Summer 2010
www.history.ky.gov
Postcards from the Past:
Collection Depicts Kentucky’s Colorful History
Genealogy Conference Set for Summer
Hats, Horses & History! Special Thursday Programs Aim to Please
YOUR PEOPLE?
Bathing in the riv er, 1916. KHS Co llections.
WHO ARE
Find out at the Martin F. Schmidt Research Library Located at the Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History 100 West Broadway, Frankfort, KY 40601
HOURS Wednesdays: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursdays: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Fridays & Saturdays: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For information, call 502.564.1792 or visit www.history.ky.gov
“The Wheels on the Bus...” School field trips leave lasting memories. Annually, more than 30,000 students from every corner of the commonwealth travel to the KHS history campus to learn about their Kentucky heritage. Your secure online gift to the KHS Foundation Annual Fund will make an immediate impact, ensuring that our children will know what it means to be a Kentuckian. Visit www.history.ky.gov and click “Give/Join.” Or mail your donation to:
Kentucky Historical Society Foundation 100 W. Broadway Frankfort, KY 40601 502.564.1792 “I hope I go again.” Drawing of visit to KHS history campus from 4th grade Spencer County student, 2009.
Contents
Summer 2010
6
The Faces Behind the Names Meet the KHS Leadership Team
14
Hats, Horses & History!
Special Thursday Programs Aim to Please
19
KHS to Co-Host National Genealogical Event in August FGS Conference Offers Many Research Resources
16 21 23 27
Featured Acquisition | Postcards from the Past Connections | Education Briefs Perspective | Society News Inspiration | KHS Foundation Updates 5 Letter from the Executive Director 18 New Collections Acquisitions 29 KHS Calendar of Events
This page: William Jennings Bryan speech in Frankfort, ca. 1911. Ronald Morgan Kentucky Postcard Collection. Cover: An assortment of the more than 11,000 postcards recently donated to KHS by Frankfort resident Ronald Morgan.
www.history.ky.gov |
3
Executive Director Kentucky Historical Society Kent Whitworth Executive Director Kentucky Historical Society Foundation Dana Cox Director of Communications Lisa Summers Cleveland Editor Lisa Summers Cleveland Assistant Editors Laura Coleman Lauren Medley Contributors Nelson Dawson, Mike Deetsch, Jennifer Duplaga, Louise Jones, Donna Neary, Sarah Milligan, Sam Richardson, Don Rightmyer, Andrew Stupperich, Tim Talbott, Kent Whitworth Design Studio Director Scott Alvey Creative Director Charley Pallos Design Amy Crittenden Kelli Thompson Photography Creative Services Charley Pallos Lee Thomas
2010 KHS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE BOARD Chancellor, Gov. Steven L. Beshear President, Robert E. Rich, Covington First Vice President, Sheila Mason Burton, Frankfort Second Vice President, J. McCauley Brown, Louisville Third Vice President, Bill Black, Jr., Paducah Yvonne Baldwin, Ph.D., Morehead; Terry Birdwhistell, Ed.D., Lexington; Fred Brashear II, Hyden; Jim Claypool, Ph.D., Park Hills; Major Gen. (Ret.) Verna D. Fairchild, Frankfort; John Hardin, Ph.D., Bowling Green; Derrick Hord, Lexington; John Kleber, Ph.D., Louisville; Ruth Ann Korzenborn, Edgewood; Karen McDaniel, Frankfort; Brian Mefford, Bowling Green; Mike Mullins, Hindman; Patti Mullins, Corbin; Nancy O’Malley, Paris; Renee Shaw, Lexington; Sue Speed, Louisville; Louis Stout, Lexington 2009 KHS FOUNDATION BOARD President, John R. Hall, Lexington First Vice-President, Ann Rosenstein Giles, Lexington Second Vice-President, Henry C. T. Richmond III, Lexington Secretary, Kent Whitworth, Frankfort Treasurer, Buckner Woodford IV, Paris Lucy A. Breathitt, Lexington; Bruce Cotton, Lexington; James T. Crain Jr., Louisville; Dennis Dorton, Paintsville; Thomas Dupree, Lexington; Jo M. Ferguson, Louisville; Frank Hamilton, Georgetown; Jamie Hargrove, Louisville; Raymond R. Hornback, Ed.D., Lexington; Nancy Lampton, Louisville; Elizabeth Lloyd Jones, Midway; James C. Klotter, Ph.D., Lexington; Anita Madden, Lexington; James H. M. Molloy, Lexington; Margaret Patterson, Frankfort; Erwin Roberts, Louisville; Warren W. Rosenthal, Lexington; James Shepherd, Georgetown; Gerald L. Smith, Ph.D., Lexington; Alice Sparks, Crescent Springs; Charles Stewart, Frankfort; John P. Stewart II, M.D., Frankfort; William Sturgill, Lexington; James M. Wiseman, Erlanger
Circulation Manager Leslie Miller
Summer 2010. The Chronicle is published by the Kentucky Historical Society (KHS), Frankfort, Ky. It is a periodical for KHS members and friends that builds awareness of the mission of the Society as it engages people in the exploration of the diverse heritage of the commonwealth. The Chronicle reports how the comprehensive and innovative services, interpretive programs and stewardship of the Society are providing connections to the past, perspective on the present and inspiration for the future. If you are interested in making a bequest to the Society’s work, use our full legal address: Kentucky Historical Society Foundation, 100 West Broadway, Frankfort, KY 40601. Send all address changes to: The Chronicle, Kentucky Historical Society, 100 West Broadway, Frankfort, KY 40601. Website: www. history.ky.gov. E-mail: KHSmembership@ky.gov.
The Kentucky Historical Society is an agency of the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet.
Director’sletter Let Me Introduce You Over the years, the Kentucky Historical Society (KHS) has been blessed with many capable and dedicated staff. From Jennie Chinn Morton, who in the mid-1890s revived KHS and served as the Society’s first director, to current State Historian James E. Klotter, whose 25-year KHS career culminated in the construction of the Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History. On a more personal note, my mom brought her fourth grade classes to KHS for many years and they were active participants in the Kentucky Junior Historical Society. So for our family, names like Susan Hughes and Annie Denny immediately come to mind when KHS is mentioned.
staff leadership team. Some names and faces will be familiar and others are new to KHS. I encourage you to get to know all of these people. You will see that they share your passion for Kentucky history. Our leadership team is driven to consistently improve and to make the work of KHS relevant for generations to come. As Kentucky State Historian Laureate for Life, Thomas D. Clark stated, historians have an obligation to do more than “dig up corpses and expose them to other historians and then bury them. I think that history should have some fundamental meaning, not only to the profession itself…but to society in general.” We could not agree more!
I am especially proud of the caliber of the KHS staff at this time. We have attracted to KHS some of the finest that our profession has to offer from within the commonwealth and beyond. In this issue of the Chronicle, it is my pleasure to introduce you to our
Thank you for your continued interest and support as we work together to provide connections to the past, perspective on the present and inspiration for the future!
Executive Director
Top row, from left: Linda Redmon, Corky Mohedano, Andrew Stupperich, Jody Blankenship. Middle row, from left: Kent Whitworth, Theresa Young, Donna Neary, Darrell Meadows. Bottom row, from left: Lisa Cleveland, Dana Cox, Louise Jones, Scott Alvey.
www.history.ky.gov |
5
6 |
FACES BEHIND THE NAMES Meet the Kentucky Historical Society Leadership Team
Behind every accomplished organization is a well-rounded, savvy group of individuals who work behind the scenes to bring projects to fruition, provide services to constituents and plan for the organization’s future. These leaders work with their own departments and collaboratively across the organization, carrying out their respective roles. And while those outside the organization may think the process looks effortless, within this institution’s walls, one thing is guaranteed: the decision-making is intentional, the conversations are impassioned and the planning is thorough. Who are the people who keep the Kentucky Historical Society (KHS) on-track? Meet the KHS senior leadership team, a group of qualified, dedicated individuals. They are experts in their own areas, and they work to bring the KHS staff together and fulfill the organization’s mission every day. Kent Whitworth, Executive Director Energy. Enthusiasm. Ideas. These words sum up Kent. He has been pushing the KHS staff to fulfill its mission in new and exciting ways since he began his tenure as executive director in 2004. If you ask Kent what he does at KHS, his response will be both thoughtful and complete. His team officially includes nine staff members, but in reality his team includes the entire organization. A hands-
Kent Whitworth, Executive Director
on administrator, Kent comes running whenever he is called upon for advice or a helping-hand. Staff members appreciate his friendly personality and sincere interest in their well-being. Kent has a bachelor’s degree in history from Asbury College and a master’s in history with an emphasis in historic preservation from Middle Tennessee State University. He is also extremely involved in the history profession. He is a former council member for the American Association of State and Local History www.history.ky.gov |
7
(AASLH) and serves on the organization’s development committee. He serves as the KHS Foundation Board secretary; is a member of the State Historical Administrators; is a member of the Kentucky Historic Properties Advisory Commission; serves as a board member of Kentucky Mansions Preservation Foundation Council Inc.; and is a member of the Kentucky Museum and Heritage Alliance (KMHA). Although he is low on free time, Kent is an active community member and dedicated family-man. He is a graduate of both Leadership Knoxville and Leadership Kentucky. Kent coached Upward Basketball for 10 years, and currently sings in his church choir and teaches middle school Sunday school with his wife, Sarah. When he and Sarah are not following their two children to tennis, choir, band and drama activities, they enjoy eating Mexican food and watching movies at home. Dana Cox, KHS Foundation Executive Director She may be the newest member of the KHS senior leadership team, but KHS has already felt Dana’s impact on the KHS Foundation. Her high-energy level is inspirational to everyone at KHS, but especially to her staff. And the feeling is mutual: Dana describes her staff as “a joy to know and a dream to work with.” Early in her career, Dana worked with Thomas D. Clark, former state historian and namesake for the KHS headquarters. She was profoundly influenced by her time with Clark and is inspired by his legacy, which
Dana Cox, KHS Foundation Executive Director
makes her even more passionate about raising support for KHS. A native of Louisville and a resident of Lexington, Dana is particularly proud of her Kentucky heritage and strong family ties to the state. Before joining the KHS Foundation, she spent 19 years with UK—her alma mater—where she worked closely with Kentucky authors, historians, architects, preservationists and other scholars in a variety of fundraising and communications positions. At UK, Dana earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism and completed master’s coursework in historic preservation and public policy. Before utilizing her writing and people skills in fundraising and public relations, Dana worked as a community journalist and travel writer for several years. When she is not hard at work at KHS, Dana enjoys being with her husband, Jim, daughter Annie, and son Christopher, and spending time with a good book. Scott Alvey, Director of the Design Studio An idea-man at heart, Scott is always thinking of the big-picture and ways to take KHS to the next level. After 15 years with the Louisville Science Center, he decided to join the KHS staff because of all of the potential he sees in the organization.
Scott Alvey, Director of the Design Studio
8|
Scott has a bachelor’s degree in history from Western Kentucky University and is involved in several professional organizations. He is the president of
KMHA, a state director for the Southeast Museums Conference and a member of AASLH. At any given time, Scott’s team of six is working on upwards of 10 projects—all of which are completely different in scope and subject. Scott describes his team as “talented, creative and cooperative.” He works to bring their expertise together to fulfill the needs of the entire organization. Scott spends most of his free time following his children, Rebekah and Ryan, to rehearsals, practices, games and performances with his wife, Kimberly. When they are not busy with these activities, they love to visit museums. Must be in the genes! Jody Blankenship, Director of Education A true strategic thinker, Jody sees great potential in KHS as an organization that is ready to break the mold and redefine state historical societies. With a bachelor’s degree in history from Ohio Northern University and a master’s in history museum studies from the Cooperstown Graduate Program, Jody is ready to help KHS do just that. Jody demands the very best from his 14-member team. Following his lead, the education staff have been transforming several KHS education programs and initiating new projects. For Jody, the best part about working at KHS is that he is able to work with people all over the state, and the worst is paperwork—which is hard to believe since he has one of the tidiest offices in the organization.
Lisa Cleveland, Director of Communications
Lisa Cleveland, Director of Communications Lisa has the power to persuade a person to join her team without really asking. It could be her soothing voice, thoughtful approach or quick wit—but whatever it is, Lisa is the quintessential P.R.-lady. And she’s not just all talk, either. A go-getter, Lisa inspires her team to work independently but is always available for advice. She oversees marketing, special events, rentals and visitor services, so her daily schedule is always changing. When any type of crisis arises, everyone at KHS knows that they can rely on Lisa to keep a cool head and come up with a satisfactory solution.
Outside of KHS, Jody remains involved in the museum industry as a member of the National Council on Public History (NCPH), National Trust and AASLH. He is a member of two AASLH committees, was a 2007 graduate of the group’s Seminar for Historical Administration and was awarded both the Award of Merit and WOW Award. Before joining the ranks at KHS, Jody served as the manager of the outreach and field services department at the Ohio Historical Society. He also enjoys traveling and watching movies with his wife, Barbara.
Jody Blankenship, Director of Education www.history.ky.gov |
9
Lisa has a bachelor’s degree in editorial journalism from UK and is a graduate of the Institute on Political Journalism at Georgetown University. She started her career in newspapers and then served as the director of communications for the Kentucky Secretary of State’s Office and project manager for the Kentucky office of NIC before joining KHS in June 2007. A downtown Frankfort resident, Lisa is an active community member and serves on the Downtown Frankfort Inc. board. In her free time, she enjoys jogging with her two children, attending UK basketball and football games with her husband, Larry, gardening and hanging out with her dog and cats. Louise Jones, Director of Special Collections and Library Services Another Ohio Historical Society recruit, Louise is the antithesis of the stereotypical librarian—well, with the exception that she does love books. While Louise is fairly new to the KHS scene—she began her tenure here in March—she has come in with a bang. She is currently working to unify public access to all the collections available in the research library, which is no small feat with collections including some 90,000 published works. Though she wishes that her budget were much larger and she could increase her staff of 14 to a small army, Louise loves working at KHS. She says that the best part about her job is that she learns something new every day. Louise has a bachelor’s degree from Cornell University
R. Darrell Meadows, Director of Research and Interpretation
and a master’s of information science from Drexel University, and belongs to the American Library Association. Originally from Ithaca, New York, Louise is happy to be in the bluegrass state with her horse and cat. Quite the equine-buff, Louise loves to watch equestrian show jumping and is “totally excited” about being in Kentucky for the Rolex and World Equestrian Games. R. Darrell Meadows, Director of Research and Interpretation While Darrell is extremely intelligent and serious about his scholarly work, he is not a stereotypical stuffy scholar. Darrell’s witty, dry sense of humor is apparent upon first meeting and only becomes more endearing over time. He’s not just all funny business, either. During his four years with KHS, Darrell has been extremely busy. Before becoming the director of research and interpretation, he served as the project historian for KHS Lincoln Bicentennial exhibitions, including the 3800-square-foot traveling exhibition, which was recognized by the NCPH and AASLH. He was also the consulting historian for Kentucky Educational Television’s production of “Lincoln: I, too, am a Kentuckian,” which received three regional Emmy Awards. He is currently working on ongoing projects, like the KHS research fellowship program, as well as the “Papers of the Kentucky Civil War Governors: An Online Documentary Edition,” project, which he describes as “very exciting.”
Louise Jones, Director of Special Collections and Library
10 |
Darrell earned a master’s degree and Ph.D. in social and cultural history from Carnegie Mellon University. He is a member of several professional academic associations, including the American Historical Association, the Southern Historical Association, and the Organization of American Historians. He has served on numerous conference panels as both a presenter and chair, and has twice been selected to participate in the International Seminar on the History of the Atlantic World at Harvard University.
variety, and he loves that he works for an organization that makes such a positive contribution to Kentucky’s culture. He is somewhat of a Jack-of-all-trades outside of work, too. Corky has a sizeable collection of Grumpy mugs,
Outside of work, Darrell enjoys reading, biking, walking and eating ice cream with his wife, René. He is still having trouble believing that his daughter just turned 23. Darrell is also a devoted fan of the team he describes as the “REAL Cardinals”—the St. Louis baseball team. Corky Mohedano, Security and Planning Administrator The term Jack-of-all-trades describes Corky well. As the security and planning administrator at KHS, he oversees security, planning, safety and emergency preparation and serves as a liaison among KHS and other agencies for facility-related issues. His day-today tasks range from programming access cards for new staff members to overseeing a project planning and review meeting or consulting with staff about strategic planning. Corky has a bachelor’s degree in history from Campbellsville University and has worked at KHS for 11 years. His favorite thing about his job is the
Corky Mohedano, Security and Planning Administrator
constructs model planes and likes to dabble in music recording. Maybe this varied set of interests comes from the many places he lived growing up—his family moved six times due to his father’s work as a pastor. In his free time, Corky likes to go to movies and restaurants with his wife, Angela, and daughter, Meredith. Donna Neary, Director of Civil War Sesquicentennial Initiatives Donna brings a great deal of personality, enthusiasm and knowledge to KHS. A true history-lover, she has the unique ability to take a topic that is often considered boring or high-brow and make it accessible and interesting. KHS is happy to have her and can’t wait for the Sesquicentennial to begin.
Donna Neary, Director of Civil War Sesquecentennial Initiatives
Donna has a bachelor’s degree in history and journalism from Murray State University and a master’s in public history and United States history with a concentration in archaeology from Loyola University in Chicago. Previously, she served as the Kentucky state historic preservation officer and executive director of the Kentucky Heritage Council. www.history.ky.gov |
11
Outside of work, Donna enjoys spending time with her family. She and her husband, Ed, are accomplished home-renovators; the kitchen in their previous home was featured in Southern Living. They also love taking their children, Jackson and Brigid, to Kentucky state parks, historic sites, museums and national parks. Linda Redmon, Director of Finance and Human Resources Crunching numbers and overseeing personnel issues on a daily basis does not sound like an ideal situation to most people, but Linda is the exception. Linda started working for KHS in 1993 and loves doing so because there is always plenty of work to keep her busy and enough variety to keep her on her toes. Her team provides support for the entire agency, and she says that she feels fortunate to work with a group in which she has complete confidence. Linda is always willing to pitch in when an extra hand is needed on a project, no matter how small.
Finance Director Linda Redmon
She is a 25-year member of the National Council on Public History. Donna is happy to be at KHS because she sees the Civil War Sesquicentennial as a once in a lifetime opportunity to work with communities and individuals around Kentucky and the nation. She was part of a team that conceived and wrote a successful one million dollar Transportation Enhancement grant application that will fund Sesquicentennial programming at KHS.
A central Kentucky native, Linda is a huge UK fan. Her favorite sport to watch is basketball, but she also enjoys watching soccer. When she’s not cheering on the wildcats, she likes to play softball. Rumor has it she is quite the player, though she is too modest to tell you so herself. Linda also enjoys cooking for and participating in outdoor
KHS by the numbers . . .
8
Number of functional teams
38
Number of staff with history degrees
9.3%
% of Americans with advanced degrees
12 |
81
Total number of KHS and Foundation employees
48.1%
% of staff with advanced degrees
36 4
Number of staff members born out of state
Number of staff who are veterans
45.6%
Percent of staff who play musical instruments
5
Number of staff who are vegetarians
64.19%
Percent of staff who have done family-history research
11
Number of staff who have participated in a battle re-enactment
1152 oz.
Amount of coffee consumed at KHS each day
activities with her husband, Edward, four children, two step-children, cat and dog. With all those kids and animals, it’s no wonder that Linda is good with numbers. Andy Stupperich, Curator/Interim Director of Museum Collections and Exhibitions
Assessment Program. Though he is a Missouri native, Andy has worked in museums in many states. He enjoys Kentucky because of all of the great state parks in which he can hike and camp. Whenever possible, he likes to visit his six siblings and many nieces and nephews.
Andy’s team enjoys working with him because he is extremely knowledgeable and has great attention to detail. They enjoy being around him because of his dry, self-deprecating sense of humor. A KHS curator, Andy has graciously assumed the role of interim director of museum collections and exhibitions while a committee works to find a permanent director. Though administrative work is his least favorite thing about his job, Andy’s familiarity with the KHS collections—which include more than 500,000 artifacts and documents—makes him the perfect person to ensure that these items are cared for and shared properly. He most enjoys researching collections, making new connections between artifacts and our state, and growing the collections. Andy earned a master’s degree in historical administration from Eastern Illinois University. He is a member of several professional organizations, including the American Association of Museums (AAM); AASLH; Association for Living History, Farm and Agricultural Museums; Southeastern Museums Conference; and Agricultural Historical Society. He is also on the peer review board for the AAM Museum
Interim Museum Director Andrew Stupperich
Theresa Young, Executive Assistant Even though Theresa is managing about 1,000 tasks at any given moment, everyone at KHS knows that they can rely on her to lend a helping hand. Maybe it is Theresa’s knowledge of state government that makes her so incredibly efficient—she has worked for three different cabinets during her tenure with the state. Or maybe it is her incredible ability to multitask or her degree in business. Whatever it is, KHS is glad she has it. During her four years at KHS, Theresa played a key role in the organization of the director’s office. A dedicated member of Good Shepherd Church, Theresa is part of the church’s Catholic Women’s Fellowship group. She spends her free time completing home improvement projects, walking, jogging, hanging out with her children and granddaughters and keeping up with her 12 siblings. v
Executive Assistant Theresa Young www.history.ky.gov |
13
Coming Attractions JUNE 24 Concert in the garden featuring No Tools Loaned JULY 15
Theatre in the Garden
JULY 22
An Evening with the Paintings, exhibit of Paul Sawyier originals
AUGUST 12
14 |
Evening Tour of the Old Governor’s Mansion
HATS, HORSES & HISTORY Special Thursday Programs Aim to Please
The Kentucky Historical Society (KHS) has extended its evening hours on Thursdays in an effort to be more accessible to the public and to provide programs that appeal to history lovers, both young and old. So far, KHS has presented family-history programs, a new film series and a variety of special events tied to the Society’s collections. First Lady Jane Beshear’s 2010 Derby hat was designed in April at a Thursday evening Hat-A-Tude event. Dozens of women clad in colorful toppers were in attendance to listen and ask questions of Polly Singer, of Polly Singer Couture Hats & Veils. Singer provided tips on updating hats and displayed several of her creations, along with feathers and other finery. Stephanie Harding-Kalla, of Franklin County, also exhibited part of her vast collection of hats. Guests enjoyed traditional Derby foods and mint juleps. KHS is also screening films this summer on Thursday evenings. The two most recent films shown were from Appalshop and included “Coalmining Women” and “Stranger with a Camera.” Elizabeth Barret, director of “Stranger with a Camera,” spoke to the audience about her experience making that 1967 documentary. Many other programs are planned throughout the summer at KHS. Check the website, www.history.ky.gov, for a complete schedule and details. v www.history.ky.gov |
15
SOCIETYCOLLECTIONS
Postcards from the Past: Collection Depicts Kentucky’s Colorful History At a time when most people think in terms of instant messenger, email and texting to send short notes, Ronald Morgan sees the value in preserving the early history of the “short note.” Morgan, a Frankfort resident, collected more than 11,000 examples of Kentucky postcards over a 20 year period, starting with his very first postcard, which features a scene of Lancaster, Ky. He donated his collection to the Kentucky Historical Society (KHS) in November 2009, and since then KHS Special Collections and library staff have been processing the postcards, inventorying them and, in general, readying them for researchers. The Morgan Postcard Collection is believed to be one of the largest collection of postcards dedicated to documenting Kentucky in a U.S. repository, and is a spectacular view of life in Kentucky during the 20th century. Pick a topic, theme or place particular to the
16 |
Bluegrass state and most likely there will be something in this collection to help illustrate it. After that first image of Lancaster, Morgan focused his collecting on scenes of Kentucky before 1940. Among his favorites are those that show a Kentucky few remember, with street scenes showing dirt rather than paved surfaces, and agricultural scenes showing hemp growing beside tobacco. Now you might think, what will researchers do with a postcard collection? A bit of history may be in order to fully understand just how useful these early 20th century “text messages” really are. To begin with, the first postcards did not even have messages written on them. It was not until 1907 that you could write a message on the back of the card, next to the address of the recipient. Before 1907, people would either write across the picture or might write a message on the front of the card in the small margin provided by the
From left: Old Black Joe on the Streets of Shakertown, Ky. Kentucky Derby Fan postcard, ca. 1915. Frankfort tourism postcard, ca. 1910. Voting Booth Election Day, Benham, Ky. Ronald Morgan, of Franklin County, donated his collection to KHS.
manufacturer for that purpose. Until 1916, the majority of postcards were printed in Europe. But after the end of WWI, the Golden Age of postcards began and manufacturers in the U.S. became just as active. There were some productions, however, that spanned the ocean. The Kraemer Company of Cincinnati sent cards to Germany to be hand-colored, and to this day, these cards remain some of Morgan’s favorites. “The colors are amazing; they are really premier cards,” Morgan said, “and all the buildings have bright red roofs, regardless of whether the building in Kentucky had a red roof.” In 1906, Eastman Kodak began to market a camera that allowed photographers to take black and white photographs which could then be applied directly onto postcard backs. The negatives were the same size as
the postcard and there was a small stylus that allowed the photographer to write directly on the photograph. Many of the postcards document buildings of stature in a community: government buildings, schools and churches. However, significant events are also represented, including one of the destruction wrought by the Cincinnati tornado of July 7, 1915, which completely destroyed St. Boniface Church in Ludlow, Ky. KHS staff hope this collection will appeal to researchers looking for images of Kentucky, especially those scenes that have changed as communities and towns have developed over the course of time. In addition to the value of the picture on the front, the message on the back can often be just as fascinating. If you would like to view this postcard collection, make plans to visit the Martin F. Schmidt Research Library at the Center for Kentucky History in Frankfort.
www.history.ky.gov |
xv 17
SOCIETYCOLLECTIONS
New DONATIONS & ACQUISITIONS TO THE
KENTUCKY HISTORICAL SOCIETY COLLECTIONS
The Kentucky Historical Society continually adds to its collections of historic materials. Photographs, documents, artifacts and oral histories help keep Kentucky’s rich past alive for future generations. A sample of the latest acquisitions is featured here.
18 |
Kentucky Derby Barbie, 2009 Produced in celebration of Barbie’s 50th birthday and the 135th Run for the Roses, Kentucky Derby Barbie represents the joining of two well-known American icons. Standing in front of a representation of the twin spires, Kentucky Derby Barbie is dressed for her day at the races in a floral sundress, pearls and a rose-decorated hat. Full-size versions of Barbie’s hat were available on a made-to-order basis. Kentucky Derby Barbie was a joint effort of Churchill Downs and Mattel Inc. Donated by Sara L. Elliott, 2010.3
Grand Army of the Republic Badge, Late 19th Century Charles Fletcher Maxfield, a member of Garfield Post No. 2 GAR, wore this reunion badge. Originally from Tennessee, Maxfield served in Kentucky’s South Cumberland Battalion during the Civil War. Later, he moved to Covington and operated a blacksmith shop. The ribbon is reversible for use during memorial services. Donated by Daniel L. Gilvin, 2010.1
Travel Case, Mid 20th Century Amelia Clay VanMeter Rogers of Clark County, Ky., used this blue leather case to hold her travel necessities. The case contains five cosmetic bottles, toothbrush bottle, clothes brush, comb and mirror. Each component fits neatly within a prescribed location. Donated by Leslie Miller, 2010.6
James McCreary Letters, 1914 James Bennett McCreary (1838-1918) was born in Richmond, Ky. During the Civil War he served with John Hunt Morgan in the 11th Kentucky Cavalry. McCreary had a long political career, serving twice as Kentucky Governor (1875-79, 1911-15), in the U.S. House of Representatives (1884-97) and in the U.S. Senate (1903-09). This collection includes two letters written by McCreary as he was campaigning for a U.S. Senate seat in 1914. Donated by Marjorie Boylen, 2010SC01
Jack Howard Korean War Photographs, 1952-3 Jack Howard was born Oct. 19, 1931, and grew up in Visalia, Kenton County, Ky. He was drafted into the Korean War in November 1951 and served on active duty in Korea with the 425th Transportation Traffic Regulation Group from August 1952 to October 1953. This collection includes approximately 80 photographs taken during Howard’s service. Donated by Jack Howard, 2010.001
Oral History Interview with Col. Steven Bullard In this two-part collection, Col. Bullard discusses his military career, focusing on his time with the Kentucky Air National Guard since 1991, covering humanitarian missions to Bosnia and Somalia in the 1990s, as well as his time served as the senior airfield authority for the NATO International Security Assistance Force and as commander of the 451st Air Expeditionary Group at Kandahar Air Field in Afghanistan during 2006-2007. Col. Bullard currently serves on the Kentucky Military History Museum Committee.
KHS TO CO-HOST NATIONAL GENEALOGICAL EVENT IN AUGUST Federation of Genealogical Societies Conference Offers Many Research Resources
Genealogists from across the country will convene in Knoxville in August when the Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS) hosts its annual conference. The event, co-sponsored by the Kentucky Historical Society (KHS) and the East Tennessee Historical Society (ETHS), will take place August 18-21. This year’s conference theme is “Rediscovering America’s First Frontier.” Speakers will present on Kentucky and Tennessee genealogical research; researching ethnic groups, including African Americans, Native Americans and the Scots-Irish; genealogical research methodology and resources; and a variety of other topics. Kent Whitworth, KHS executive director, and J. Mark Lowe, a full-time professional genealogist, author and teacher, will provide a joint keynote address. KHS staff members will also lead workshops and lectures at the conference. Topics covered by KHS staff include researching the KHS manuscript collections; Kentucky immigration and emigration patterns; The Martin F. Schmidt Research Library vertical files contain 20,000 Kentucky family names. The library is the state’s premier location for Kentucky research. www.history.ky.gov |
19
conducting research at the Martin F. Schmidt Research Library; and Civil War battlefield records and Federal War Claims. Other presentations include the James Dent Walker Memorial Lecture, the Chuck Knuthson Memorial Lecture and the Helen F.M. Leary Distinguished Lecture. This year’s James Dent Walker Memorial Lecture will be presented by John Baker Jr., who will lead a session titled, “Connecting Land and People: Using Farm Records to Illuminate Slave Families.” The annual Walker Lecture is presented in memory of the late Jimmie Walker, who was one of the most popular and respected lecturers in the field of genealogy and family history. Julie Miller will present the Chuck Knuthson Memorial Lecture. Miller’s presentation is “Firing Up the Next Generation of Genealogists!” The Knuthson Lecture is presented in memory of the late Chuck Knuthson, a former FGS board member and professional genealogist for more than 30 years. Involving young people in genealogical research was one of Knuthson’s primary interests. Laura Murphy DeGrazia will present “Why is a ‘Reasonably Exhaustive Search’ So Important to the Genealogical Proof Standard?” as this year’s
Helen F.M. Leary Distinguished Lecture. The series is sponsored by the Board for Certification of Genealogists Education Fund, which honors Leary’s contributions to genealogical education. Leary is known for her broad range of informative and entertaining lectures, including methodology, law, writing, education and the art of lecturing. Leary Lecturers are accomplished members of the genealogical field and present on topics that coincide with Leary’s interests. Further genealogical resources, including an exhibit hall providing print and electronic publications, software, membership opportunities and other services will also be available for conference attendees. Complete conference information and secure online registration is available on the FGS website, www.fgs.org. While traveling to the conference, stop by the Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History and visit the Martin F. Schmidt Research Library, which will extend its hours the week prior to the conference to accommodate attendees. To find out more about the Martin F. Schmidt Research Library, visit www.history.ky.gov and click “Research & Genealogy." v
Martin F. Schmidt Research Library Hours for FGS Conference If you’re traveling to Knoxville August 18-21 for the FGS Annual Conference, take advantage of special library hours at the Martin F. Schmidt Research Library at KHS prior to the conference and regular library hours during and after the conference. The Martin F. Schmidt Research Library houses more than 90,000 published works, more than 16,000 reels of microfilm and more than 30,000 vertical files of collected and contributed research.
20 |
LIBRARY HOURS Tuesday, August 17: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursdays: 10 am. to 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. *All times are Eastern Standard Time.
CONNECTIONS | Education Briefs Searching for a Fun Summer Camp? Investigate Camp ArtyFact This July, the Kentucky Historical Society (KHS) will offer Camp Artyfact, a half-day camp for children ages six to 12. Camp participants will explore the KHS history campus and collections and then create their own works of art. Through hands-on activities like sculpting, painting, drawing and theatre, children will discover Kentucky’s history, culture and traditions.
and “Comics and Cartooning.” Each class will run three hours a day for one week. For a complete listing of classes, descriptions and the summer schedule, visit www.history.ky.gov/camp. To inquire about Camp ArtyFact, contact Mike Deetsch at 502-564-1792, ext. 4425 or mike.deetsch@ky.gov.
Using the variety of collections housed at the Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History and the Old State Capitol, students will create original works of art as a response to material culture and other objects on view. This unique, one-of-a-kind program will introduce young children to the KHS collections while giving them an outlet to respond to what they have seen and learned. Some of this summer’s classes include “History Comes to Life,” “Transportation in Kentucky,” “Folk Arts,”
Kentucky History Day District Contests Successful in 2010 Despite the days lost to snow school closings in January and February, 2010 proved to be a successful year for Kentucky History Day (KHD) district contests. KHD, the state affiliate for National History Day, held four district contests in March that were extremely competitive and well-attended. The district six contest at Georgetown College kicked off the season on March 6. More than 100 students from eight different schools competed. The district
five contest at Eastern Kentucky University on March 13 smashed last year’s attendance with more than 60 students competing from seven different schools. The district eight contest at Southeast Community and Technical College was held on March 26, and hosted more than 40 students from four schools. The final district contest, district three at the Frazier International History Museum in Louisville, was held on March 27 and had more than 90 students from nine schools and home schools. The district contests are the level at which most students participate in KHD, but students who placed in the top five of each project category from the junior and senior divisions competed at the state contest, held in conjunction with the Kentucky Junior Historical Society Conference on May 8 at the Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History. If you would like more information on the KHD program, contact Tim Talbott at tim.talbott@ky.gov or 502-564-1792, ext. 4428. www.history.ky.gov |
21
CONNECTIONS | Education Briefs Docent Training Class Offered for Volunteers Last winter, the Kentucky Historical Society (KHS) offered a six-week docent training class for volunteers interested in working with school groups during the busy spring season. After the training period, docents helped students with hands-on-history activities using the KHS special use
collections. These collections include replica artifacts and other items, which allow students to touch artifacts instead of simply viewing them. Classes met weekly over the six week period and volunteers were introduced to many aspects of the KHS history campus, including a behind-the-scenes look at collections and archival storage. Additionally, staff volunteers were introduced to the collections of the Martin F. Schmidt Research Library and how to use the various catalogs associated with it. Docents were also introduced to a variety of educational and teaching strategies for engaging children in the Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History’s permanent exhibition, “A Kentucky Journey.” Sessions covered topics like guided questioning and object observation strategies, as well as creative dramatics. Along with more traditional classroom setting sessions, volunteers also spent time observing school groups in the gallery and had a chance to interact with students and teachers as they moved throughout the space.
KHS Kentucky History Education Conference Returns in 2010 The Kentucky History Education Conference (KHEC), presented by the Kentucky Historical Society (KHS), will return to the Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History after a year hiatus. This year’s KHEC will be based around the 2011 National History Day theme, “Debate and Diplomacy in History: Successes, Failures and Consequences,” and will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday, July 15. Kentucky’s premier historians will lead historical content sessions focused around the conference theme. This year’s keynote speaker is renowned diplomatic historian George Herring, Ph.D., University of Kentucky professor
22 |
emeritus. Concurrent sessions on primary source activities and instructional strategies will also be offered. The cost of the conference, which includes lunch, refreshments and handouts, is $50 or $45 for KHS, Kentucky Association for Teachers of History and Kentucky Council for Social Studies members. For more information, contact Tim Talbott at tim.talbott@ky.gov or 502-564-1792, ext. 4428.
Perspective | Society News Chester C. Buchanan Receives First Anne Walker Fitzgerald Award Chester C. Buchanan, of Reno, Nev., is the first recipient of the Kentucky Historical Society Anne Walker Fitzgerald Award for his Kentucky Ancestors article, “Jesse Copher: One of Daniel Boone’s Salt Makers.” His article was published in the Spring 2009 issue and gives a historical description of Copher, one of the men who accompanied Daniel Boone on the famous salt-making trip in 1778. An independent board of reviewers evaluated articles published in 2009 issues of Kentucky Ancestors according to criteria for excellence in research, documentation, writing and contribution to scholarship, and selected Buchanan as the winner. One reviewer commented, “The one thing that stood out for me... was the depth of his research and use of different types of sources for the article.” Another reviewer noted, “Mr. Buchanan’s article seemed... to be the most thoroughly researched and
documented submission... His analysis seems to take nothing at face value. Where there was conflicting evidence or questionable documentation... he provided significant insight into the pathways that his reasoning took toward any conclusions he ultimately drew, yet still left room for further argument.” “Buchanan’s account of his fourth-great-grandfather, Jesse Copher... traces Copher’s life from his birth in Virginia, to Kentucky and his death in Missouri. Since Copher was in the company of famous frontiersmen Daniel Boone, Simon Kenton and others, Buchanan found evidence of Copher’s service in the military, his capture by the Indians and his life in a British prison and later escape. The article was interesting and welldocumented,” said a third reviewer. The Anne Walker Fitzgerald Award was established in 2008 to honor Walker, the first editor of Kentucky Ancestors, who served from the beginning of the publication in 1965 until 1983.
Lincoln Issue of the Register was Delivered in Spring The Lincoln bicentennial issue of the Register, entitled “Abraham Lincoln and Kentucky,” arrived in homes of KHS members and subscribers this spring. Additional copies are now available for those who would like to purchase them. KHS members may be glad to know that forthcoming issues of the Register will be appearing at an accelerated pace in an effort to put that publication back on schedule. If you would like to order an additional copy of this issue of the Register, contact Leslie Miller at 502-564-1792, ext. 4490.
www.history.ky.gov | 23
Perspective | Society News One Day Does Make a Difference…Roadside History Corrected Eastside Elementary School Fifth-grader Joseph Moss did his homework. He did it so well, in fact, that it resulted in the correction of a historic marker in Cynthiana this spring. Eleven year-old Moss was conducting research on the Battle of Cynthiana for a 2009 Kentucky Junior Historical Society Contest. His teacher, Jeff Kinney, had asked students in his history club to think about a significant Kentucky historical event. Moss delved into the subject and found conflicting dates on historic markers in the area. A marker on U.S. 27 South noted that the first battle of Cynthiana took place on July 18, 1862. Moss checked reference material and found the correct date—July 17. He told Kinney and other local officials who then contacted the Kentucky Historical Society (KHS). “Obviously, these markers need to be 100 percent correct,” said Kent Whitworth, executive director of KHS. “It’s wonderful to find young people like Joe who appreciate history.” The new marker ceremony was held on April 24 and is dedicated “with gratitude to Joe Moss.” The historic marker notes the date that Confederate Col. John Hunt Morgan’s 875 men attacked the town via Georgetown Pike.
From top: Kentucky Transportation Cabinet employees helped remove the incorrect historic marker. The new marker was dedicated “with gratitude to Joe Moss.” From left, Kent Whitworth, executive director of KHS, Moss and Jeff Kinney, Eastside Elementary School teacher.
KHS Honored at the DAR State Conference The Kentucky Historical Society (KHS) was recognized with the Special Historical Preservation Award by the Kentucky Society Daughters of the American Revolution (KSDAR) at the group’s 114th annual state conference in Lexington this spring. “As lovers of history and genealogy, words cannot express the profound appreciation of the Kentucky Daughters for the dedicated work of the Kentucky
24 |
Historical Society. For over 160 years and through countless programs, KHS has preserved Kentucky’s history and heritage,” said Sharon Mayne Withers, KSDAR state regent. “From an outstanding genealogical library to historical markers in every corner of Kentucky, from engaging exhibits to scholarly publications and lectures, KHS has performed works of education, patriotism and historic preservation.”
Perspective | Society News Murray State University Receives KOHC Preservation Grant Oral history projects sprang up en masse in Kentucky during the early 1970s to mid 1980s, thanks in large part to a successful 10-year project at Alice Lloyd College. The Appalachian Oral History Project, which resulted in the publication of a book, “Our Appalachia,” contained more than 25,000 interviews. Most of these interviews, which took place in Kentucky between 1970 and 2005, were captured on cassette tapes. Because even the most carefully maintained cassette averages a life span of 35 years, a mass digital migration of these and other resources is necessary. In 2008, the Kentucky Oral History Commission (KOHC) began offering preservation assistance grant opportunities for the use of equipment to digitize oral
histories in Kentucky repositories. To date, Eastern Kentucky University has digitized 500 interviews, Western Kentucky University has digitized 435 interviews and Murray State University (MSU) will digitize their oral history collection over the next year. KOHC staff visited MSU in February to set up and offer training for the digital workstation in the Pogue Special Collections Library. Collections to be digitized focus primarily on the Jackson Purchase region of the state and far western Kentucky and include topics like regional local history, race relations, regional folklife and WWI and WWII. Dieter Ullrich, MSU director of special collections, is already envisioning ways to make the digitized interviews more accessible to the public.
New Research Tool Now Available for KHS Members The Kentucky Historical Society (KHS) now offers access to the Footnote-Library Plus Edition in the Martin F. Schmidt Research Library. This addition to KHS online resources is a wonderful tool for library patrons. From collaborative efforts with institutions such as the National Archives, the Library of Congress and the Allen County Public Library, Footnote provides access to important historical and genealogical documents and photographs. Source materials include: • Revolutionary War Archives • Native American Archives • African American Archives • Civil War, WWI, WWII and Vietnam Archives • U.S. History and Genealogical Archives • U.S. Federal Census records • Newspapers
KHS members can access Footnote from their home computers using a unique password, which will be updated quarterly. To learn more about resources available on Footnote through the Martin F. Schmidt Research Library, contact KHS library staff at 502-564-1792, ext 4460. To learn how to become a member of KHS or obtain your member password, contact Leslie Miller, membership associate, at 502-5641792, ext. 4490. Members will receive information and instructions via e-mail, so be sure that the membership department has your current e-mail address on record. www.history.ky.gov |
25
Perspective | Society News Newly Appointed Kentucky Civil War Commission Gathers at KHS The Kentucky Civil War Sesquicentennial Commission met for the first time on Tuesday, April 20 at the Kentucky Historical Society (KHS). Newly appointed commissioners began discussions about how to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Civil War. They also reported on events and programs at various sites around the commonwealth, including Camp Nelson and the Battle of Richmond battlefield, and heard an update on the African-American Encyclopedia project. KHS staff described plans to tour the HistoryMobile and Museums-to-Go exhibits, and to create an enhanced web presence for the commemoration. For more information about the commission or Civil War Sesquicentennial, contact Donna Neary at donna.neary@ky.gov.
KHS Online Exhibition Wins Gold ADDY The newest Kentucky Historical Society (KHS) online exhibition, “Kentucky Military Treasures: Selections from the Kentucky Historical Society Collections” received a gold ADDY at the 2010 Lexington ADDY Awards ceremony. The award honored the design work of Elevation Creative Studios, of Lexington, Ky. The online exhibition, available at www.history.ky.gov/military, covers military engagements from the War of 1812 to more recent conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq and provides visitors with the real-life stories of Kentuckians who served and sometimes lost their lives in these conflicts. The Lexington Advertising Club presented the award. Elevation picked up two other awards, including an additional Gold ADDY. The “Kentucky Military Treasures” online exhibition
26 |
was made possible by generous support from the Kentucky Veterans Trust Fund and the KHS Foundation.
INSPIRATION |
Foundation Update
IN MEMORIAM
Martin Frederick Schmidt Sept. 26, 1918 – March 6, 2010 Martin Frederick Schmidt (1918-2010) was an unassuming lifelong Louisvillian who served on the Kentucky Historical Society (KHS) Foundation Board of Directors from 1993 until his death on March 6. He was known for his generosity to KHS and love of historic prints, lithographs, books and maps. It was this interest that led him to a second career as a librarian after years in the family soft drink and beer distributorship business. In retirement, he was an active genealogist, docent, author and collector. He generously donated his stellar collection of prints, maps and books to KHS, and they are now a part of the library that bears his name, the Martin F. Schmidt Research Library at the Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History.
the Abraham Lincoln Society, the major donor group of the Society. James C. Klotter, the State Historian of Kentucky, called Schmidt “an exceptional man.” Schmidt was recognized with a resolution by the KHS Executive Board on April 16 for his “stalwart guidance and consistent encouragement to board and staff alike, both of which have been essential to the Society achieving its mission of making connections to the past, offering perspective on the present, and providing inspiration for the future.” Schmidt is survived by a son, Martin F. Schmidt Jr.; a daughter, Havard Ewin Schmidt Bauer; stepdaughters, Elizabeth Campbell Rightmyer and Jean Campbell Herp; and a stepson, Stuart S. Campbell III, as well as grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
“Martin never had to be asked to lend financial support to the Kentucky Historical Society,” said Warren Rosenthal, a KHS Foundation board member. “His frequent major contributions provided leadership which encouraged others to follow in his footsteps.” Schmidt was avid champion of history and of KHS, where he played a leadership role in Legacy Campaigns and in The Campaign for Kentucky: The Thomas D. Clark Education Challenge. He was also a chancellor’s level member of
www.history.ky.gov |
27
INSPIRATION |
Foundation Update
Tough Economic Times Still Bring Out the Best in KHS Donors What a year! More than $200,000 has been realized to sustain the Kentucky Historical Society (KHS) 2010 unrestricted Annual Fund campaign. Donors have answered the call during this critical economic time. Many of the educational programs, special events, genealogical research materials and community outreach projects could not take place without the dedication of donors from all over the globe. During the Annual KHS Foundation Phonathon, more than $46,000 was raised. The Kentucky Genealogical Society and an anonymous donor provided a generous match totaling $7,500. If you have already contributed, KHS thanks you for your generosity. If not, please show your affinity for Kentucky history by sending a gift in the enclosed reply envelope, provided in this issue of the Chronicle. Donations can also be made securely online at www.history.ky.gov. Click on the “Give/Join” link.
Save the Date! 2010 Abraham Lincoln Society Gala is Oct. 18 The 2009 Abraham Lincoln Society Gala raised more than $52,275 for the Kentucky Historical Society (KHS) Elizabeth Lloyd Jones Student Scholarship Fund. A similar effort will be made at this year’s gala, scheduled for Oct. 18. The Jones Scholarship Fund provides financial support for schoolchildren who might not otherwise be able to afford admission to the KHS history campus. During the 2008-09 school year, more than 7,000 Kentucky students benefitted from money raised through this fund. The Abraham Lincoln Society is KHS’s major donor group. For information on becoming a Lincoln Society member, contact the KHS Foundation at 502-564-1792.
28 |
IN MEMORIAM
Ralph G. Anderson
July 19, 1923 – Feb. 13, 2010 Ralph G. Anderson, a Mercer County native, served on the Kentucky Historical Society (KHS) Foundation Board of Directors from 2005 to 2010. An engineer by trade, Anderson was the founder of Belcan Corporation, one of the nation’s largest engineering companies. He founded the business in 1958, inspiring many with his entrepreneurial courage. He was also an avid agriculturist who carefully maintained and produced products on his 7,000-acre Mercer County farm, Anderson Circle Farm. Anderson was a great supporter and friend of KHS, where he played a leadership role in the Society’s Campaign for Kentucky: The Thomas D. Clark Education Challenge, and was a chancellor’s level member of the Abraham Lincoln Society, the Society’s major donor group. Anderson was a great admirer and friend of Thomas D. Clark, Ph.D., for whom the headquarters of the Society is named. “Ralph was a founder of great enterprises, a leader of men and a major benefactor to many charitable organizations,” said Warren Rosenthal, KHS Foundation board member. “He will be missed but remembered by all who knew him.” The KHS Executive Board adopted a resolution on April 16 honoring Anderson as “an invaluable advisor” and expressing appreciation for his tireless work on behalf of the Society. Anderson is survived by a daughter, Candace McCaw and three grandchildren.
CAMP ARTYFACT
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
1st Term: Monday, July 12 through Friday, July 16 2nd Term: Monday, July 19 through Friday, July 23 3rd Term: Monday, July 26 through Friday, July 30 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. Camp ArtyFact is a half-day camp for children ages six to 12. Participants will discover Kentucky’s history, culture and traditions through hands-on activities like sculpting, painting, drawing and theatre. Registration deadline is July 6. Visit www.history.ky.gov/ camp or contact Mike.Deetsch@ky.gov.
KENTUCKY HISTORY EDUCATION CONFERENCE
For updated calendar information, visit www.history.ky.gov. All events held at the Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History unless otherwise noted.
OLD STATE CAPITOL TOUR Daily, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Old State Capitol Delve into the politics and everyday life of the tumultuous 19thcentury by touring this National Historic Landmark. Free with admission.
“KENTUCKY MILITARY TREASURES” TOUR Saturdays, 2 p.m. Take a personalized tour of our newest exhibition. Free with admission. Meet in Commonwealth Hall.
“Debate and Diplomacy in History: Successes, Failures and Consequences” Thursday, July 15, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Kentucky’s premier historians will lead sessions on historical content, primary source activities and instructional strategies. Renowned diplomatic historian George Herring will offer the keynote speech. $45 for KHS, Kentucky Association for Teachers of History and Kentucky Council for Social Studies members, $50 for all other patrons. Fee includes lunch, refreshments and handouts. Contact Tim.Talbott@ky.gov.
THEATRE IN THE GARDEN July 15, 6 to 8 p.m. Join the Balagula Theatre Company and KHS Museum Theatre team for an evening of original short plays and dramatic readings in the CralleDay Garden. Free with admission. Contact Mike.Deetsch@ky.gov.
FAMILY-HISTORY WORKSHOP
Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Kentucky Military History Museum Travel back in time as you tour this 1850 Gothic Revival architectural treasure. Learn about the history of the building and grounds, as well as the ongoing renovation process. Tours must be scheduled at the Center for Kentucky History. Free.
“Overcoming Research Roadblocks” and “Siblings for Sarah” Saturday, July 10, 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Experienced genealogists will lead a panel discussion and offer recommendations to help you resolve difficult family-tracing problems. Panelists include Deborah Lord Campisano, Mary E. Clay, Betty Darnell and Roger Futrell. Campisano will discuss advancing an ancestral line when no record names the parents and the family was missed in the census. She will explain how to reconstruct a family unit using records created by probable kin and collaterals. Registration required by noon on July 9. Contact RefDesk@ky.gov.
HISTORY LAB
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
OLD STATE ARSENAL OPEN HOUSE
Daily Check out this series of activities for guests of all ages. Touch objects from KHS collections, answer questions and explore the KHS history campus. Learn the methods and techniques used by historians, curators and archivists to uncover the past, and understand history and how it has affected the present. Free.
JULY INTERVIEWING KENTUCKY’S VETERANS Thursday, July 1, 5 to 7 p.m. Do you know a veteran who would be willing to share their oral history? Learn about the Library of Congress American Folklife Center’s Veterans History Project, conducting oral history interviews and using recording equipment. Contact Sarah.Milligan@ky.gov.
“Come and Go, Molly Snow” Wednesday, July 21, noon to 1:30 p.m. Enjoy a delicious lunch as Mary Ann Taylor-Hall reads from her highly acclaimed first novel, “Come and Go, Molly Snow.” The novel introduces Carrie Marie Mullins, a Kentucky bluegrass fiddler and singer. When Mullins’ daughter dies in a senseless accident, she finds herself back on a drought-stricken farm struggling with her grief. A book signing will follow the program. Reservations required by July 16. $18 for KHS members, $23 for all other patrons. Contact Julia.Curry@ky.gov.
AN EVENING WITH THE PAINTINGS Thursday, July 22, 6 to 8 p.m. Join representatives from Payne Fine Arts and Paul Sawyier Galleries for a closer look at one of Kentucky’s most renowned artists, Paul Sawyier. Sip wine, enjoy delicious food and peruse several of Sawyier’s works from the KHS collections. $10 for KHS members, $15 for all other guests. Reservations required. Contact Julia.Curry@ky.gov.
www.history.ky.gov |
29
HISTORY SPEAKS! “Clark and the Indians” Thursday, July 29, 6:30 p.m. George Rogers Clark, leader of the Kentucky militia, during the Revolutionary War, has been portrayed by some historians as an “Indian hater.” Join Jacob Lee, KHS fellow, as he explores the friendlier side of Clark’s relationship with American Indians. Free. Contact Erica.Harvey2@ky.gov.
“Who’d Thunk It? Inventing Kentucky History” Thursdays, 2 and 5 p.m. “Westward Into Kentucky: The Journal of Daniel Trabue” Saturdays, 1 and 3 p.m.
SEPTEMBER
MUSEUM THEATRE Free with museum admission. Contact Greg.Hardison@ky.gov.
HISTORY SPEAKS!
“Of Jigs and Juleps: Readings from Virginia Cary Hudson” Wednesdays, 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. (Old State Capitol)
“The Horses, the Farms, the Painters” Thursday, Sept. 2, 6:30 p.m. Old State Capitol Nineteenth-century artists Edward Troye and Thomas J. Scott painted the only visual record of Kentucky’s early sires and mares. Author and educator Genevieve Baird Lacer will discuss the artists and their ability to capture the horses, owners and farms that began Kentucky’s thoroughbred industry. Free. Contact Erica.Harvey2@ky.gov.
“Theater of War: Unresolved Conflict of Vietnam” Thursdays, 2 and 5 p.m. “Diary of the Depression: A Day with Mary Ruth Dawson” Fridays, 2 p.m. “Look for My Picture: Raising the Flag with Franklin Sousley” Saturdays, 1 and 3 p.m.
AUGUST INVENTIONS Thursday, Aug. 5, 6 to 8 p.m. From parachutes to traffic lights, Kentuckians have had some great ideas! Children and families are invited to test inventions and enjoy “Who’d Thunk It?,” a KHS Museum Theatre play. Contact Mike. Deetsch@ky.gov.
EVENING TOUR OF OLD GOVERNOR’S MANSION Thursday, Aug. 12, 6 to 8 p.m. Details to come. Check KHS website.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT “Dear Friend: the Civil War Diary of Annie McCarroll Starling” Wednesday, Aug. 18, noon to 1:30 p.m. During this luncheon, guests will enjoy a KHS Museum Theatre production about a social teenage girl from western Kentucky who finds her life changed forever by the Civil War. $18 for KHS members and $23 for all other patrons. Reservations required by Aug. 13. Contact Julia.Curry@ky.gov.
FEDERATION OF GENEALOGICAL SOCIETIES CONFERENCE
“Researching Virginia Repositories” and “What do You Mean, the Courthouse Burned?” Saturday, Sept. 11, 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Roger Futrell will detail the Virginia record groups and describe the major repositories that house these sources. Though the loss of historical records is a seemingly insurmountable barrier, creative strategies exist for filling in the gaps. Louise Jones, KHS director of special collections and library, will offer suggestions. Registration required by Sept. 10. Contact RefDesk@ky.gov.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT “What a Difference a Day Makes” Wednesday, September 15, noon to 1:30 p.m. Though Pat Day dreamed of becoming a rodeo cowboy when he was a child, he was persuaded to pursue a career as a jockey. He had great sucess on the track, retiring with 8,804 victories—fourth all time. Join us for a day with Day. Reservations required by Sept. 10. $18 for KHS members and $23 for all other patrons. Contact Julia.Curry@ky.gov.
HISTORY CAMPUS TEACHER OPEN HOUSE Thursday, Sept. 16, 3:30 to 7 p.m. During this come-and-go event, enjoy refreshments, network with other educators and learn how the KHS history campus, resources and programs can compliment your curriculum. Contact Mike.Deetsch@ky.gov.
“Rediscovering America’s First Frontier” Wednesday, Aug. 18 to Saturday, Aug. 21 Knoxville Convention Center, Knoxville, Tenn. Co-sponsored by KHS and the East Tennessee Historical Society, the conference will include sessions on a variety of topics. Visit www.fgs.org.
KENTUCKY FOOD SAMPLER
FOLKLIFE CONCERT
Free with museum admission. Contact Greg.Hardison@ky.gov.
Thursday, Aug. 26, 6 to 8 p.m. Details to come. Check KHS website.
“In the Veins: Conversations from a Coal Town” Thursdays, 2 and 5 p.m.
MUSEUM THEATRE
“Necessity Knows No Law: Lives and Liberties of Bloody Monday”
Free with museum admission. Contact Greg.Hardison@ky.gov.
30 |
FAMILY-HISTORY WORKSHOP
Thursday, Sept. 23, 6 to 8 p.m. Sample cuisine from some of Kentucky’s finest chefs. Details to come. Check KHS website.
MUSEUM THEATRE
Saturdays, 1 and 3 p.m.
sculpting, painting, drawing and theatre for kids ages 6-12
LET US ENTERTAIN AND CHALLENGE YOUR CHILD THIS SUMMER! Visit www.history.ky.gov/camp or call 502-564-1792 for details and registration form.
half-day sessions: 9 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m. week-long terms: July 12–16, July 19-23 and July 26-30 Tuition*: $50 for KHS and KJHS members and $65 for all other patrons. *Fee covers either the morning or afternoon session for one week-long term.
Made possible by The Kentucky Historical Society is and agency of the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet.
100 West Broadway Frankfort, Kentucky 40601 502.564.1792 www.history.ky.gov
SUMMer
2010
Next Issue: all things equine: kentucky’s Love affair with the horse
www.history.ky.gov
The Kentucky Historical Society is an agency of the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet.