Chronicle - Spring '10

khs Prepares for Civil War 150

discovering together:

kentucky’s civil war Commemoration

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Spring 2010

Kentuckymilitary treasures

Oral history projects help tell stories of veterans

HOURSWednesdays: 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

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Located at the Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History100 West Broadway, Frankfort, KY 40601

Find out at the Martin F. Schmidt Research Library

Calling all KHS supporters!Calling all KHS supporters!Calling all KHS supporters!Calling all KHS supporters!Calling all KHS supporters!Calling all KHS supporters!There’s still time There’s still time There’s still time There’s still time to support yourto support yourto support yourto support your

during this year’s during this year’s during this year’s during this year’s annual fund campaign!annual fund campaign!annual fund campaign!annual fund campaign!

To make a gift, visit To make a gift, visit To make a gift, visit To make a gift, visit www.history.ky.govwww.history.ky.govwww.history.ky.govwww.history.ky.govand click Give/Join.and click Give/Join.and click Give/Join.and click Give/Join.

WHO AREYOUR PEOPLE?

5 Letter from the Executive Director14 New Collections Acquisitions 28 KHS Calendar of Events

Contents Spring 2010

12 Featured Acquisition | Original Kentucky Lottery Machine17 Connections | Education Briefs 20 Perspective | Society News 26 Inspiration | KHS Foundation Updates

6Discovering Together: Kentucky’s Civil War Sesquicentennial CommemorationKHS Prepares for Civil War 150

15“A Chance to Level the Playing Field”Oral Histories Tell the Stories of Kentuckians in Their Own Words

special section “Kentucky Military Treasures: Selections from the Kentucky Historical Society Collections”

This page: Silas C. Buck is counted as one of the youngest if not the youngest color bearers in the Confederate army. This image was captured at a reunion of Civil War veterans in 1902. KHS Collections.

Cover: Reconciliation was an important theme in America following the Civil War. Minted in Louisville in 1895 as souvenirs for a gathering of Civil War veterans, this medal was formed from melting down war cannons from Confederate and Union armies.

3www.history.ky.gov |

The Kentucky Historical Society is an agency of the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet.

Spring 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. Web site: www. history.ky.gov. Email: [email protected].

Executive Director Kentucky Historical Society

Kent Whitworth

Director of CommunicationsLisa Summers Cleveland

EditorLisa Summers Cleveland

Assistant EditorsLaura ColemanLauren Medley

ContributorsJody Blankenship, Bill Bright,

Tony Curtis, Mike Deetsch, Jennifer Duplaga, Warren Greer,

Greg Hardison, Erica Harvey, Alisha Martin, Darrell Meadows,

Lindsay Merritt Leslie Miller, Sarah Milligan, Donna Neary,

Sam Richardson, Stuart Sanders, Katie Skidmore, Andrew Stupperich,

Kent Whitworth

Design Studio DirectorScott Alvey

Creative DirectorCharley Pallos

DesignAmy Crittenden Kelli Thompson

PhotographyCreative Services

Lee Thomas

Circulation ManagerLeslie Miller

2010 KHS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE BOARDChancellor, Gov. Steven L. BeshearPresident, Robert E. Rich, CovingtonFirst Vice President, Sheila Mason Burton, FrankfortSecond Vice President, J. McCauley Brown, LouisvilleThird Vice President, Bill Black, Jr., PaducahWalter A. Baker, Glasgow; 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, LexingtonJ. Harold Utley, Madisonville

2009 KHS FOUNDATION BOARDPresident, John R. Hall, LexingtonFirst Vice-President, Ann Rosenstein Giles, Lexington Second Vice-President, Henry C. T. Richmond III, LexingtonSecretary, Kent Whitworth, FrankfortTreasurer, Buckner Woodford IV, ParisRalph Anderson, Harrodsburg; 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; Martin F. Schmidt, Louisville; 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

Executive Director

Please Touch and Thank You

As you enter the Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History this year, you may be surprised to see historic items being handled by visitors.

Rest assured that these items are not a part of the Kentucky Historical Society’s (KHS) artifact collection. Instead, they are part of the KHS special use collection and were acquired to be handled by the public. Having these items out of cases is part of a larger history lab concept that KHS staff are piloting to enhance the experience of those who visit the KHS history campus.

In essence, it is the difference between telling someone about something and letting them explore it firsthand. Budgets are tight, so the history lab concept isn’t about developing expensive new initiatives as much as it is about letting the public in on the work that KHS staff do every day. History lab experiences could range from sharing a childhood memory as a part of an oral history interview, to picking up a historic item in order to discover how it was used, to deciphering the handwriting in a historic document.

The underlying purpose of these efforts is to engage the visitor! Marilyn Zoidis, who served as KHS assistant director and director of museum collections and exhibitions for the past three years, led the charge when it came to a variety of KHS initiatives—but engaging visitors through history is especially near and dear to her heart. Marilyn recently accepted the

position of director of historical resources at The Henry Ford, one of our country’s leading history museums. Prior to joining us at KHS, Marilyn served as the senior curator for the Star-Spangled Banner project at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History. In addition to a wealth of experience and expertise, Marilyn brought great passion to her work in Kentucky. She worked tirelessly to put more KHS collections on display through compelling exhibitions—including “Kentucky Military Treasures,” which is featured in this issue’s insert. She helped reinvigorate the intellectual curiosity of KHS staff. She always challenged us to actively engage visitors! We are grateful to Marilyn for her leadership and vision and wish her all the best at The Henry Ford!

KHS Announces New Hours!

In an effort to be more accessible to the public and to our members, the Kentucky Historical Society (KHS) recently adopted new hours of operation. The Society is now open on Thursday evenings and later in the day on Fridays and Saturdays.

The new hours affect the entire KHS history campus, including the Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History, the Old State Capitol and the Kentucky Military History Museum (KMHM) at the Old State Arsenal. Both the Center for Kentucky History and the Old State Capitol follow the new schedule. The KMHM is now open only for guided tours, as renovation work continues on that historic building.

NEW HOURS OF OPERATION:

Wednesdays 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Thursdays10 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Fridays & Saturdays 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.


Director’sletter

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Kentucky’s Civil War Sesquicentennial Commemoration

DISCOVERING TOGETHER:

The cover image for this issue of the Chronicle depicts an 1895 medal that was minted in Louisville for a gathering of Civil War veterans. At fi rst glance, the medal appears to be nothing more than a typical veterans’ souvenir. The decoration, however, tells us much more. Cast from Civil War cannons at the dawning of the 20th century, the medal is emblematic of Kentucky’s unique position during the Civil War. A relic of postwar reconciliation, it commemorates both Union and Confederate soldiers. As Kentucky was a divided border state, this artifact details how Kentuckians–once enemies in a fratricidal confl ict–hoped to rediscover common ground in order to generate a lasting peace. As Kentucky veterans aged, they also used these medals to honor their own military experiences and to memorialize the period that was, for many, the most signifi cant time of their lives. Now that nearly 150 years have passed since contending armies battled on the fi elds around Richmond,

Historical images record events and convey their importance. The arrival of the 49th Ohio Regiment at Louisville brought a throng of sightseers. This regiment joined Gen. William T. Sherman’s move south of Louisville to meet the rebel advance from Bowling Green.

Perryville, Mill Springs, Middle Creek, Munfordville and more, the Kentucky Historical Society (KHS) is working to commemorate the commonwealth’s role in America’s greatest confl ict. On Sept. 2, 2009, Kentucky governor Steve Beshear signed an executive order naming KHS as the administrator of the Kentucky Civil War Sesquicentennial (150th) Commission. Gov. Beshear said, “This will be a four-year commemoration and not a celebration. We don’t want to glorify war. We want to remember the Kentuckians who fought and died in the confl ict, the suff ering of its people and the changes brought by the war, especially the freedom of African-American slaves.” Focusing on these themes, and following up on the success of the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial, KHS hopes to connect with those interested in Kentucky’s past in order to share the commonwealth’s Civil War history.

On Feb. 12, KHS hosted several Civil War scholars to discuss potential interpretive themes for the Sesquicentennial. One overarching theme that consistently emerged was the unique role that the bluegrass state played during the war. Perhaps no other place has such a compelling story. A Unionist,

Kentucky’s Civil War Sesquicentennial Commemoration


slave-owning state, Kentucky was the birthplace to both Lincoln and Jefferson Davis. Although Kentucky initially tried to remain neutral in the conflict, it became the site of major military campaigns and crucial turning points. In addition, the commonwealth was one of the few slave-owning states not legally affected by the Emancipation Proclamation. Kentucky families were divided, and the war, from cavalry expeditions to guerrilla raids, scoured every corner of the commonwealth. The bluegrass state had the second-highest number of African American enlistments, and, while campaigning in Kentucky, many Northern soldiers experienced slavery for the first time and were shocked by the institution. With compelling homefront stories from both unionist and secessionist civilians, heavy-handed federal military policies alienated Kentuckians and led many in the state to embrace Confederate ideals after the war. Today, Kentucky has some of the most pristine and well-preserved battlefields in the nation, as well as unique Civil War sites like Camp Nelson and Kentucky’s Old State Capitol, which was the only pro-Union statehouse to fall into Confederate hands during the war.

Kentucky’s role is well-summarized by Pulitzer-Prize winning historian James M. McPherson, Ph.D. “It is scarcely an exaggeration to say that the Confederacy would have won the war if it could have gained Kentucky,” McPherson writes, “and, conversely, that the Union’s success in retaining Kentucky as a base for invasions of the Confederate heartland brought eventual Union victory.” Because of the commonwealth’s importance, KHS will be able to tell a broader, more complete story. While military campaigns, cavalry raids and important leaders will be re-examined, Kentucky also has an unprecedented opportunity to discover how the war completely impacted the commonwealth. We can now fully analyze Kentuckians like Henry Bottom, whose Perryville farm was swept clean by the battle while he buried scores of Confederate dead; we can commemorate the dozens of lives lost in late 1864, when Union authorities expelled hundreds of African American refugees from near Camp Nelson; we can learn about Dorotha Burton, who, for many years, decorated the “Zollie Tree” at the Mill Springs battlefield, in order to memorialize the slain Confederate general Felix Zollicoffer. The battles, the home-front, slavery and emancipation, civilian sacrifices and post-war reconciliation and memory are

only a few of the themes that KHS will investigate as part of the war’s 150th anniversary. KHS is the logical place for the Sesquicentennial Commission to reside. From renowned collections to groundbreaking programs, the Society is poised to offer new perspectives on Kentucky’s role in America’s greatest conflict. First, KHS will re-tool existing programs to examine the war’s impact. From Museums-to-Go traveling exhibits, Museum Theatre and Historic Markers to online resources for teachers and students, publications and speakers’ series, KHS will help many audiences see Civil War history in new ways. In addition, the Society will use our expansive collections–archives and artifacts–to examine the commonwealth’s significance. From the papers of noted Kentuckians, like Simon Bolivar Buckner and Benjamin Hardin Helm, to lesser-known residents like Union colonel Leonidas Metcalfe and civilians Ellen Wallace and Annie Starling, new scholarship will emerge to tell a broader story. Researchers will also have the opportunity to discover how close the Civil War experience is to those of us living today. The KHS oral history collections, which include recollections from Kentuckians who knew Civil War soldiers and freed slaves, detail how the conflict is only a few generations away from modern Americans. In one interview from 1976, for example, Charlie Hall of McCracken County recalls his father’s Confederate service and his reasons for joining the army.

The Sesquicentennial also gives Kentuckians the chance to discover their own family history. Since every man, woman and child who lived in the commonwealth during the war was affected by the conflict, thousands of modern descendants can use the 150th anniversary as an opportunity to explore their own roots. Through genealogical resources at the KHS Martin F. Schmidt Research Library and articles in the quarterly family-history publication, Kentucky Ancestors, family-history enthusiasts will be able to, in the words of Kentucky’s late historian laureate Thomas D. Clark, Ph.D., “discover their roots in time and place.” Furthermore, the Society’s HistoryMobile, a traveling tractor-trailer

This earliest known photograph of the Old State Capitol dates from 1859. Identified by archivists and curators, the

original includes a faint pencil sketch of the Confederate flag flying over the dome which is inscribed, “that waved

Sept. 62.” This note refers to the Confederate occupation of Frankfort in 1862.

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“It is scarcely an exaggeration to say that the Confederacy would have won the war

if it could have gained Kentucky, and, conversely, that the Union’s success

in retaining Kentucky as a base for invasions of the Confederate heartland

brought eventual Union victory.”

- James M. McPherson, Noted Civil War Historian


exhibit, will introduce Kentuckians to Civil War history and genealogy through the lives of individuals and families.

Exciting new programs are also underway that will shed new light on Kentucky’s role during the Civil War. The Society’s research and interpretation team is beginning a major documentary editing project, “The Papers of the Kentucky Civil War Governors: An Online Edition.” KHS historians are now examining archives from around the country to gather and document the papers of Kentucky’s wartime governors, including Beriah Magoffin, James F. Robinson and Thomas Bramlette. By embracing new technology and

placing these papers online in a searchable format, new scholarship will emerge to more fully examine Kentucky’s wartime importance. In addition, the Society will use new technology–from Podcasts to i-Phone applications--to enhance Civil War trail experiences, allowing the traveling public to more fully embrace the commonwealth’s unique role. Funding for these KHS initiatives received a recent boost when the Society was awarded a $1,050,000 Transportation Enhancement grant. Funded through the Federal Highway Administration and the Kentucky Department of Transportation, KHS will use these funds to take many of these programs statewide.

KHS welcomes the opportunity to work with a number of important partners on Sesquicentennial initiatives. Building upon relationships strengthened by our work with the Lincoln Bicentennial, the team will include the Adjutant-General’s office and the Kentucky National Guard, the Governor’s Office for Minority Empowerment, Kentucky African American Heritage Commission, Kentucky Arts Council, Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives, Kentucky Department of Parks, Kentucky Department of Travel, Kentucky Educational Television, Kentucky Heritage Council, Kentucky Humanities Council, the state’s colleges and universities, Civil War sites and local history organizations across the commonwealth.

The Civil War touched every Kentucky county and Kentuckians played major roles as national military and political figures. Now, 150 years later, those interested in the state’s history have an unparalleled opportunity to learn this compelling story. Using the Civil War as a backdrop, KHS will employ educational programs, outreach initiatives, new scholarship and collections to interpret broad stories that showcase Kentucky’s uniqueness in our nation’s history. Kentucky’s special connections to the Civil War provide us with perspective on this tragic past. As we Kentuckians discover together the story of how the Civil War forged a modern Kentucky, we can draw new lessons and inspiration for our future. v

ABOUT THE COMMISSION

Gov. Steve Beshear signed the Executive Order forming the Kentucky Civil War Sesquicentennial Commission on Sept. 2, 2009. Gov. Beshear appointed the following Kentuckians to serve on the commission:

Robert Bell, Louisville, Kentucky Heritage Council

Sen. Tom Buford, Nicholasville

Virginia Carter, Lexington, Kentucky Humanities Council

Rep. Bob Damron, Nicholasville

Colmon Eldridge, Lexington

Shae Hopkins, Lexington, KET

Eric Jackson, Northern Kentucky University, Florence

Sen. Tom Jensen, London

John Kleber, Louisville, Kentucky Historical Society

Jim Klotter, Georgetown, State Historian

Lori Meadows, Midway, Kentucky Arts Council

Robert Moody, Richmond

Marshall Myers, Eastern Kentucky University, Richmond

Harold L. Oney III, Nicholasville

Wayne Onkst, Erlanger, Department of Libraries and Archives

Matthew Osborne, Lexington, Tourism Arts and Heritage Cabinet

Judy Pierce, Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green

Philip Seyfrit, Richmond

Gerald Smith, Lexington, Kentucky Historical Society

Maj. Gen. Edward Tonini, Louisville, Adjutant General of the Commonwealth of Kentucky

David Trimble, Georgetown

Gerry van der Meer, Lexington, Kentucky Department of Parks

Kent Whitworth, Frankfort, Kentucky Historical Society

Tiffany Yeast, Harrodsburg, African-American Heritage Commission

Rep. Brent Yonts, Greenville

This print chronicles the Battle of Mill Springs in which Confederate forces under Gen. Zollicoffer were defeated by

Union Troops commanded by Gen. Thomas, on Jan. 19, 1862.

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SELECTED BIBLIOGRAPHY

Brown, Kent Masterson, ed. “The Civil War in Kentucky: Battle for the Bluegrass State.” Mason City, IA: Savas Publishing Company, 2000.

Dollar, Kent T., Larry H. Whiteaker, and W. Calvin Dickinson, eds. “Sister States, Enemy States: The Civil War in Kentucky and Tennessee.” Lexington: The University Press of Kentucky, 2009.

Harrison, Lowell H. “The Civil War in Kentucky.” Lexington, KY: University Press of Kentucky, 1975.

Howard, Victor B. “Black Liberation in Kentucky: Emancipation and Freedom, 1862-1884.” Lexington: University Press of Kentucky, 1983.

Hudson, Blaine. “Fugutive Slaves and the Underground Railroad in the Kentucky Borderland.” Jefferson, North Carolina: McFarland & Company, Inc., 2002.

Klotter, James C. “The Breckinridges of Kentucky, 1760-1981.” Lexington, KY: University Press of Kentucky, 1986.

Lucas, Marion B. “A History of Blacks in Kentucky, Volume 1: From Slavery to Segregation, 1760-1891.” Frankfort, KY: Kentucky Historical Society, 1992.

McDonough, James L. “War in Kentucky: From Shiloh to Perryville.” Knoxville, TN: University of Tennessee Press, 1994.

Sears, Richard D. “Camp Nelson, Kentucky: A Civil War History.” Lexington, KY: University Press of Kentucky, 2002.

Warren, Robert Penn. “The Legacy of the Civil War: Meditations on the Centennial.” New York, NY: Vintage Press, 1961.


Kentucky’s current state lottery recently marked its 20th anniversary and the Kentucky Historical Society (KHS) now has artifacts related to this part of our state’s history.

Visitors to the Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History can now see the machine used to conduct the fi rst legal lottery drawing in the 20th century. It will be on display through June 30, 2010.

KHS acquired the artifacts in late 2009 from the Kentucky Lottery Corporation (KLC). Following an inquiry, KLC off ered to donate the draw machine used for the fi rst Lotto Kentucky drawing in fall 1989, along with other items. KHS staff also gathered an oral history from a long-time KLC employee, which added a personal voice to this story.

The Society already possessed a number of 19th-century lottery broadsides and the 1891 state constitution, which ended early lotteries in the commonwealth. But KHS had very little material

KHS Hits the Jackpot! Original Lottery Machine Now on Display

related to the current lottery. These new items off er an opportunity to help understand a sometimes controversial facet of our state’s history.

Lotteries existed in Kentucky before statehood. In 1790, the Virginia legislature allowed Transylvania Seminary to raise monies through a lottery. Early lotteries supported local institutions or civic improvement projects by raising funds to erect religious, fraternal or public buildings or to construct roads. Lotteries fl ourished, but as the 19th century progressed, they came under growing criticism.

Increasingly, lotteries were run for private gain rather than public good. By the mid-1800s, many states had ended lotteries. In Kentucky, reformers worked to revoke lottery privileges, but state court rulings prevented their abolition. By 1862, Kentucky was one of only three states still operating lotteries. During the next 30 years, however, legislative action restricted the remaining in-state lotteries. In 1891, they were formally banned when the new state constitution was

Above: Governor Wilkinson poses with Lottery staff at WHAS; Opposite: Lotto Kentucky draw machine, 1989-1993, used to conduct the fi rst Lotto Kentucky

drawing on Oct. 16, 1989. Donated by the Kentucky Lottery Corporation.

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SOCIETYCOLLECTIONS

Check out these articles available in the Martin F. Schmidt Research Library at the Center for Kentucky History:

Clark, Thomas D. “Lotteries.” Rural Kentuckian (Jan. 1988): 12-15.

Klotter, James C. “Two Centuries of the Lottery in Kentucky.” Register of the Kentucky Historical Society 87, no 4 (1989): 405-425.

View KHS’s collection of 19th-century lottery broadsides online at history.ky.gov. Click on the Search our Collections link at the bottom of the front page, then click on KHS Digital Collections link. Type the words “lottery broadside” in the search fi eld.

For More Information about Kentucky Lotteries

adopted. The prohibition lasted nearly 100 years.State run lotteries reappeared in the U.S. in 1964 when states began passing legislation to enhance revenues through lotteries. In 1988, Kentucky legislators called for a public vote to lift the lottery ban. Former Gov. Wallace Wilkinson became a chief proponent of the lottery and its proposed economic benefi ts. The lottery did have its detractors. Opponents cited the lottery as a possible economic burden on the least wealthy citizens, its uncertain economic benefi ts and possible problems of addiction. However, on Nov. 5, 1988, Kentuckians voted in favor of a state lottery. Enabling legislation quickly passed and by spring 1989, Kentuckians could purchase gaming tickets.

KHS collections staff continues to search for additional materials to tell the full history of lotteries in Kentucky. If you have materials that may be of interest, whether from the 19th century or the current lottery, please contact a KHS curator at 502-564-1792.

Martin F. Schmidt Research Library at the

Lottery in Kentucky.” Register of the Kentucky Historical Society 87, no 4 (1989): 405-425.

lottery broadsides online at history.ky.gov. Click on the Search our Collections link at the bottom of the front page, then click on KHS Digital Collections link. Type the words

chief proponent of the lottery and its proposed economic benefi ts. The lottery did have its detractors. Opponents cited the lottery as a possible economic burden on the least wealthy citizens, its uncertain economic benefi ts and possible problems of addiction. However, on Nov. 5, 1988, Kentuckians voted in favor of a state lottery. Enabling legislation quickly passed and by spring 1989, Kentuckians could purchase


William “Billy” Walker tintype, ca. 1870William “Billy” Walker was an African-American jockey born in Woodford County, Ky. in 1860. He rode in the first Kentucky Derby in 1875 and won the Derby two years later riding Baden-Baden. After retiring as a jockey in 1896, he worked as a horse trainer for John Madden. Walker died in 1933. 2009SP07.

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.

New DONATIONS & ACQUISITIONS TO THE KENTUCKY HISTORICAL SOCIETY COLLECTIONS

Kentucky Postcard Collection, 1870s-1980sRon Morgan is a postcard collector from Frankfort, Ky. Over the past 10 years he has amassed a collection of over 11,000 Kentucky related postcards. This collection, which spans the geography of the commonwealth, is a photographic history of Kentucky, featuring images of many places no longer in existence. Donated by Ron Morgan, 2009PH05.

McElroy Family Tapes, 1967-68 John Lee McElroy and his family sent reel-to-reel tapes to each other while McElroy was serving with the U.S. Air Force in Vietnam in 1967-1968. He was killed in Vietnam a month before he was to return home. McElroy was born and raised in Henry County, Ky. Since he joined the Air force in New York State, he was denied a place on the Kentucky Vietnam Memorial in Frankfort, Ky. The collection consists of 12 reel-to-reel tapes. Donated by Mary McElroy Perry, 2009.058.

Collection of toys, 1920-1940Robert French played with these toys while growing up in the 1930s. Robert purchased the toy soldiers as a young boy. He could choose from various manufacturers, such as Auburn Rubber, Barclay or Manoil. These companies produced cast metal or rubber soldiers for boys during the interwar years. Robert later founded the Louisville Academy of Music and the Louisville Youth Orchestra. Donated by Robert and Ruth French, 2009.30.

Band uniform cape and hat, ca. 1949This band uniform was used at the Martha Norris Memorial School (1926-1961) in Marrowbone, Cumberland County, Ky. Caps were purchased and women of the community made red wool uniform capes for band members. The school band lasted only a few years and the school has since been closed due to consolidation. Donated by Barbara Grider, 2009.33.

Reynolds Metals Company Identification Badge, ca. 1943Sarah Frances Crews Snawder and her daughter Virginia worked at the Reynolds Metals Company, in Louisville, Ky. during WWII. During the war, women stepped into traditionally male work roles and kept production moving. Identification badges, like this one, provided limited security. View the companion piece—Virginia Snawder’s Reynolds Metals Company badge—on display in the “Kentucky Military Treasures” exhibition. Donated by Carmen Williams, 2009.35.

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SOCIETYCOLLECTIONS

Oral histories tell the stories of Kentuckians in their own words

“A CHANCE TO LEVEL THE PLAYING FIELD”

Few people believe their lives are unique enough to make history. The Kentucky Oral History Commission (KOHC), however, hopes to change that perception.

“Oral histories really offer a chance to level the playing field of history by recording accounts of everyday people who experienced events and historical moments which have made up the true history of Kentucky,” said KOHC Program Administrator Sarah Milligan. “We read about history through textbooks in school or through publications that offer history highlights or stories of famous contributors, but oral history allows everyone’s story to be as important a contribution as those textbook publications. Through hearing someone tell their account in their own voice—with inflection and emotion—we get to know the individual and we hear the effect history has had instead of reading it in our own voice.”

Oral histories that reflect the accounts of these self-proclaimed every day people are featured in “Kentucky Military Treasures: Selections from the Kentucky Historical Society Collections,” a current exhibition at the Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History in Frankfort.

And the KOHC is continuing to catalog the accounts of veterans from a broad spectrum of military participation.

In one recent interview, for example, Jim Rosendaul

KHS volunteer interviewer Mary McElroy Perry prepares for her interview with Neal Hammon, WWII and Korean War veteran, about his military experience during an oral history interview conducted as a part of the “Kentucky Military Treasures” exhibition.


repeatedly expressed that his experience fighting in Korea was not unique. Many young soldiers fighting at that time had similar experiences, he said.

Rosendaul said his first job was as a litter bearer for a battalion aid station. Then he was asked to help inside the medical unit. One day, he said, his job became memorably hectic.

“We had a terrible group of people,” he said. “It was just phenomenal how bad they were shot up and everybody was very busy. Well anyway, Dr. Rodriguez [the only doctor in the unit] came out and said, ‘Where’s the next one? Who’s the next one?’ And I said, ‘Doc, I can’t make that decision, who’s going to live or die.’ I said, ‘You decide and then whatever you want me to do…’ He said, ‘You go inside and shoot ‘em up.’ That means with morphine, we had morphine.”

“One thing about that morphine—I’d be out there and give morphine to a person who may die,” Rosendaul said. “But you’d give him two [shots], one in each cheek, and in ten minutes he’d be talking to me and wanting to smoke. That’s how strong it was.”

Despite Rosendaul’s insistence that other people did the same job he did, to the KOHC, his story is invaluable. It represents a part of the history of Kentuckians that is not yet well-documented, which helps KHS and the KOHC provide the public with a more complete understanding of history as a whole. “As far as the military interviews we are conducting at the moment, a common answer I get when I encourage folks to participate is, ‘I don’t’ really have a story to share, I don’t think I did anything exciting.’ My answer to this, as with most other topics where this comes up, is that everyone has a story to share,” said Milligan.

After the interviews are processed, KHS makes these oral histories available to the public. And many of the files are available on the KHS Web site.

“Thanks to former oral history archivist Beth Shields, the oral history collections at KHS are 100 percent catalogued at the item level, which means we intimately know our almost 9,000 interviews,” said Milligan. “Beth has digitized about 20 percent of our analogue oral history collections and processed new collections as they have come in over the last three years. We owe her our gratitude for the level of professionalism and talent she put into making the oral history collections at KHS, one of the largest in the nation, truly accessible.”

This exceptional level of accessibility has aided many different groups in utilizing the collection, including college classes, research groups and historians. And, Milligan said, the KOHC will continue its 33-year tradition of collecting oral histories from various sources.

“We have assisted in the documentation of a range of historical accounts, from family farms to poet laureates, from politicians to civil rights,” Milligan said. “Looking forward, we would encourage oral history documentation of women’s history and the changing multi-cultural make-up of Kentucky communities. As we look around at the events that have shaped our history in the past 100 years, what do we see emerging? Who can share experiences of this new landscape?”

To find out more about the KOHC, visit www.history.ky.gov and click Oral History at the bottom of the page, or email Sarah Milligan at [email protected]. v

“Through hearing someone tell their account in their own voice—with inflection and emotion—we get to know the individual and we hear the effect the history has had instead of reading it in our own voice.” - Sarah Milligan

Kentucky Oral History Commision Program Administrator

16 |

www.history.ky.gov

KENTUCKY MILITARY TREASURESSELECTIONS FROM THE KENTUCKY HISTORICAL SOCIETY COLLECTIONS

p r e s e n t s

What makes something a treasure? The Kentucky Historical Society (KHS) has collected treasures since its founding in 1836.

Over the years, KHS has amassed approximately 500,000 artifacts and documents. Each new item adds another story, which

increases the Society’s ability to tell a more complete narrative of the commonwealth and its people. The vast military collections at

the KHS give staff the opportunity to share some of the commonwealth’s most treasured stories.

The initial list of military treasures to be considered for inclusion in the exhibition exceeded 8,000 items. Curators typically loathe

cutting pieces from an exhibition or editing text for length. So this was a major challenge. The list, which included too many

pieces to work with effectively, had to be cut to approximately 200 items for the “Kentucky Military Treasures” online exhibition

(www.history.ky.gov/military) and fi nally to 100 individual items for the gallery exhibition. To accomplish these cuts, a better

working defi nition of a treasure was needed.

One source defi nes a treasure as “a collection of precious things.” The scrutiny of the KHS collections committee ensures that all

donations accepted are Kentucky treasures. The defi nition continues, refi ning the meaning of the word as, “a person esteemed as

rare or precious.” This statement provides the foundation that forms the meaning of treasure used to create the “Kentucky Military

Treasures” exhibition.

Of the thousands of stories represented in the KHS collections, KHS staff narrowed the focus to nine strong signature stories. Six

of the stories came from individuals who served their state and nation, two represented groups that helped shape the history of the

commonwealth and one was the story of a ship that carried the name Kentucky to the world. In this insert, you will fi nd excerpts

from each story and some of the supporting artifacts, manuscripts and images.

The true treasures of Kentucky are not artifacts placed on display in a case. Those artifacts simply tie us to the stories Kentucky’s

sons and daughters have to tell. Whether fi ghting on the front lines or serving at home, Kentuckians have been called on to

sacrifi ce in times of confl ict and in peace. The true treasures are the people of the commonwealth.

KENTUCKY MILITARY TREASURES: SELECTIONS FROM THE KENTUCKY HISTORICAL SOCIETY COLLECTIONS

ii |

Richard Mentor Johnson (1781-1850) left Congress to raise, train and lead a

regiment of Kentucky Mounted Rifl es in the War of 1812. His men fought against

the British and Indians in campaigns that took them into Canada. Johnson

made his reputation at the battle of the Thames, where he and Gen. William

Henry Harrison prevailed using horsemen and innovative tactics. The death of

Tecumseh, the Native American leader of the pan-Indian Confederacy, has been

attributed to Johnson. In 1837, Johnson became vice president of the U.S.

American forces fi rst captured this gun, long known as the “Burgoyne Cannon,” at the battle of Saratoga during the American Revolution. The U.S. Army utilized it until the British seized it following the fall of Detroit in 1812. In 1813, Johnson’s

Regiment of Kentucky Mounted Rifl es recaptured it from the British at the battle of the Thames. The gun has remained in Frankfort since the end of that campaign.

Three-pounder Brass Cannon Tube, ca. 1765

Donated by the Offi ce of the Adjutant General, 1909.21

Colonel Richard M. Johnson, ca. 1813KHS Collections, 1939.1000

Johnson’s Regiment of Kentucky volunteers took this drum from the British 41st Regiment of Foot at the battle of the Thames in 1813. Harrison, overall commander of American forces on the Thames campaign, later had the drum repainted with the inscription “Drum taken at the Battle of Thames and presented to the 42nd Regt Ky Militia having turned out more volunteers during the late war than any other Ky regiment.” The 42nd Regiment was raised in Fayette County.

Battle of the Thames Drum, ca. 1812

KHS Collections, 1909.22

This iron tomahawk was presented to Johnson for his service during the War of 1812. The plaque on the wooden case reads “Presented to Col. R. M. Johnson by His Friend Lieut. H. H. Rhodes U.S. Navy.” It is believed Lt. Rhodes was an offi cer aboard one of the ships in

Commodore Oliver Perry’s Great Lakes fl eet.

Richard M. Johnson Presentation Tomahawk in Case, ca. 1814

Donated by Sallie Johnson, 1939.106

Carved in the style of Kentucky artist Tim Tansel, this 19th-century powder horn displays a scene depicting Johnson. The horn either belonged to Johnson or is a contemporary commemorative piece.

Powder Horn, ca. 1830

KHS Collections, 1987.79.01

RICHARD M. JOHNSONWAR OF 1812




Donated by Sallie Johnson, 1939.106

Carved in the style of Kentucky artist Tim Tansel, this 19th-century




Carved in the style of Kentucky artist Tim Tansel, this 19th-century powder horn displays a scene depicting Johnson. The horn either

Powder Horn, ca. 1830

belonged to Johnson or is a contemporary commemorative piece.


powder horn displays a scene depicting Johnson. The horn either


belonged to Johnson or is a contemporary commemorative piece.







iiiwww.history.ky.gov |

This Medal of Honor was the original one presented to Horsfall in 1895. The design of the Medal of Honor was revised in 1896 because of similarities

between the 1862 pattern and newly adopted medals for veterans organizations. At that time, the ribbon for Horsfall’s medal was replaced.

William Horsfall’s Original Medal of Honor, 1895

Donated by Robert Diab in memory of G. Vernon Diab, 2007.3.1

Members of Company G of the 1st Kentucky Infantry Regiment, U.S.A. commissioned this commemorative medal to honor

the heroism of Horsfall. Horsfall was the only member of his regiment to receive the Medal of Honor.

Commemorative Medal from Co. G to William Horsfall, Date Unknown


Horsfall requested this 1904-pattern Medal of Honor when the design of the highest military decoration

bestowed by the U.S. government changed.

William Horsfall’s Redesigned Medal of Honor, ca. 1904


This soldier’s record belonged to Horsfall. In May 1861, Capt. James W. Mitchell recruited Company G in Covington and Newport, Ky. The company was mustered into the U.S. Army for three years and was involved in the battles at Corinth, Chickamauga and Shiloh.

Soldier’s Record Company G, ca. 1863


Williams H. Horsfall (1847-1922), a drummer and later private in Company G, 1st Kentucky Infantry Regiment, U.S.A., rescued a wounded offi cer during the battle of Corinth, Miss., in 1862. For his heroism that day, he received the Medal of Honor in 1895. He remains the youngest Kentuckian to hold this distinction. Captured in 1863, Horsfall became a prisoner of war at the infamous Andersonville prison in Georgia. Released in 1864, Horsfall returned to his home in Newport and enlisted in a veteran unit in Cincinnati. After the war, he became a carpenter and songwriter.

William H. Horsfall, ca. 1860KHS Collections

WILLIAM HORSFALLCIVIL WAR

This soldier’s record belonged to Horsfall. In May 1861, Capt. James W. Mitchell recruited Company G in Covington and Newport, Ky. The company was mustered into the U.S. Army for three years and was involved in the battles at Corinth, Chickamauga and Shiloh.

Soldier’s Record Company G, ca. 1863


Members of Company G of the 1st Kentucky Infantry Regiment, U.S.A. commissioned this commemorative medal to honor

the heroism of Horsfall. Horsfall was the only member of his regiment to receive the Medal of Honor.





Members of Company G of the 1st Kentucky Infantry Regiment,


Members of Company G of the 1st Kentucky Infantry Regiment,





Commemorative Medal from Co. G Commemorative Medal from Co. G Commemorative Medal from Co. G













iv |



Cast for the USS Kentucky (BB-6) in 1898, this bell remained on board until the ship was decommissioned and sold for scrap. After being removed from the ship, the bell was installed at the Anacostia Naval Station in Washington, D.C., where it was used during the changing-of-the-guard ceremony.

Bell from the USS Kentucky (BB-6), 1898

Loaned by the U.S. Navy, 1990.61.01

This pitcher is only one piece of the elaborate silver service, then costing $30,000, that the people of the state presented to the USS Kentucky. Capital ships like the USS Kentucky traditionally carried such silver services. After the ship was decommissioned, the silver service went on loan to KHS. Today one piece of the service is aboard the USS Kentucky submarine.

Pitcher, USS Kentucky (BB-6) Silver Service, 1900

Loaned by the U.S. Navy, 1923.40

Commissioned in 1898, the USS Kentucky (BB-6) (1898-1924) represented the pride of the commonwealth. A member of the Great White Fleet, the Kentucky sailed the world, symbolizing the status of the United States as a new world power. However,

advances in technology soon made the Kentucky obsolete. Taken out of service in 1909, the ship underwent several upgrades and served as a training ship during

World War I. It was sold for scrap in 1924. Today an Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine, USS Kentucky (SSBN-737), carries the name.

Unidentifi ed Sailors, USS Kentucky, ca. 1900KHS Collections

The neck of this bottle is a souvenir of the christening of the USS Kentucky in 1898. Christine Bradley, daughter of Kentucky Gov. William O. Bradley, performed this duty as sponsor of the ship.

Traditionally, ships are christened at launch by breaking a bottle of champagne on the bow. Bradley, a member of a Christian temperance group, demurred from using alcohol. A bottle of

water, from a spring near Abraham Lincoln’s birthplace, replaced the champagne.

Neck of the Bottle Used to Christen the USS Kentucky (BB-6), 1898

Donated by Christine Bradley Scott, 1943.4

This commemorative bottle from the Aug. 11, 1990, christening of the USS Kentucky ballistic missile submarine contains bourbon, not the traditional champagne. Rep. Larry Hopkins and his wife Carolyn, the ship’s sponsor, successfully argued that the christening be conducted with bourbon in honor of Kentucky’s famous industry. The side of the label lists the eight Kentucky bourbons blended for the christening: Ancient Age, Heaven Hill, Jim Beam, Old Charter, Old Forester, Very Old Barton, Wild Turkey and Kentucky Tavern.

USS Kentucky (SSBN-737) Commemorative Bourbon Bottle, 1990

Donated by Carolyn Pennebaker Hopkins, 2009.15.2

USS Kentucky (BB-6), 2008Mixed media on canvas

29 7/8”w x 24”hTerrence Maley (1942 - ) KHS Collections, 2009.10

USS KENTUCKYSPANISH-AMERICAN WAR

vwww.history.ky.gov |


Traditionally, ships are christened at launch by breaking a bottle of champagne on the bow. Bradley, a member of a Christian temperance group, demurred from using alcohol. A bottle of

water, from a spring near Abraham Lincoln’s birthplace, replaced the champagne.


Donated by Christine Bradley Scott, 1943.4






Donated by Carolyn Pennebaker Hopkins, 2009.15.2




vwww.history.ky.gov |

Maj. John H. Rodman (1893-1965), Owensboro, Ky., was stationed in the Philippines in 1939. When war erupted two years later, he commanded a division in the Philippine Army. Captured on April 9, 1942, on Luzon, he remained a prisoner of the Japanese until September 1945. Unlike many prisoners, he communicated with his family by radio broadcast and letters.

John H. Rodman, ca. 1920KHS Collections

JOHN H. RODMANWORLD WAR II

In February 1943, while interned in Taiwan, Rodman, an American POW in the Pacifi c theater during World War II, sent this postcard to his mother Lila. Rodman gives some small details about his current status. He asks his wife to “please see that insurance premiums” are handled. Notice the multiple international censor and mail service stamps.

Postcard from John H. Rodman to Lila M. Rodman, 1943

Donated by Anne Sullivan, 1992.20.02

Rodman used this ration cup while a prisoner of the Japanese. The cup was used to measure the meager daily portion of rice given to each prisoner, which often left them starving.

Drinking Cup, Used as Rice Ration Bowl, ca. 1944


Captured during the fall of the Philippines, Rodman had little opportunity to notify his family that he was safe. His Japanese captors broadcast personal messages written by Rodman. They were received by short-wave radio operator R. P. Reed in Hopkins, Minn., on Feb. 19,

1943. Reed produced vinyl albums of the broadcasts and mailed them to Rodman’s family in Owensboro, Ky., confi rming that he was alive and a

prisoner of war. A note mailed with the recordings apologized for the sound quality due to interference from a Moscow radio station.

Record, Radio Message from Rodman, Broadcast Over Radio Tokyo, 1943


Following the release of Rodman from a Japanese POW camp, he wrote this letter to his sister, Effi e Lee Reeves,

on Sept. 1, 1945, from Hoten Camp, Mukden, Manchuria. Rodman describes drafting letters to his family, while

being “bombed by B-29s with an unbelievable number of items.” Rodman also relates, “I am tired but far from

being hungry—for the fi rst time in years.”

Letter from Manchuria POW Camp, 1945






Rodman used this ration cup while a prisoner of the Japanese. The cup was used to measure the meager daily portion of rice given to each prisoner, which often left them starving.

Drinking Cup, Used as Rice Ration Bowl, ca. 1944


camp, he wrote this letter to his sister, Effi e Lee Reeves, on Sept. 1, 1945, from Hoten Camp, Mukden, Manchuria.

being “bombed by B-29s with an unbelievable number of items.” Rodman also relates, “I am tired but far from

vi |

A 1948 graduate of Frankfort High School, Chadwick Burns (1929-1950) joined the Kentucky National Guard. When hostilities broke out in Korea in 1950, Burns

decided to enlist in the U.S. Marine Corps. Rushed through boot camp, Burns landed in Korea and six days later died in combat. Many, including Burns’s mother,

questioned the accelerated-training policy.

Chadwick O. Burns, ca. 1948KHS Collections

CHADWICK O. BURNSKOREAN WAR

Burns wore this cap, with the cherished symbol of the Marine Corps, the eagle, globe and anchor insignia. It was

sent home after Burns was killed in action in Korea.

Garrison Cap, United States Marine Corps, 1950

Donated by Viola Burns, 1991.164.04

The Burns family, of Frankfort, Ky., received this Purple Heart following the death of their son. He was the fi rst Franklin County native killed in action in Korea.

Chadwick Burns’s Purple Heart, 1950


This Western Union telegram informed the parents of Burns that their son had been killed in action in Korea. Unlike the Hollywood portrayal of the military chaplain bringing bad news to the family, many parents and spouses simply received telegrams like this one.

Telegram, Chadwick Burns’s Death in Korea, 1950


Burns sent this Mother’s Day card to his mother, writing, “He who loses wealth loses much; But he who

loses courage loses all. ‘My Courage is my Mother.’”

Chadwick Burns Mothers Day Card, ca. 1950

KHS Collections


sent home after Burns was killed in action in Korea.






Marine Corps, the eagle, globe and anchor insignia. It was

The Burns family, of Frankfort, Ky., received this Purple

CHADWICK O. BURNS

Heart following the death of their son. He was the fi rst Franklin County native killed in action in Korea.



CHADWICK O. BURNS

The Burns family, of Frankfort, Ky., received this Purple Heart following the death of their son. He was the fi rst Franklin County native killed in action in Korea.



viiwww.history.ky.gov |

Trained as a nurse at the United Mine Workers Hospital, Martha Davis (1941 - ) saw little opportunity for young women in Evarts, Harlan County, Ky., so she enlisted in the U.S. Navy. She served in the U.S. and on Guam during the Vietnam War, while her brother Marcus (1946 – 1970), the fi rst member of the family to graduate from college, began a career in elementary education. Drafted in 1968, he was killed in action on April 4, 1970. Economic reasons and grief forced the family to leave Harlan County and Martha to resign from the navy.

Martha and Marcus Davis, ca. 1968Courtesy of Martha A. Davis

MARTHA & MARCUS DAVISVIETNAM WAR

After Marcus was killed in action, the military sent his personal belongings, including this duffel bag, home to his family. The family maintained the bag unopened until 2002, when Martha donated it to KHS. Their mother was also present for the opening of the bag, which contained several personal items.

Vietnam War Soldier’s Duffel Bag (Laundry Bag), 173rd Airborne, 1969

Donated by Martha A. Davis, 2002.27

Boots often symbolize a fallen solider. This pair of boots belonged to Marcus.

Vietnam War Soldier’s Cap Toe Boots, 173rd Airborne, 1969

Donated by Martha A. Davis, 2002.27.45

Martha joined the navy in 1963 after being trained as a nurse at the United Mining Workers Hospital in Harlan. A member of the Navy Nurse Corps at the Naval Air Station at Jacksonville, Fla., she served in the continental U.S. and spent 14 months on Guam caring for wounded American soldiers.

Woman’s U.S. Navy Vietnam Nurse Duty Uniform, ca. 1967





After Marcus was killed in action, the military sent his personal belongings, including this duffel bag, home to his family. The family maintained the bag unopened until 2002, when Martha donated it to KHS. Their mother

Vietnam War Soldier’s Duffel Bag (Laundry Bag),

After Marcus was killed in action, the military sent his personal belongings, including this duffel bag, home to his family. The family maintained the bag unopened until 2002, when Martha donated it to KHS. Their mother

Vietnam War Soldier’s Duffel Bag (Laundry Bag),










MARTHA & MARCUS DAVIS

Donated by Martha A. Davis, 2002.27.45Donated by Martha A. Davis, 2002.27.45

viii |


Frankie Zalaznik (1949 - ) a Pennsylvania native and nursing-school graduate, joined the Student Army Nurse Corps and served at Walter Reed Medical Center.

While there, she treated many soldiers wounded in Vietnam. In 1971, she was sent to Pleiku, in the central highlands of Vietnam, with the 14th Medical Detachment,

and later to the 95th Evacuation Hospital in Da Nang. Zalaznik joined the Kentucky National Guard’s 475th Combat Support Hospital in 1980 and saw active duty in Operation Desert Shield, 1991-92. She retired from the military 10 years later.

Frankie Zalaznik, 1991KHS Collections

FRANKETTA ZALAZNIKRECENT WARS

This bracelet belonged to Zalaznik. She acquired it during her time spent with the 14th

Medical Detachment in Pleiku, Vietnam. Popular among the Montagnard tribes in the Central

Highlands of Vietnam, the presentation of this type of bracelet is said to be a sign of trust and respect.

Montagnard Bracelet, 1971

Donated by Franketta R. Zalaznik, 2002.46.12

This uniform belonged to Zalaznik, a member of the 475th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital (M.A.S.H.) unit of the Kentucky Army National Guard. Often referred to as “chocolate chips,” this desert camoufl age uniform is the typical pattern soldiers wore during the Persian Gulf War.

Woman’s U.S. Army Desert Fatigue Uniform, ca. 1990


Zalaznik wore this uniform shirt during her service in Vietnam. Zalaznik served in both the Central Highlands and at China Beach, the Army hospital popularized by a television series of the same name. Packed away after the war, the shirt pocket still contains a pair of scissors and a hemostat that Zalaznik used while in Vietnam.

Vietnam Uniform, Franketta “Frankie” Zalaznik, 1971








acquired it during her time spent with the 14th Medical Detachment in Pleiku, Vietnam. Popular

among the Montagnard tribes in the Central Highlands of Vietnam, the presentation of this type of

bracelet is said to be a sign of trust and respect.

This uniform belonged to Zalaznik, a member of the 475th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital (M.A.S.H.) unit of the Kentucky Army National Guard. Often referred to as “chocolate chips,” this desert camoufl age uniform is the typical pattern soldiers wore during the Persian Gulf War.



acquired it during her time spent with the 14th Medical Detachment in Pleiku, Vietnam. Popular

Highlands of Vietnam, the presentation of this type of

This uniform belonged to Zalaznik, a member of the 475th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital (M.A.S.H.) unit of the Kentucky Army National Guard. Often referred to as “chocolate chips,” this desert camoufl age uniform


among the Montagnard tribes in the Central Highlands of Vietnam, the presentation of this type of Highlands of Vietnam, the presentation of this type of

Frankie Zalaznik in Vietnam, 1971Donated by Franketta R. Zalaznik, 2002.46 ixwww.history.ky.gov |

Donated by Ed Polin Jr., 1993.61.01

This U.S. Marine Corps corporal’s uniform is standard issue. The uniform belonged to Polin, the fi rst black Kentuckian to enlist in the Marine Corps. The uniform does not differ from those worn by white enlisted personnel. The treatment of black Marines in the 1940s, however, was very different. Units,

camps, mess halls and live entertainment were segregated. In protest against this discrimination, Polin, along with other black Marines, refused to attend the segregated shows.

U.S. Marine Corps Dress Blue Uniform, ca. 1943

Edward Polin Jr. is just one example of an innovator in military history who came from Kentucky. There are innovators who have broken barriers through their personal courage. Others are inventors who have advanced technology through their genius. This section shares a group of treasured stories selected from KHS collections that represent innovation from various confl icts throughout history.

Corporal Edward Polin Jr., ca. 1943Donated by Ed Polin Jr., 1993.61.02

KENTUCKY MILITARY INNOVATORS

Donated by the National Armed Forces Museum Advisory Board, 1973.09.20

The M1921 was the fi rst production model of the Thompson submachine gun, designed by Brig. Gen. John T. Thompson, a native of Newport,

Ky.. The U.S. government purchased few of them, although test results pleased the U.S. Army and Marine Corps. The 1921 Thompson had a detachable butt stock and normally used a 100-round drum magazine. It could fi re at a rate of 800 rounds per minute.

M1921/8 Navy Model Thompson Submachine Gun, 1921

Donated by Major General Verna D. Fairchild, 2000.7.1ab

Verna D. Fairchild, the fi rst member of the Nursing Corps to command an Air National Guard Tactical Hospital (123rd in Louisville, Ky.), wore this uniform. In June 1990, she became the fi rst Air Guard assistant for nursing to the surgeon general of the Air Combat Command (Langley Air Force Base, Va.), and in October 1993, she became the fi rst nurse and the fi rst

female in Air Guard history appointed as assistant adjutant general for air. Fairchild retired from Kentucky state government in 1997 as the assistant to the commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation Services.

Major General Verna Fairchild’s Air Force Uniform, ca. 1999

Donated by Ralph Anderson, 2000.46.1

Automatic weapons historian and inventor George M. Chinn, of Mercer County, Ky., helped develop this prototype. Designed by Chinn and produced by Belcan Engineering in the

late 1980s, this weapon blends parts from the M79 single-shot grenade launcher and recoil buffers from the .50 calibre Browning machine gun. The goal was an automatic grenade launcher that could be fi red from the shoulder,

greatly increasing the fi repower of the infantryman. The early prototype is a concept piece and is not automatic. After Chinn’s death in 1987, the project was abandoned.

Prototype 40mm Grenade Launcher, ca. 1987



















Major General Verna Fairchild’s Air Force Uniform, ca. 1999






calibre Browning machine gun. The goal was an automatic grenade launcher that could be fi red from the shoulder,




x |

Virginia Keith Snawder’s work at Reynolds Metal during World War II represents the traditional home front story. However, there is more to

the home front, one that exists in peace, as well as war. KHS collections illustrate how Kentuckians, both civilian and military, have endured at home,

reacted in times of civil unrest and grieved for those who have been lost. Their story begins here with a bugle used in Frankfort, Ky., by young Julius Richner during World War I and concludes with Taylor Pace of Winchester, Ky., whose “TayTay Buddy Bears” comforted children during the confl ict in

Afghanistan.

Virginia Snawder’s Factory Identifi cation Badge, Reynolds Metal Company, ca. 1943Donated by Leslie Miller, 2009.4

THE KENTUCKY HOME FRONT

Donated by Julius Richner, 1976.14.02a

Appointed by President Woodrow Wilson, young Richner served as the offi cial bugler of Franklin County, Ky. Richner’s duties included leading groups of new recruits to the train depot and seeing them off. He played taps at the burial of veterans and marked the hour of sunset in France, the end of hostilities for the day, by playing a daily salute from the courthouse.

Julius Richner, World War I Bugle Boy of Franklin County, 1916

Donated by Julius Richner, 1976.14.01Julius Richner’s Bugle, ca. 1917

Donated by Thomas W. Bemiss, 1994.37.01

While observing the mechanized war in Europe, a committee of the Army Ordnance Department published specifi cations for a small reconnaissance vehicle in 1940. Three companies submitted designs. After initial tests, Ford produced this

vehicle, known by its production code GP (perhaps the origin of the word Jeep). The Ford design did well in tests, and the company built 1,500 of them in 1941. Nevertheless, Willys-Overland ultimately won

the contract. Many of the GP models were sent to Europe under the Lend Lease program of sending war materiel to Britain while the U.S. was still at peace.

Ford GP Truck, 1941

Donated by Helm Roberts, 1998.58.2

This piece of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Frankfort, Ky., was not placed in its anticipated location. The area at fi rst chosen for

this piece was alternately taken by a larger stone. Determined not to waste material, the builders made the extra stone a

memorial to the project. The signature and titles of many of the people associated with the design, building and planning of the

monument are written on the stone. The memorial itself contains the names of 1,066 Kentuckians who died in the war.

Kentucky Vietnam Veterans Memorial Granite Block, ca. 1988

Donated by Sgt. and Mrs. Henry Pace, 2006.39.1

When she was nine, Pace (born 1996), created TayTay’s Buddy Bears to comfort the children of parents deployed to Iraq from Winchester Guard unit, A Battery, 2/138th Field Artillery. Each bear comes with a note from Pace attached by a yellow ribbon. The note reminds the children to hug the bear when they are sad. For her efforts, Pace received the United Way of the Bluegrass Youth Service Award. She also received an Honorary Guardsman certifi cate from Gov. Ernie Fletcher and Adj. Gen. Donald Storm.

TayTay Buddy Bears, 2006

illustrate how Kentuckians, both civilian and military, have endured at home, reacted in times of civil unrest and grieved for those who have been lost. Their story begins here with a bugle used in Frankfort, Ky., by young Julius Richner during World War I and concludes with Taylor Pace of Winchester, Ky., whose “TayTay Buddy Bears” comforted children during the confl ict in

Afghanistan.



Their story begins here with a bugle used in Frankfort, Ky., by young Julius Richner during World War I and concludes with Taylor Pace of Winchester, Ky., whose “TayTay Buddy Bears” comforted children during the confl ict in

Afghanistan.



end of hostilities for the day, by playing a daily salute from the courthouse.



the contract. Many of the GP models were sent to Europe under the Lend Lease program of



sending war materiel to Britain while the U.S. was still at peace.

offi cial bugler of Franklin County, Ky. Richner’s duties included leading groups of new recruits to the train depot and seeing them off. He played taps at the burial of veterans and marked the hour of sunset in France, the end of hostilities for the day, by playing a daily salute from the courthouse.




the contract. Many of the GP models were sent to Europe under the Lend Lease program of sending war materiel to Britain while the U.S. was still at peace.

Ford GP Truck, 1941









xiwww.history.ky.gov |

Exhibition Credits The true treasures of Kentucky are its people. KHS appreciates those who have provided their stories through artifacts, photographs, papers and oral histories. The Society looks forward to collecting more in the years to come. To view many more artifacts from the KHS military collections, visit the online exhibition at www.history.ky.gov/military.

The Kentucky Treasures Endowment Fund purchases, preserves and presents signature pieces from the past. With your support, KHS will continue to tell the Kentucky story to future generations.

Sponsors Kentucky Historical Society Foundation

Kentucky Treasures Endowment Fund

Kentucky Department of Military Affairs

Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs

Martin F. Schmidt

Tawani Foundation

Online exhibition funded byKentucky Veterans Trust Fund

The Kentucky Historical Society gratefully acknowledges the support of: Maj. Gen. Edward Tonini, The Adjutant General of Kentucky

Commissioner Kenneth Lucas, Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs

Deputy Commissioner Margaret Plattner, Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs Military

Records and Research Branch, Kentucky Department of Military Affairs

Kentucky Military History Museum Committee

The Kentucky Historical Society is an agency of the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet.100 West Broadway | Frankfort, KY 40601 | 502-564-1792 | www.history.ky.gov

Cover: Machine Gun Company, 1st Kentucky Infantry in El Paso, Texas, 1917. KHS Collections

KHS Hosts Girl Scouts

After a two year break from holding scout programs, the Kentucky Historical Society (KHS) is back in the swing of things. Last October and November, two Girl Scout Brownie patch workshops were held at the Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History for 89 second- and third-grade girls.

On Oct. 17, 29 Girl Scout Brownies and their parents attended the “Lincoln Bicentennial Patch Workshop.” Girls learned about Abraham Lincoln’s Kentucky roots by examining a log cabin, stitching up a copybook, writing with a quill and planting pumpkin seeds in a miniature stove-pipe hat.

During the second workshop, held on Nov. 21, Brownies learned to document history during the “Listening to the Past Workshop.” Scouts were challenged to discover how history is recorded as they examined and worked with a variety of historical sources from KHS Special Collections. The 60 attendees viewed the Museum Theatre performance “Diary of the Depression,” conducted oral history interviews and designed a personal scrapbook.

The most recent workshop, “Puppets, Dolls and Plays,” was held on Jan. 23. Brownies participated in a variety

of activities, including comic book drawing and doll making. During the fi nal activity, girls sang along with the Museum Theater play, “Jack and the Robbers.”

Additional workshops for second through twelfth grade Girl Scouts will be held this March and April.

KHS is proud to work with Kentucky’s Wilderness Road Council, which serves more than 25,000 Girl Scouts in 68 northern, central and eastern Kentucky counties.

For more information about KHS Girl Scout programs, contact Erica Harvey, coordinator of children’s and family programs, at [email protected].

To learn more about the Girl Scouts of Kentucky’s Wilderness Road Council or to register for programs, contact Susan Miller at [email protected] or visit the Girl Scouts of Kentucky Web site at http://www.gskentucky.org/TAP/TAP.html.

Workshop participants were asked to illustrate an Appalachian story that was read to them.

15www.history.ky.gov | 17www.history.ky.gov |

CONNECTIONS | Education Briefs

Teacher Workshops to Focus on Primary Source Materials

In late December 2009, the Kentucky Historical Society (KHS) was awarded a $15,000 grant to conduct nine teacher professional development workshops throughout the state.

The grant is funded by the Library of Congress (LOC) through the Midwest Center for Teaching with Primary Resources at Illinois State University The workshops will take place this fall and serve approximately 145 social studies teachers in Bowling Green, Cumberland, Frankfort, Georgetown, Louisville, Morehead, Murray, Owensboro and Richmond.

Held as a part of the Kentucky Junior Historical Society (KJHS) and Kentucky History Day (KHD) programs, which are also administered by KHS,

the goal of these workshops is to improve student achievement in history by training grades four-12 social studies teachers on the of use primary source materials from KHS, LOC and local historical organizations. Participating teachers will create KHD projects to engage in substantive historical research and analysis and present their interpretation using one of the fi ve KHD project types—exhibit, documentary, performance, Web site or research paper.

This grant allows KHS to expand its outreach to teachers across the commonwealth. In addition, the materials and training curricula developed through the grant can be repurposed for future teacher training, compounding the impact of the grant for years to come.

New School Activities Available for “Kentucky Military Treasures”

Two new activities for students have been created for the exhibition, “Kentucky Military Treasures.”

A new Hands-on-History cart challenges students to pack a World War I (WWI) Army soldier’s backpack and compare it with a soldier’s pack from today. Items in both packs include mess kits, entertainment, fi rst aid kits and general tools of survival. The goal of this activity is to have students make choices regarding what a solider might need to take with him or her to the frontline of battle. The activity also gives students the opportunity to compare items from WWI, referred to as the fi rst modern war, with similar items that soldiers still use today.

Kentucky Historical Society (KHS) staff also produced educator packets for the exhibition that provide elementary, middle and high school teachers and students with pre-visit activities related to certain artifacts on display in the exhibition. Each packet contains an exhibition overview, background information on selected artifacts and confl icts, an artifact list, suggested vocabulary and an activity, all to be completed in the classroom prior to the museum visit. These pre-visit materials were designed to

provide classroom teachers with materials necessary to prepare their class for a visit and to connect exhibit content to Kentucky’s social studies core content.

To download a copy of the pre-visit activities, visit www.history.ky.gov and click on the Teachers link at the bottom of the page. To learn more about the “Kentucky Military Treasures” Hands-on-History Cart or other school programs related to the exhibition, contact Mike Deetsch, interpretive education administrator, at [email protected].

Carved Bone “Texas Die,” ca. 1848, Donated by Russell M. Hughes, 1983.02.02

EXHIBITION EDUCATOR PACKET

www.history.ky.gov/military




KENTUCKY MILITARY TREASURESSELECTIONS FROM THE

KENTUCKY HISTORICAL

SOCIETY COLLECTIONSJulius Richner, World War I Bugle Boy of Franklin County,

ca. 1917, Donated by Julius Richner, 1976.14.02a




Julius Richner, World War I Bugle Boy of Franklin County,

ca. 1917, Donated by Julius Richner, 1976.14.02a

Photograph of John Rodman, ca. 1920




18 |


Sharing Experiences through Theatre

Is it possible to learn from war? How does a person’s perspective affect his understanding of history? These are a couple of the questions prompted by the newest KHS Museum Theatre play, “Theater of War: Unresolved Conflict of Vietnam,” The play is performed in the “Kentucky Military Treasures” exhibition gallery and uses multiple perspectives from history and symbolism within the context of the Vietnam War.

During the first month of performances, the education team invited audiences to engage in a discussion following the play. Visitors used the play to focus on issues surrounding the Vietnam War and war in general. Some audience members shared personal memories of that period, while others learned about the soldier’s perspective from veterans in the audience. Audience members varied in age, and included college classes, high school students and even Junior ROTC cadets.

Audiences discussed the effect of television during the Vietnam War and compared this to how current wars are reported. They also related the treatment of soldiers returning from Vietnam to those returning from Afghanistan and Iraq today. Discussions led audiences to contemplate the continuing effects of war.

Adam Luckey, KHS Museum Theatre specialist, captivates an audience of Junior ROTC cadets with

his performance of “Theater of War.”

www.history.ky.gov | 19www.history.ky.gov |


Kentucky Community Scholars Program Continues to Grow

Fourteen Kentuckians recently joined the statewide network of over 140 community scholars by completing the Community Scholars Workshop series. Following in the tradition of previous attendees, the workshop participants’ areas of interest were diverse. Participant research involved a variety topics, including family folklore, occupational lore of independent loggers and the unique culture of a local motorcycle enthusiasts’ club.

The Kentucky Community Scholars Program is an outreach and education curriculum designed to help communities discover and document their diverse traditions. The program was created by the Kentucky Arts Council (KAC) to address the needs of communities across the state and is now sponsored by both KAC and the Kentucky Historical Society (KHS) in a joint effort to promote Kentucky’s rich culture.

The training program differs from more conventional workshops in that it is spaced over the course of several months in six day-long sessions, allowing participants more time to learn valuable concepts and skills. While

there is a core curriculum for every session, some portions of the class are uniquely tailored to the needs of the participants. Examples from recent sessions include heritage tourism, historic preservation, family history and traditions and local history. Meetings are arranged by local sponsors and the Kentucky Folklife Program staff to meet the needs of the community.

An Estill County scholar said her community has reaped the benefits of involvement in the Community Scholars Program. “We’ve been able to add exciting interpretive programming to our local festival and hands-on activities that celebrate the roots of our community traditions,” said Mary Reed.

Scholars are instructed on basic folklife fieldwork methods and the interpretation and presentation of folk culture through interactive workshops by Folklife Program Director Bob Gates and Folklife Specialist Alisha Martin. Participants share local traditions, recipes and family folklore throughout the class. This helps students understand and develop methods for further hands-on work documenting the folklife in their communities.

Community scholars contribute greatly to the understanding of the folk culture of Kentucky. They work with local arts, history and cultural organizations to arrange tourism events, festivals and educational outreach programs to promote the folklife in their areas. Through this work, scholars have established partnerships through which they have obtained grant funding and presented local traditions to their communities and visitors.

Scholars have worked tirelessly to identify, document, conserve and present Kentucky’s cultural wealth and have contributed valuable research to the KHS Folklife collection. The collection is available to researchers interested in the folk traditions of both traditional Kentucky residents as well as the diverse traditions of newcomers.

For more information about the Community Scholars Program and the KHS Folklife collection, contact Alisha Martin at [email protected] Scholar trainees learn the art of the narrative stage.

20 |

Perspective | Society News

Partnership Successfully Expands Veterans Oral Histories

In May 2009, the Kentucky Department of Veterans Aff airs (KDVA) approached the Kentucky Oral History Commission (KOHC) about partnering on a pilot project to encourage the documentation of the oral histories of veterans throughout the commonwealth.

Based on a successful initiative to document 50 veterans’ stories in Garrard County, the KDVA chose two demographically varied counties—Jeff erson and Greenup—to begin the project. KHS staff worked with University of Louisville Oral History Center co-directors, Carrie Daniels and Tracy K’Meyer, to host the Jeff erson County interviews, while Kathleen Kenny, of the Greenup County Public Library, hosted and coordinated the Greenup County initiative.

As part of the project, volunteers were trained to conduct oral history interviews. Veterans were

asked to share their stories, which were recorded on professional digital fi eld recorders, on loan from the KOHC. Over the course of three months, 23 interviews were conducted. Partnerships were established with the Crane House in Louisville to work on Vietnam confl ict-related interviews. KDVA Deputy Commissioner Margaret Plattner conducted the majority of the Jeff erson County interviews in person, describing it as one of the most worthwhile experiences she has ever had.

All of the oral history interviews conducted as part of this project are archived at the Kentucky Historical Society, administrator of KOHC. Copies are also available at the University of Louisville, the Greenup County Library and the Library of Congress Veterans History Project archives.

Stay Tuned for Special Thursday Evening Programs at KHS

Music, libations and history presentations will all be part of the mix during special Thursday evening programs planned for the Kentucky Historical Society (KHS) this spring and summer.

These programs will complement the Society’s new hours, which allow greater public access on Thursday evenings. The full schedule will be available on the Society’s Web site at www.history.ky.gov, so check back often as plans are confi rmed.

“These events give us an opportunity to showcase our collections,” said Kent Whitworth, executive director of KHS. “We’re always excited about the opportunity to place Kentucky’s treasures on display.”

“All About Bourbon,” a program featuring authors of “The Kentucky Bourbon Cocktail Book,” is one of the fi rst Thursday night programs, set for March 25. Authors Susan Reigler and Joy Perrine will be on hand

to discuss and sign their book. Guests will also have the opportunity to sample bourbons, courtesy of a partnership with Buff alo Trace Distillery.

As always, KHS members will receive special discounts as well as members-only perks. These programs are part of the Society’s Highlighting History series.

HighlightingHistory



(From left) U.S. Rep. Ben Chandler, Kentucky Court of Appeals Judge Laurence B. VanMeter and Leslie Miller

at the historical marker dedication.

A New Piece of Roadside History

The Circuit Rider Online Benefi ts Kentucky’s Local History Organizations

The Kentucky Historical Society (KHS) provides a wide variety of services to local history organizations and museums across the commonwealth, including technical advice, grant support, seminars and professional development workshops. KHS also publishes The Circuit Rider Online, an electronic newsletter focused on providing up-to-date information about best practices and opportunities in the fi eld.

In addition to presenting news from the KHS Community Services offi ce, The Circuit Rider Online includes information about upcoming events and exhibitions, grants, workshops and conferences, internet resources and links to job postings and

The Kentucky Historical Society dedicated an historical marker to Capt. Isaac Cunningham on Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009 in Winchester, Ky.

Cunningham commanded a company of Kentucky Volunteer Militia from Clark and Bourbon counties during the War of 1812. He and his brother Robert brought bluegrass seed to Kentucky from Virginia. They were among the fi rst to cultivate bluegrass and use it as a crop in Kentucky. Cunningham was also prominent in importing, breeding and raising shorthorn cattle and thoroughbred horses. He served in state legislature from 1816 to 1827 and as the sheriff and Clark County magistrate. Visitors to his farm included Henry Clay, Daniel Webster, Gov. James Clark and the Hon. Richard Menifee.

professional development opportunities in the local history fi eld.

“The Circuit Rider Online distributes information that will help sites, and it is an easy way for local history organizations to keep each other informed about events, exhibits and tourism development opportunities,” said Stuart Sanders, KHS community services administrator. “We hope that it also provides these organizations with tools that they can use to build capacity and grow as organizations,” he added.

The Circuit Rider Online is distributed monthly by e-mail. To receive this free publication, contact Sanders at [email protected].

22 |


KHS HistoryMobile Available for Communities in 2010

The Kentucky Historical Society (KHS) HistoryMobile program is now accepting applications for the 2010 season. A mobile museum featuring exhibits on Kentucky history, the current HistoryMobile exhibit explores “Kentucky’s Abraham Lincoln.” Housed in a 45- foot tractor-trailer, the 300-square-foot exhibit explores the 16th president’s many Kentucky connections.

“The HistoryMobile has been an excellent way to take Kentucky’s Lincoln story statewide,” said Program Coordinator Warren Greer. “By visiting schools, communities, fairs and festivals, the Kentucky Historical Society can share Lincoln’s Kentucky connections with thousands of people.”

The exhibit, which was funded by a grant from the James Graham Brown Foundation, interprets important themes related to Lincoln and Kentucky, including Lincoln’s Kentucky birth, his rise to the presidency, the Civil War, slavery and emancipation and current perceptions about Lincoln. Before school visits, pre-visit materials that enhance the student experience are provided to teachers.

To request a visit from the HistoryMobile, please contact Warren Greer by e-mail at [email protected] or by phone at 502-564-1792, ext. 4478. Because of special electrical requirements, requests must be made at least three weeks in advance. Due to the generosity of the Pilot Corporation and the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels, there is no fee to host the HistoryMobile unless an overnight stay is required.

Santa and one of his elves spent a day in December at the Kentucky Historical Society, listening to wishes and posing for pictures with bright-eyed youngsters.

The Saturday with Santa event was held on Dec. 12, in partnership with Whitaker Bank and Downtown Frankfort Inc. The free event drew more than 200 Santa-enthusiasts to the Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History. Children and adults alike had the opportunity to decorate holiday cookies, listen to stories and play 19th-century games like ball and cup, Bilbo catchers and jack straws.

The KHS Museum Theatre play “Jack Hunts Christmas” was also part of the mix. “Jack Hunts Christmas” is a whimsical adaptation of Clay County author Anne Shelby’s book, “The Adventures of Mollie Whuppie and Other Appalachian Folktales.”

To view images from Saturday with Santa, visit www.history.ky.gov, click the news and events tab and then click the KHS Flickr site link.

Saturday with Santa Spreads Holiday Cheer



Scholarly Research Fellowships Deadline is April 1

Kentucky Historical Society (KHS) staff cares deeply about the future of Kentucky history. In addition to editing and publishing new scholarship in the peer-reviewed scholarly journal, The Register of the Kentucky Historical Society, KHS promotes new scholarship through its research fellowship program. Made possible by generous support from the KHS Foundation, the scholarly research-fellowship program encourages advanced study and research in the collections of KHS on all aspects of Kentucky history.

Over the past two years, these short-term fellowships have supported new research on a wide array of topics, ranging from the history of the horse industry and the built environment, early Kentucky politics and religion, the Civil War and African American history to mountaintop removal. Recipients typically include both new and

veteran historians as well as independent researchers from across the nation.

Scholarly research fellowships support visits to KHS any time in the year they are awarded and are designed to assist researchers with travel and living expenses while using the KHS research collections. KHS awards approximately 10 scholarly research fellowships annually. Awards typically range from $250 to $1,000. Applications are judged on the merits of the proposed research and the extent to which the judges believe that research can be advanced through use of collections at KHS.

The annual application deadline is April 1. For more details, check the KHS Web site, www.history.ky.gov. From the home page, click the learn link, then the research fellowships tab.

Genealogists from Across the Nation to Attend KHS-Sponsored Conference

The Kentucky Historical Society (KHS) and the East Tennessee Historical Society are co-sponsoring the 2010 Federation of Genealogical Societies Annual Conference. The theme of the conference, which will be held in Knoxville, Tenn. Aug. 18-21, is Rediscovering America’s First Frontier.

A complete schedule for the conference has not been set, but several of the speakers who will present are KHS staff members, including Kent Whitworth, Don Rightmyer, Lynne Hollingsworth and Stuart Sanders.

As more information becomes available, it will be posted on the FGS Web site at www.fgs.org/2010conference/index.php.

Genealogists flock to KHS on the second saturday of each month for Family-History workshops.

24 |


Tweeting, Facebooking and Blogging, Oh My!

The Kentucky Historical Society (KHS) is all a-Twitter! The organization has joined the social media world. Friends and fans of KHS can follow its activity on Twitter and Facebook and on the KHS blog, History Burgoo, available at Typepad.com.

The KHS social media sites are maintained by a team of staff from diff erent departments throughout the organization. The diverse team will tweet, post and blog on a variety of topics—from KHS-related news and events to Kentucky history and the museum industry in general.

Visit the KHS Web site, www.history.ky.gov, for links to the KHS social media pages, or search for KHS on Twitter, Facebook and Typepad.

The Kentucky Historical Society (KHS) received several Traverse Awards for Excellence in Tourism Marketing during the Kentucky Tourism Industry Annual Conference, held Oct. 26-28 in Louisville.

KHS received the following awards:

• First place award for its “Made to be Played” marketing campaign

• First place award for the KHS Foundation direct mail solicitation

• Second place award for Family Fun Day marketing campaign

• Second place award for the KHS membership publication, the Chronicle

• Honorable mention for the KHS master brochure

The annual conference is jointly sponsored by the Kentucky Department of Travel, the Kentucky Hotel/Lodging Association and the Kentucky Tourism Council.

KHS Wins Award for Tourism Marketing

ON EXHIBITION July 11 - September 26

An exhibition of handmade stringed instruments from Kentucky artists and a showcase of Kentucky master musicians, presented by the Kentucky Folklife Program, a partnership of the Kentucky Arts Council and the Kentucky Historical Society

WWW.HISTORY.KY.GOV/LUTHIERS

THE KENTUCKY H ISTORICAL SOCIETYAND THE KENTUCKY ARTS COUNCIL PRESENT



2010 Phonathon—Donors Answered the Call

In late January and early February, the Kentucky Historical Society (KHS) Foundation conducted the 2010 Annual Fund Phonathon. This year’s goal was to raise $40,000.

“Thanks to our 83 volunteers, board members, and staff that gave an evening or two to work the phones, the Foundation was able to raise over $40,000,” said Sam Richardson, KHS development associate and phonathon coordinator.

“Phonathon provides our staff and volunteers the time to reconnect with our friends and supporters,” said Richardson. “In a time when every dollar counts, phonathon allows our donors to make a gift that will instantly make an impact.”

This year also marked the third straight year that the Kentucky Genealogical Society (KGS) has partnered with the KHS Foundation. KGS and an anonymous donor pledged $1 for every $2 raised up to maximum of $2,500. The $7,500 match will be used to purchase a new microfilm digitizer for the Martin F. Schmidt Research Library.

Thanks to a very generous donor, all gifts of $1,000 or more were matched on a one-to-one basis up to a limit of $50,000. Each gift of $1,000 instantly became a gift of $2,000.

Thanks to our donors, the Society’s Foundation is well within reach of meeting the 2010 Annual Fund goal of $180,000. To date, $174,000 has been committed. These unrestricted funds are critical to the Society during these tough economic times. Donations to the Annual Fund have helped support educational programs, community outreach initiatives and the acquisition of history and genealogy books and microfilm for the Martin F. Schmidt Research Library.

Phonathon may be over, but it is never too late to support the KHS Anuual Fund! There are several ways that you can donate:

Donate securely online at: www.history.ky.gov. Click on the Give/Join link.

Mail your tax deductible contribution to:

The Kentucky Historical Society Foundation 100 W. Broadway Frankfort, KY 40601

Call the development office at 502-564-1792.

For 11 nights, Kentucky Historical Society staff and others volunteered by calling hundreds of history supporters during the 2010 phonathon campaign.

26 |

INSPIRATION | Foundation Update

Harriet Dupree Bradley recently accepted a National Philanthropy Day award on behalf of her father, Thomas P. Dupree Sr. Dupree was recognized by the Kentucky Historical Society (KHS) Foundation on Tuesday, Nov. 17, at the Lexington Bluegrass Chapter’s National Philanthropy Day Luncheon. Jim Wallace, former KHS Foundation executive director, shown left, and Bob Lewis, AFP Chapter president, shown right, presented the award. Dupree was recognized for his generous support of the Society’s “Made to be Played” exhibition, the Elizabeth Lloyd Jones Student Scholarship Fund and his major gift to the Thomas D. Clark Campaign.

Martha Dever Pulliam was an avid genealogist and supporter of the Martin F. Schmidt Research Library at the Kentucky Historical Society (KHS). She and her husband, Jim, would often drive hundreds of miles from their home in Illinois to Frankfort so that she could search for her Kentucky ancestors.

Martha Pulliam passed away in 2008, but she included KHS in her will as her way of acknowledging what the library had meant to her. Part of her $5,000 gift has been used to purchase the 70-volume series “War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Offi cial Records of the Union and Confederate Armies,” an incredible resource for both historians and genealogists. Also, being true to Pulliam’s passion for genealogy, the library has been able to complete its series of passenger lists of the millions of Italian immigrants who arrived in America from 1880 to 1904.

Planned Gifts Allow Donors to Share their Passion for History

KHS Supporter Receives Recognition

Legacy gifts like this allow donors to support the causes they love while enabling organizations to grow and thrive.

Help ensure that future Kentuckians come to know and cherish their heritage. Contact the KHS Development Offi ce at 502-564-1792, ext. 4445 to learn more about how you can make a planned gift to ensure Kentucky’s history is saved and shared.


INSPIRATION | Foundation Update

APRIL

MUSEUM THEATREFree with museum admission. Contact Greg Hardison, ext. 4454 or [email protected]. “Birds of Passage: Vincent Scopa of ‘Tallie Holler’”Wednesdays, 2 p.m.Voyage back in time with an Italian immigrant struggling to survive in the coal towns of eastern Kentucky. (15 minutes.) “Theater of War: Unresolved Conflict of Vietnam”Saturdays, 1 and 3 p.m.Prepare for battle as a soldier guides you through confusing conflicts and multiple perspectives of the Vietnam War. Join the discussion on the lasting effects of the Vietnam War after the show. (30 minutes.)

OLD STATE CAPITOL TOURDailyOld State CapitolDelve into the politics and everyday life of the tumultuous 19th-century by touring this National Historic Landmark that served as Kentucky’s capitol from 1830 to 1910. Free with admission. Contact Mike Deetsch, ext. 4425 or [email protected].

“KENTUCKY MILITARY TREASURES” TOUR Saturdays, 2 p.m.Take a personalized tour of our newest exhibition with a knowledgeable museum educator. Free with admission. Meet in Commonwealth Hall. Contact Mike Deetsch, ext. 4425 or [email protected].

OLD STATE ARSENAL TOURSaturdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Kentucky Military History MuseumTravel back in time as you tour the first floor of 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. Contact Mike Deetsch, ext. 4425 or [email protected].

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

FAMILY-HISTORY WORKSHOP“Researching in Kentucky Ancestors” and “Kentucky’s Salt Industry”Saturday, April 10, 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.Don Rightmyer, editor of Kentucky Ancestors, will discuss the quarterly’s contents—from its first issue in 1965 to the present—that can help you do family history and genealogy research. Beginning in April, the workshop series will include occasional presentations on industries that were crucial to the settlement and early cultural development of Kentucky. Understanding the history of these industries may provide insights for researchers. In this session, David Strange, executive director of the Bullitt County History Museum, will explain the importance of Kentucky’s salt-making industry. Registration is required by noon on April 9. Contact the reference desk, ext. 4460 or [email protected].

HISTORY SPEAKS!“A Southern State and Southeast Asia: The Vietnam War and Kentucky”Wednesday, April 17, noonThe Vietnam War divided Americans and Kentuckians as they faced emotional and life-altering decisions. Join Drs. George C. Herring, Yvonne Baldwin and John Ernst for a discussion of the impact of the war on Kentucky. Free. Contact Stuart Sanders, ext. 4420 or [email protected].

FOOD FOR THOUGHT“Eli the Good”Wednesday, April 21, noon – 1:30 p.m.Join award-winning Kentucky author Silas House for a reading of his latest novel, “Eli the Good.” In the novel, set during the summer of 1976, 10 year-old Eli tells the story of his family breaking apart and coming together again. “Eli the Good” is House’s first novel in five years and is said to be his best. A book signing will follow the program. $18 for KHS members and $23 for all other patrons. Reservations are required by April 16. Contact Julia Curry, ext. 4414 or [email protected].

TELL US YOUR STORY

If you are an active duty member of the military, a veteran, a National Guardsman, a reservist or a civilian who has a story about the homefront, the Kentucky Oral History Commission wants to hear from you. Anyone with a military-related story, especially individuals with experience in recent or current conflicts, is encouraged to share their oral history. To make an appointment, contact Sarah Milligan, ext.4434 or [email protected].

28 |

MAY

MUSEUM THEATREFree with museum admission. Contact Greg Hardison, ext. 4454 or [email protected].

“Tobacco’s Tale: From Bed to Basket”Wednesdays, 2 p.m.Listen to the changing rhythms of tobacco farming in Kentucky to the cadence of the auctioneer’s call. (5 minutes.)

“Look for My Picture: Raising the Flag with Franklin Sousley”Saturdays, 1 and 3 p.m.Raise the flag during World War II and share the story of a Kentucky boy who became a part of an American icon. (15 minutes.)


“KENTUCKY MILITARY TREASURES” TOURSaturdays, 2 p.m.Take a personalized tour of our newest exhibition with a knowledgeable museum educator. Free with admission. Meet in Commonwealth Hall. Contact Mike Deetsch, ext. 4425 or [email protected].


HISTORY SPEAKS!“Civil Rights in Kentucky: Oral History and the ‘Long” Civil Rights Movement in the Border South”Wednesday, May 5, noonThe Civil Rights Movement may have been led by icons of the era like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., but thousands of courageous men and women also took part. Dr. Tracy E. K’Meyer will speak on her research on the Civil Rights Movement in Louisville and Kentucky, and its relationship with the work of the Civil Rights Movement in Kentucky Oral History Project (1998-2005). Free. Contact Stuart Sanders, ext. 4420 or [email protected].


FOOD FOR THOUGHT“Crinoline, Crape and Corpses: 19th-Century Funeral and Mourning Practices”Wednesday, May 19, noon – 1:30 p.m.Join Susan Lyons Hughes, manager of museum programs at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, as she explores some of the unique aspects of 19th century mourning. $18 for KHS members and $23 for all other patrons. Reservations are required by May 14. Contact Julia Curry, ext. 4414 or [email protected].

FAMILY-HISTORY WORKSHOP“Genealogy Basics” and “Migration Patterns”Saturday, May 22, 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.In the morning, Jackie Couture, of the Eastern Kentucky University Archives, will offer guidance on beginning to research and document your family history. In the afternoon, Couture will describe how and why people moved into and out of early Kentucky. Registration is required by noon on May 21. Contact the reference desk, ext. 4460 or [email protected].

JUNE

MUSEUM THEATREFree with museum admission. Contact Greg Hardison, ext. 4454 or [email protected].

“Theater of War: Unresolved Conflict of Vietnam”Wednesdays, 2 p.m.Prepare for battle as a soldier guides you through confusing conflicts and multiple perspectives of the Vietnam War. Join the discussion on the lasting effects of the Vietnam War after the show. (30 minutes.)

“In the Veins: Conversations from a Coal Town”Thursdays, 2 p.m.Travel through a Kentucky coal company town as a cast of characters unearths their way of life above and below ground. (15 minutes.)

“Look for My Picture: Raising the Flag with Franklin Sousley”Fridays, 2 p.m.Raise the flag during World War II and share the story of a Kentucky boy who became a part of an American icon. (15 minutes.)

“Westward into Kentucky: The Journal of Daniel Trabue”Saturdays, 1 and 3 p.m.Journey into frontier Kentucky and explore in this auto-biographical drama about westward expansion and Native American conflicts. (15 minutes.)


“KENTUCKY MILITARY TREASURES” TOURSaturdays, 2 p.m.Take a personalized tour of our newest exhibition with a knowledgeable museum educator. Free with admission. Meet in Commonwealth Hall. Contact Mike Deetsch, ext. 4425 or [email protected].


BOONE DAY: A CAPITOL CELEBRATIONSaturday, June 5

FAMILY-HISTORY WORKSHOP“Filling Your Online Toolbox” and “Armchair Genealogy”Saturday, June 12, 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.New resources for genealogists show up online every day, but which ones have the potential to transform how you do research? We invite you to learn about some new resources and share some of your favorites. Don Rightmyer, editor of Kentucky Ancestors, will share helpful hints and resources to improve your genealogy research skills from your armchair. Registration is required by noon on June 11. Contact the reference desk, ext. 4460 or [email protected].

FOOD FOR THOUGHT“Tales from the Hives”Wednesday, June 16, noonDid you know that a hive of bees must fly 55,000 miles to produce a single pound of honey? Join Dr. Tammy Horn, Eastern Kentucky Environmental Research Institute director, as she discusses her newest book, “Bees in America: How the Honey Bee Shaped a Nation.” Horn, who is a widely recognized bee expert, is spearheading an innovative effort to promote beekeeping on mine reclamation sites in Eastern Kentucky. A book signing will follow the program. $18 for KHS members and $23 for all other patrons. Reservations are required by June 11. Contact Julia Curry, ext. 4414 or [email protected].

For updated calendar information, visit www.history.ky.gov.

30 |

Together We Make A Great Team.Thank You for Your Membership, Loyalty and Support.

Catch up with us at KHS events.

Baseball team from DuPont Manual High School, Louisville. Ky., 1907. KHS Collections.

Follow us at www.history.ky.gov, or on the KHS blog, Facebook Fan page or Twitter page.

Knock it out of the park with our extensive historical resources.

Continue to champion Kentucky’s history.

The Kentucky Historical Society is an agency of the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet.

100 West BroadwayFrankfort, Kentucky 40601502.564.1792www.history.ky.gov

KHS Plans for the future: updated strategic plan provides strong focus

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