FRANKFORT, KY (January 14, 2004) — On Thursday, January 22, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., a workshop titled “Genealogy and African American Military History” will be held at the Kentucky History Center.  The program, which costs $10, includes lunch, handouts and transportation from the History Center to the Military Museum.  Preregistration is required and space is limited.

            Participants of this workshop will discover resources available at the Kentucky Historical Society and other state locations when researching past African American military personnel.  Opportunities to speak about specific issues with archival experts and to schedule future research sessions will also be available.  A curator-led tour of the exhibit, “Joining the Ranks:  African Americans in the Military” will be offered.

            Speakers include genealogy specialist, Ron Bryant, from the Kentucky Historical Society research library, archivist, Lynne Hollingsworth, from Special Collections and military archivist, Brandon Slone, from the Department of Military Affairs.

            The workshop will take place at the Kentucky History Center and the Kentucky Military History Museum.  Operated jointly by the Kentucky National Guard and Kentucky Historical Society, the Military Museum emphasizes the service of the Kentucky Militia, State Guard, and other volunteer military organizations from the Revolution to the present.  Collections on display include firearms, edged weapons, artillery, uniforms, flags, photographs, personal items and other equipment that illustrate the commonwealth’s martial heritage.

            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 or 1-877-444-7867.

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