Kentucky Historical Society
KHS to Host Reception for Release of the Public Papers of Governor Martha Layne Collins

FRANKFORT, Ky. --- A reception honoring the publication of The Public Papers of Governor Martha Layne Collins, 1983-1987 will be held at 3 p.m. Friday, Nov. 10, at the Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History in Frankfort.

This book, edited by Dr. Elizabeth Duffy “Libby” Fraas, Professor Emerita at Eastern Kentucky University, presents the important speeches and correspondence of Governor Martha Layne Collins, the only woman to serve as governor of Kentucky. It is the ninth volume in the governor’s papers series published jointly by The University Press of Kentucky and the Kentucky Historical Society. Fraas and Governor Collins will sign copies of the book at the Nov. 10 reception and at the Kentucky Book Fair Saturday, Nov. 11, at the Frankfort Convention Center.

As editor of the volume, Fraas researched public papers in the governor’s collection in the state archives and conducted interviews with Collins and members of her administration. Included in the 200 items are Collins’s letters to automobile makers to consider Kentucky as a manufacturing site and her triumphant announcement that Toyota had selected Kentucky for its plant, a decision that brought thousands of jobs and many benefits to the state.

“These books provide important access to researchers, students, and those who chronicle Kentucky history,”  Fraas says.

The volume also includes an essay by Fraas on Collins’s life, career, and administration and its impact on the future of the state along with pivotal speeches from Collins’s role as an emerging leader in the Democratic Party, which chose her to chair its 1984 National Convention.

“The Kentucky Historical Society is honored to celebrate Governor Collins’ achievements while in office. This document offers connections to the past, perspective on the present, and inspiration for the future,” says Kent Whitworth, executive director of KHS.

Copies of the volume may be purchased at the Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History’s 1792 store and at http://www.kentuckypress.com. More information about the book and its editor can be found at http://kybookfair.com.

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An agency of the Kentucky Commerce Cabinet, the Kentucky Historical Society, since 1836, has provided connections to the past, perspective on the present and inspiration for the future.  KHS operates the Old State Capitol, Kentucky Military History Museum, and its headquarters, the Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History.   Since 1999, the thirty-million-dollar Center has welcomed more than one million visitors.   For more information about the Kentucky Historical Society and its programs, visit the Web at http://history.ky.gov.