John James Audubon State Park will honor Black History Month with a Kentucky Chautauqua Performance: Reverend Newton Bush, “Freedom at a Terrible Price” on February 11, 2012

February is, of course, Black History Month. Several agencies within the Kentucky Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet will be holding events during February in honor of the month long celebration.

Below is a listing of these events:

John James Audubon State Park, Henderson

Kentucky Chautauqua Performance: Reverend Newton Bush, “Freedom at a Terrible Price”

Saturday, Feb. 11, 2 p.m., Audubon Museum

In 1864 Kentucky became the last state to allow slaves to enlist in the Union Army. The Rev. Newton Bush, like many other slaves, risked his life to escape. He traveled to Camp Nelson and enlisted in the Army to fight for his freedom, the freedom of loved ones, and to preserve the union. Those like Bush soon found that even though they were risking their lives to fight for freedom, this alone did not ensure they would be treated with any more respect and dignity than they received as slaves. This Kentucky Chautauqua performance (by actor Robert Bell) is presented in conjunction with the Kentucky Humanities Council and the John James Audubon Museum. Free. Call 270-827-1893.

My Old Kentucky Home State Park, Bardstown

Lecture, Luncheon and Kentucky Chautauqua Performance

Friday, Feb. 24, 11 a.m.

Pen Bogert, a preservation administrator in Bardstown, will share his research on slaves at the Federal Hill Plantation. Robert Bell will portray the Rev. Newton Bush, an African-American Union soldier, in “Freedom at a Terrible Price.” This Kentucky Chautauqua performance is sponsored in part by the Kentucky Humanities Council. Lunch will also be served. The cost is $15 a person and reservations are required. Call 1-800-323-7803 for reservations and information.

Kentucky Historical Society, Frankfort

Family History Workshop

Feb. 11 at 10:30 a.m.

The Kentucky Historical Society will present “Entangled Lives,” a dialogue between descendants of a master and a slave with Ann Neel and Pam Smith. This is a free program, but advance registration is required. To reserve a space, email KHSRefDesk@ky.gov before Feb. 10. Smith will also discuss her Kentucky family lines that connect with President Thomas Jefferson’s sister, Lucy Jefferson Lewis, of Livingston County, Ky., and intersect with the noted conservationist, Thomas Wallace, editor of the Louisville Times during the 1930s and ’40s. Smith will instruct the group on how to trace slavery and slaveholding in their own families through pictures, oral histories, census and probate records, information from research trips, and results from DNA testing. It will take place at the Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History, 100 W. Broadway, Frankfort.

Kentucky Humanities Council, various locations

Kentucky Chautauqua Programs

Several Kentucky Chautauqua programs related to African-American history in Kentucky will be presented during February. These programs, sponsored by the Kentucky Humanities Council, feature actors who portray characters from Kentucky history. They include Anna Mac Clarke, portrayed by Haley McCoy, and her experience as an African-American woman in the Army during World War II; the Rev. Newton Bush, an African-American Union soldier, portrayed by Robert Bell; and “Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing!,” By Daryl Harris, a musical history of African-Americans in Kentucky. Here are the programs:

• Feb. 2, Anna Mac Clarke, military pioneer, Martin County Historical and Genealogical Society, Inez

• Feb. 9, Anna Mac Clarke, military pioneer, Bluegrass Heritage Museum, Winchester

• Feb. 9, The Rev. Newton Bush, “Freedom at a Terrible Price,” Big Sandy Community and Technical College, Prestonsburg

• Feb. 9, “Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing,” Daryl Harris, McCracken County Public Library, Paducah

• Feb. 21, The Rev. Newton Bush, “Freedom at a Terrible Price,” Paul Sawyier Public Library, Frankfort

• Feb. 28, The Rev. Newton Bush, “Freedom at a Terrible Price,” Woodford County Public Library, Versailles

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As you might suspect, I have a great passion for all things Kentucky, including our fascinating history. I’m a history buff, in general, and I get especially excited about Kentucky history. If you have a similar interest, Old Fort Harrod State Park has a couple of opportunities coming up that’ll interest you.

Old Fort Harrod State Park will host two opportunities during the weekend of Oct. 15-16 to learn more about Kentucky history.

On Saturday, Oct. 15, the park will present Native American interpreter Howard Carr for a discussion of “Indians of Kentucky” at 7:30 p.m., around a campfire at the amphitheater. Carr will discuss Native American history and culture with the audience. Tickets are $5 a person.

On Sunday, Oct. 16, the park will host a Kentucky Chautauqua program with Mel Hankla portraying Revolutionary War hero George Rogers Clark at 2 p.m. The program is free. Hankla’s presentation is part of the Kentucky Humanities Council Kentucky Chautauqua, which provides actors who portray characters from the state’s past.

Old Fort Harrod State Park includes a reconstructed fort near the site of the original, which was the first pioneer settlement in Kentucky. The park also has a picnic area and playground. The park is 32 miles southwest of Lexington on U.S. 68 in Harrodsburg.

For more information, call the park at 859-734-3314.

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If you’re a history buff, like I am, you live for re-enactments. Well, that and chocolate. Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park (near Lexington, Kentucky) is approaching their celebration of the 2229th anniversary of the Battle of Blue Licks. They’re going to celebrate in a very fitting way!

The 229th anniversary of the Battle of Blue Licks, the last Revolutionary War battle in Kentucky, will be commemorated Aug. 20-21 at Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park.

The park will host a variety of special programs throughout the entire weekend, including special exhibits at the Pioneer Museum of original powder horns and shooting bags.

Beginning at 8 a.m. on Aug. 20, visitors can enjoy a variety of programs designed for the whole family. Live music, hands-on pottery making, living history performances including Albert Robert, the gentleman physician, and Maggie Delaney, the indentured servant, are just a few of the special programs scheduled for the weekend.

A re-enactment of the Battle of Blue Licks will be held at 3 p.m. each day. Programs will continue on Sunday from 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

Admission to the event is $5 for ages 13 and above; ages 12 and under are FREE with a special entry fee of $15 per carload. The special $15 carload fee will grant access to all individuals in the vehicle. Admission includes parking and access to all pay facilities such as the public pool, mini golf, Pioneer Museum and all of the special programs.

Food and craft vendors will also be set up on the park, so load up your van and bring the entire family out for a full day of special programs and activities. For more information, call 859-289-5507, or toll free at 800-443-7008.

Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park has a lodge, cottages, campground, Hidden Waters Restaurant, Pioneer Museum and Store, gift shop, miniature golf, picnic areas and hiking trails. The resort is located 45 miles northeast of Lexington off historic Highway 68.

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The Kentucky State Fair, a tradition since 1902, is merely days away. The 2011 Kentucky State Fair will run from Thursday, August 18 to Sunday, August 28. I couldn’t possibly go into all of the different attractions, performances, shows, rides, food, and exhibits, so I’ll just hit on a couple and leave you with links to more information. After all, it took the Kentucky State Fair an entire website to cover everything, it’d be crazy for me to attempt it within one post!

One of the exhibits is called Main Street Kentucky and sounds like something every Kentuckian would really enjoy:

Housed inside the air-conditioned South Wing, Main Street Kentucky offers exhibits that represent the cultural heritage and diversity of the Bluegrass State. The exhibit’s creative displays provide numerous hands-on activities for fair-goers of all ages and interests. Main Street Kentucky’s exhibitors offer information on anything from education and government to the environment and arts. – Ky State Fair.org

Free Concerts at the Kentucky State Fair 2011:

• The Oak Ridge Boys with The Grascals
• Ted Nugent
• Joe Nichols with special guest Phil Vassar
• Boyz II Men
• Candlebox with Cowboy Mouth
• John Michael Montgomery with special guest Lorrie Morgan
• Luke Bryan
• And more!

Main Stage Concerts:

(Tickets for the Kentucky State Fair Main Stage Series events will be available at Kentucky Exposition Center Ticket Office, KFC YUM! Center Ticket Office, Kentucky International Convention Center (KICC) Ticket Office and all Ticketmaster outlets.)

• Jason Aldean with Chris Young and Thompson Square
• Lady Antebellum with Lee Brice
• Def Leppard with Heart
• Maroon 5 and Train with Matt Nathanson

Civil War Buffs, You’re Going to Love This:

Visitors will be able to watch a Civil War re-enactment as  a tribute to the 150th anniversary of the war. The exhibit is titled “United We Stand, Divided We Fall: Kentucky and the Civil War + 150,” and will include a 10,000-square-foot exhibition featuring encampments as settings for living history re-enactors.

Other features will include touch-screen interactive stations, a communication exhibit outlining major advances such as the development of the telegraph and a floor map that is 32 feet wide and contains graphics and images of state-specific Civil War scenes and sites.

What’s more, an original mini-musical, “Kentucky’s Civil War Song: From Reveille to Tattoo,” will be performed on an adjacent stage. The production was written and produced by faculty, alumni and students of Louisville’s Youth Performing Arts School.

For more information, head over to the colorful and fun Kentucky State Fair website.  You can also follow them on Twitter and Facebook.

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There are countless wonderful things to do and beautiful things to see in Kentucky’s State Parks. Kentucky’s State Historic Sites are particularly fascinating, and a wonderful way to teach your children a little about history… without them even realizing they’re learning!

Children can get a good look at Kentucky history with a special offer from Kentucky State Parks. Children receive free admission to state park museums and historic sites with every adult admission purchased through Oct. 31, 2011.

The Kentucky State Park museums and historic sites cover topics such as Native Americans, pioneers, the Civil War, natural history, historic homes and other topics from the state’s fascinating history.

The coupon for the free admission for children age 12 and under is available by going to www.parks.ky.gov and clicking on the “discounts” heading. Here is a listing of the historic sites and a phone number. Guests should check in advance for hours of operation:

• Blue Licks Battlefield Museum, 800-443-7008
• Butler-Turpin State Historic House, 866-462-8853
• Columbus Belmont State Park, 270-677-2327
• Ft. Boonesborough State Park, 859-527-3131
• Jefferson Davis State Historic Site, 270-889-6100
• John James Audubon State Park, 270-826-2247
• My Old Kentucky Home State Park, 502-348-3502
• Levi Jackson State Park, 606-330-2130
• Lincoln Homestead State Park, 859-336-7461
• Old Ft. Harrod State Park, 859-734-3314
• Old Mulkey Meeting House, 270-487-8481
• Perryville Battlefield State Historic Site, 859-332-8631
• Waveland State Historic Site, 859-272-3611
• White Hall State Historic Site, 859-623-9178
• Wickliffe Mounds State Historic Site, 270-335-3681
• William Whitely State Historic Site, 606-355-2881

Enjoy with no admission fees:

• Big Bone Lick State Park, 859-384-3522
• Boone Station State Historic Site
• Constitution Square State Historic Site, 859-239-7089
• Dr. Thomas Walker State Historic Site, 606-546-4400

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Battle of Fort Henry – Civil War Panoramic Map
Buy This Allposters.com

Look alive, history buffs! For those of us who just can’t get our fill of history, February is the month to venture to the Land Between the Lakes area.

Land Between The Lakes (LBL) National Recreation Area will be hosting Civil War themed programs at The Homeplace, a living history farm on the Tennessee portion of LBL, Saturday, February 12 and 19 from 10am-3pm. These programs will be offered in addition to the popular Fort Henry Anniversary Walk to be held again on Saturday, February 5, from 2:30-4pm.

In February of 1862, “Between the Rivers” was bracing for war. Confederate forces occupied Fort Henry with Federal forces moving up the Tennessee River. Relive the events before and during the siege of Fort Henry on this free guided walk around the remnants of Fort Henry’s outer fortifications. Meet at Fort Henry Hiking Trail Parking Lot at 2:30pm on February 5, dress for the weather, waterproof footgear recommended, and moderate walking required. Prior to the walk, The Homeplace will be hosting a free Fort Henry Anniversary Program from 12:30-2pm.

On February 12 and 19, learn more about what life was like in this area during the years before war came to “Between the Rivers.” Visit The Homeplace for a glimpse of daily life in antebellum middle Tennessee. Enjoy a self-guided tour of a working second generation family farmstead and learn just how important rivers were to families in this area during the 1850s. Program available with paid admission; $4 adults, $2 ages 5-12, and free ages 4 and under. “We are very excited to be offering more Civil War themed programs at LBL,” said Cindy Earls, Special Events Coordinator. “To have programs at The Homeplace featuring what life was like before the war and offering a guided walk at Fort Henry during the anniversary of the battle, truly allows visitors a chance to see history come to life.”

All programs will take place weather permitting, as February weather can be very unpredictable. For more information on these programs or cancellation due to weather, call 270-924-2020.

Land Between The Lakes is managed by the Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, in partnership with “Friends of LBL,” to provide public lands outdoor recreation and environmental education. We encourage visitors to review our website at www.lbl.org each season, and throughout the season, for our Calendar of Events, maps, updates on programs and policies, safety information, and temporary trail and road closures.

Additional LBL and “Friends of LBL” information is also available by calling 1-800-LBL-7077 or 270-924-2000.

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I just came across this U.S. National Parks Quarters Coin Collection online (while surfing around trying to calm down after UK’s mammoth win over Mississippi State to win the SEC Tournament Championship – SWEET!). I thought you’d love them as much as I do, so I thought I’d tell you about them.

I’m all kinds of flipping over these coins because I’m totally obsessed with US National Parks. The history, the beauty, the peacefulness – who couldn’t love national parks? These beautiful coins celebrate these special places and the people and states they represent.

From Collectible’s Today:

Capturing the breathtaking grandeur of America the Beautiful, The Bradford Exchange Mint is proud to introduce the most exciting coin series in decades – The U.S. National Parks Quarters Coin Collection. This much anticipated sequel to the U.S. Mint’s hugely popular Statehood Quarters series takes you on a historic 50-state tour through America’s unparalleled natural wonders. Your historic FIRST-EVER collection begins with Issue One, the John Muir “Father of our National Parks” quarters in a commemorative panel. Soon after you will receive your FREE custom-designed National Parks coin collector album, followed by Issue Two, the Hot Springs National Park quarters in a commemorative panel and Issue Three, the Yellowstone National Park quarters in a commemorative panel. Additional panels and coins, each a separate issue, will follow.‡

Each issue you receive will provide you with 2 collectible quarters – one from the Philadelphia mint and another from the Denver mint – in a commemorative collectible panel. Every commemorative panel fits conveniently within your FREE collector’s album and preserves and protects your coins, as well as showcases full-color images, historical background, fascinating facts, maps and park trivia on each national treasure. Act immediately to ensure you receive all 56 of the U.S. National Parks quarters in Brilliant Uncirculated condition. Minting will be limited to only 10 weeks per coin, so supplies may never meet collectors’ demand for such a sought after and valued commodity. Timing is crucial if you want to own the entire U.S. National Parks Quarters Coin Collection. Don’t wait to take advantage of this exclusive introductory offer. Order now!

This exclusive Brilliant Uncirculated U.S. National Parks Quarters coin collection from The Bradford Exchange Mint features:

A historic quarters coin collection, commemorating the historic beauty of America’s National Parks, in Brilliant Uncirculated condition, available only from The Bradford Exchange Mint

Included FREE custom-designed National Parks coin collector album to hold your commemorative panels in one convenient place – in heirloom condition

Each of the 56 coins in this incredible collection comes displayed in a commemorative, collectible panel that protects your quarter and showcases full-color images, historical background, fascinating facts, maps and park trivia

Each issue in your collection will included 2 U.S. National Parks quarters – one from the Denver mint and another from the Philadelphia mint – sent to you in the order that each park was established

Every collectible quarter is individually designed and minted with a unique National Parks design on one side and George Washington on the other

Minting will be limited to only 10 weeks per coin, and demand for this landmark collection will be great, so act now to secure yours

Free collector album measures approximately 13-1/4″ L x 12″ H x 3″ W; 33.7 cm L x 30.5 cm H x 7.6 cm W; commemorative panels measure 11″ L x 9″ H; 27.9 cm L x 22.9 cm H

Visit U.S. National Parks Quarters Coin Collection to take a closer look and to order your own piece of history.

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Cold weather need not put a damper on adventures during winter months.  Head for the great outdoors and work up some heat and excitement while ATV-ing, caving, hiking, elk viewing, hunting and horseback riding. Kentucky scenery provides a beautiful backdrop for exploring its natural beauty.

The most temperate discoveries are to be made in underground exploration of miles and miles of caves where temperatures remain nearly constant in the mid-50s year-round. Diamond Caverns in Park City has halls lined with cascading calcite and many other visual jewels.  Winter tours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., seven days a week. Admission is $16 for adults, $8 for children 4-12, and ages three and under enter free.  The caves are closed Christmas and New Year’s Day. Call 270-749-2233 or visit www.diamondcaverns.com.

Several Kentucky venues provide the thrill of spotting American Bald Eagles in their natural winter habitat. There are several trips and packages to choose from across the southern parts of the state.  The Ballard County Wildlife Management Area in La Center, about 25 miles west of Paducah, has two tours in January that are organized by Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park (800-325-0146).   Or board the yacht CQ Princess to spy majestic birds from the water.   Cruises are scheduled at Kentucky Dam Village Jan. 15-17, Lake Barkley State Resort Park Jan. 29-31 (800-325-1708), and Kenlake State Resort Park Feb. 5-7 (800-325-0143). At Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park, you can view the birds from custom barges Jan. 15-16, Jan. 22-23 and Feb. 5-6 (800-325-2282). Tickets cost $20 to $55 per person. Van tours are also offered. More info is available at www.parks.ky.gov.

Gear up and zip off on an off-road ATV for some four-wheel action.   Black Mountain Off-Road Adventure Park in Harlan has a year-round schedule but the views are unique during colder months.   Make repeat treks with a 30-day permit for $20 or $35 gets you a pass for a full year of roaring action. The park has 7,000 acres and trails that range from easy for beginners to moderate and extreme for the more adventuresome. Find out more by calling 606-573-9156 or visit www.harlancountytrails.com.

Elk viewing is the fastest growing tourism attraction in the nation and the impressive Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area is a spectacular way to view elk and bison in the wild.  Drive your own vehicle for a self-guided tour of the prairie lands being restored to their natural state on a 3.5 mile paved loop that’s open dawn to dusk. With leaves gone in winter, spotting these wild animals in an area where they once roamed freely gets a bit easier.  You’ll pay $5 per car at LBL’s Golden Pond visitor center or call for information about van tours. You can enter via U.S. 68 from Cadiz on the east or Aurora on the west. Call 270-924-2000 or check out www.lbl.org.

Hike long or short trails and you just may catch native wildlife in their habitat as well as incredible vistas at any number of Kentucky’s more than 50 state parks.  Some of the most beautiful scenery in the country is along miles of trails that wind through any part of the state.  Venture to Pine Mountain State Resort Park (800-325-1712) in southeastern Kentucky near Cumberland Gap and take your pick as to how far you want to venture and how strenuous you want to be along wooded areas where deer, rabbits, squirrels and many types of birds can be spotted. Kentucky’s 17 resort parks located throughout the state have lodges with stunning views of the natural world and cozy accommodations in lodges and cabins.  Lodge dining rooms serve three meals so leave the food prep and clean up to others after a day in the great outdoors. Special activities and programs run through the winter and into early spring.  Visit www.parks.ky.gov for a rundown on what’s available at each park and which special room rates apply.

Whether you’re a novice or experienced rider, saddle up and take in winter landscapes from horseback.  Holly Creek Farms in Campton (www.hollycreekfarms.com) provides the horse and guidance for trail rides along wooded terrain in the foothills of the Appalachians just off the Daniel Boone Parkway.  They also offer guided ATV rides and hiking around the farm.  Call to reserve a spot (606-668-3180) and to choose how long you want to sit in the saddle.  In the Bluegrass, Big Red Stables near Harrodsburg offers riding on spotted saddle horses or Tennessee walking horses all year round.  Riding lessons and trail rides are great winter time adventures.  Make it a weekend getaway to nearby Shaker Village at Pleasant Hill or Beaumont Inn in Harrodsburg and kick back in historic surroundings with modern amenities. Group rates at Big Red are available.  Make an appointment and check fees by calling 859-734-3118.

Hunters can find plenty of winter time game in portions of the more than 700,000 acre Daniel Boone National Forest where hunting is permitted.   For seasons and restrictions, consult www.fs.fed.us/r8/boone/recreation/hunting.shtml or go to the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Web site at www.kdfwr.state.ky.us and click on Hunting and Trapping. Licenses may be purchased at the site, too. Regulations in some cases vary by county.  Natural Bridge State Resort Park is in the forest and has spectacular overlooks throughout.

Hunting options are available at the John A. Kleber Wildlife Management Area between Owenton and Frankfort, including deer, wild turkey, rabbit, squirrel, raccoon, quail and waterfowl.  Hiking, fishing and wildlife viewing are also popular at the 2,600 acre preserve.  Call 502-535-6335 or check htttp://fw.ky.gov/kfwis/viewable/kleber_map.pdf for more information.

Brave the elements, get in gear and head outside to generate some heat of your own on winter time adventures.  For more ideas about Kentucky’s many outdoor options during the season, visit www.kentuckytourism.com and click on Things to Do, then Great Outdoors.

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The Waverly Hills Sanatorium in Louisville, Kentucky

The original Waverly Hills Sanatorium was a two-story wooden structure which was opened in 1910.

The larger brick and concrete structure you see today was built in 1926.  The hospital has always been dedicated to the treatment of tuberculosis patients, a disease that was fairly common in the early 20th Century.

Reports estimate that as many as 63,000 people have died in this sanatorium. Furthermore, there have been many reports or patients being horribly mistreated.  Oh, it gets worse… there were (again reportedly) highly questionable experiments and procedures conducted.

If these occurrences don’t set the stage for a haunted  location, nothing does!

Get this:  Ghost and paranormal experts and investigators who have ventured into Waverly have reported a host of strange paranormal phenomena, including voices of unknown origin, isolated cold spots and unexplained shadows. Screams have been heard echoing in its now abandoned hallways, and fleeting apparitions have been encountered.

Screams, isolated cold spots (indicating a paranormal being….oh, Lord, I’m sleeping with the lights on tonight…), voices of unknown origin, shadows!?!?  I could not be more creeped out right now.

Click HERE for more information… if you dare.

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Music Born in Kentucky is Center Stage this Fall

There’s a profusion of bluegrass music festivals throughout the state of Kentucky this autumn. Seems appropriate, since this is its birthplace, after all.   Make it a point to get out and enjoy the music we should all be proud of.  Choose from the events highlighted below, courtesy of  http://www.kytourism.com/

The sixth annual Franklin Music Festival will be held the following weekend near I-65 close to the Tennessee border. Set for Sept. 11-12, the Franklin fest will feature the Lonesome River Band, Rhonda Vincent & the Rage and many more outstanding performers. For info, check www.franklinkymusicfestival.com.

Bluegrass faithful will be making an annual pilgrimage to Jerusalem Ridge at Rosine, Ky. near Owensboro the first weekend in October. From Oct. 1-4, the home place of the “Father of Bluegrass,” Bill Monroe, will resound with music by some of the genre’s leading artists. Visitors can tour the Monroe family’s carefully restored 1918 home filled with mementoes from Monroe’s illustrious 70-year music career. More information about campgrounds and other accommodations nearby can be found at www.jerusalemridgefestival.org.

Combine attendance at Jerusalem Ridge with a visit to the nearby International Bluegrass Music Museum (www.bluegrass-museum.org), a fascinating institution in Owensboro devoted to preserving all things bluegrass. The IBMM is also home to the International Bluegrass Music Association’s Hall of Fame, recognizing noteworthy individuals for outstanding contributions to bluegrass music. New members are inducted each year.

The IBMM hosts its own annual mega-festival, the River of Music Party (ROMP), each June in Owensboro. This festival includes stellar bands from North America, Europe and the Far East, the Bluegrass Masters Film Festival, instrument workshops, juried arts and crafts, clogging and camping. For more info, visit www.www.bluegrass-museum.org/riverofmusic.

Many other smaller festivals provide opportunities to experience bluegrass music outdoors while enjoying Kentucky’s beautiful scenery. For more info, consult the Kentucky Department of Travel’s web site, www.kytourism.com, and click on “Festivals and Events.”

Be sure to check out Owensboro’s Bluegrass Musuem’s Web Site.  Lots of fun!

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