Kentucky Historical Society
KHS to Host Food for Thought: Cecelia and Fanny: The Remarkable Friendship Between an Escaped Slave and Her Former Mistress

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Nov. 26, 2012) — The Kentucky Historical Society (KHS) will host a “Food for Thought” luncheon program, “Cecelia and Fanny: The Remarkable Friendship Between an Escaped Slave and Her Former Mistress” with author Brad Asher, at noon Wednesday, Dec. 5, at the Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History in downtown Frankfort.

Cecelia was a 15-year-old slave when she accompanied her mistress, Frances “Fanny” Thruston Ballard, on a trip to Niagara Falls. During their stay, Cecelia crossed the river and joined the free black population of Canada. The two women maintained a connection for the next 50 years. Asher discusses his book on this fascinating story and Louise Jones, director of KHS library and special collections, discusses the handwritten documents of the Watson and Robinson Families Letters Collection, on public display for one day only.

The menu for the luncheon features bacon chutney cheese spread with crackers; mixed greens salad with spinach, fruit and raspberry vinaigrette; apple-stuffed pork loin with praline-mustard glaze; cranberry relish; sweet potato casserole; green beans; rolls; Italian cream cake; iced tea and coffee.

Tickets to the Food for Thought luncheon are $18 for KHS members and $25 for other patrons. To make a reservation, contact Julia Curry at 502-564-1792, ext. 4414. Reservations are required by Friday, Nov. 30.

To find out more about Food for Thought and other KHS programs, visit www.history.ky.gov.

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