Kentucky Historical Society
KHS to Dedicate Historical Marker to Honor Northern Kentucky’s First Hospital

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Sept. 23, 2011) — The Kentucky Historical Society (KHS) will dedicate a historical marker to honor St. Elizabeth Healthcare at 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 7, at 22 E. Seventh St. in Covington.

Catholic converts Henrietta Cleveland and Sarah Peter founded the original St. Elizabeth hospital with Bishop George Carrell in Covington in January 1861. The Sisters of the Poor of St. Francis helped convert a vacant grocery store to serve those in need, including Civil War soldiers, slaves and orphans. St. Elizabeth Healthcare celebrated 150 years of operation this year.

This historical marker is sponsored by Spectrum Computer Products Inc.

The Kentucky Historical Marker Program, administered by KHS in cooperation with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, commemorates historical sites, events and personalities throughout the state. Through the program, the wealth of Kentucky history is made accessible to the public on markers along the state’s roadways. The markers are on-the-spot history lessons that add drama and interest to the countryside for Kentuckians as well as tourists.

For more information about the program, contact Becky Riddle, Kentucky Historical Marker program coordinator, at 502-564-1792, ext. 4474 or becky.riddle@ky.gov.

-30-

An agency of the Kentucky Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet, the Kentucky Historical Society, established in 1836, is committed to helping people understand, cherish and share Kentucky's history. The KHS history campus includes the Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History, the Old State Capitol and the Kentucky Military History Museum at the State Arsenal. For more information about the Kentucky Historical Society and its programs, visit www.history.ky.gov.