their writings.

When informed his article had been selected for award, Clardy said, "This is a profound honor and blessing. Dr. Maness was one of my professors at UT Martin and played a direct role in my interest in Diplomatic History. My thanks and gratitude go to the Board, my supportive colleagues, and the family of Dr. Maness. I hope that I made him proud!"

Jackson Purchase Historical Society president Bill Mulligan said, "I am happy for Brian, who has been a colleague and friend for many years. The quality of the articles in our journal is always quite high so being selected by the editorial board and offices of the Society for this award is no small thing. I hope Brian's essay and another in the journal on an incident in Hickman will stimulate thought and discussion on a timely issue."

Brian K. Clardy is a native of South Fulton, Tennessee, and a graduate of the University of Tennessee-Martin. He earned his PhD in historical studies at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale. He has taught at Murray State since 2006.

The Jackson Purchase Historical Society initiated the Dr. Lonnie E. Maness Award in 2019 to honor a long-time active member, past president, and frequent contributor to its Journal.

Anyone interested in Jackson Purchase history is welcome to join the JPHS. Information about membership and future programs is available on the society's website: http://jacksonpurchasehistory.org/