By Gregg Andrews

Two weeks ago, I was notified that Shantyboats and Roustabouts won the 2023 Missouri History Book Award for the best book published on the history of Missouri and its people. I regret that I could not be in Columbia yesterday for its presentation at the annual business meeting of the State Historical Society of Missouri, but it’s a special honor to receive this award. It’s especially sweet to get this recognition from my home state of Missouri. I was asked to send brief remarks to be read at the annual meeting on my behalf yesterday. These are the words I sent to accept the award:

As a native Missourian who grew up in the river village best known as Monkey Run, south of Hannibal and the Mark Twain Cave, I want to thank the State Historical Society of Missouri and its panel of judges for recognizing the unique contributions of Shantyboats and Roustabouts to Missouri history and the cultural history of the Mississippi River. On behalf of all those who lived, loved, and labored on the mighty river and its tributaries in the age of Mark Twain and beyond, including my own ancestors, I am thrilled and honored to accept this prestigious Missouri History Book Award. Thank you.

It has been a good first year for my book, and I appreciate the warm reception it has received.