Mike Jones, ext. 4492
mike.jones@ky.gov

Nancy Glaser, ext. 4420
nancy.glaser@ky.gov

(502) 564-1792
http://history.ky.gov

FRANKFORT, KY (Janaury 16, 2004) – Throughout the month of February, the Kentucky Historical Society will be celebrating African-American History Month with an important exhibit and a variety of programs for visitors of all ages.

Learn more about the often overlooked, yet integral segment of our nation’s military—African-American service men and women. Hear their tales of determination, discrimination and courage in an exhibit presented by the Kentucky Historical Society, titled “Joining the Ranks, African-Americans in the Military.”  It features individuals, events and stories of the African-American military from the Civil War through Desert Storm. Open to the public Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., this exhibit will be on display at the Kentucky History Center in downtown Frankfort, until February 28, 2004.

Join Ranks curator, Mike Jones, on Saturday, February 21, from 1:30 to 4 p.m., for a special session titled “African-Americans, a View in Time—Experiencing Military Stories.” The informative program will be followed by a reception and tour of the exhibition “Joining the Ranks, African-Americans in the Military” at the History Center.  RSVP is required.  
  
The Historical Society’s Museum Theatre Program will present two productions during the month of February, both of which are free at the Kentucky History Center:

“Nothing New for Easter”
Saturdays, February 7 and 21, at 1 & 3:30 p.m.
Travel back to 1960s Louisville with young Mattie Eleanor Lewis as she takes her place in the growing civil rights movement. 

“One Black WAC: Anna Mac Clarke and the Military”
Saturday, February 14, at 1 & 3:30 p.m.
Thea Rogers Browning returns as Anna Mac Clarke, the Lawrenceburg native who became the first African-American to lead an all-white unit of the Woman’s Army Corps during World War II. 

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Where history lives!

The Kentucky Historical Society, an agency of the Kentucky Commerce Cabinet, is located at the Kentucky History Center in historic downtown Frankfort.  For more information about KHS and its programs, visit the Web at http://history.ky.gov or call (502) 564-1792.