FAIRVIEW, Ky. (March 7, 2008) – Jefferson Davis State Historic Site will commemorate the 200th birthday of the Confederate president with an array of activities on Saturday, June 7, and Sunday, June 8.
The annual event will include living history camps, period demonstrations and vendors, special guest speakers, Davis family members, book signings, period music and many other educational events.
Born on this site on June 3, 1808, Davis served as a military and political leader not only during the Civil War, but also as a West Point graduate, Mexican War hero, Mississippi congressman and senator, and secretary of war during the Franklin Pierce administration. The Jefferson Davis 200th Birthday Commemoration is an event designed to interpret the role and impact this Kentuckian made on the nation's history. The mission of the Kentucky State Parks is to, in part, preserve and interpret the Commonwealth's significant natural, historical, and cultural heritage.
The 351-foot monument to Davis constructed on this site marks Davis' birthplace and rests on a foundation of solid Kentucky limestone. The site’s visitor’s center features exhibits detailing Davis' political life before and after the Civil War, and offers Kentucky handicrafts, souvenirs, books and Civil War memorabilia.
Here is a schedule of events at Fairview:
Saturday, June 7, 2008
- Gates open at 8:00 a.m. Encampments and sutlers open at 9:00 am.
- 9:00 a.m. Opening Ceremonies - by Park Manager Mark Doss and Bertram Hayes-Davis.
- Monument Tours: Tours every one-half hour beginning at 9:00 a.m. with break from 12 – 1 p.m. Last tour goes up at 8 pm.
- 9:30 a.m. Period Music by Saxton’s Cornett Band.
- 10:00 a.m. Varina Davis’ Memories – by Joan Howard.
- 10:30 a.m. Lunch Basket Auction for “the Cause”.
- 11:00 a.m. TBA
- Noon: Emilie Todd Helm – by Betsy Smith.
- 1:00 p.m. Artillery Demonstrations – by Byrnes KY Battery.
- 1:30 p.m. “The Image of Jefferson Davis” – Book Signing by Ron Bryant.
- 2:00 p.m. Miss Confederacy Event – (ages 2-24) – Wee, Little & Jr. Miss - $10 advance and $20 after May 31. Miss and Ms. - $15 advance and $30 after May 31. Call park for more information.
- 3:00 p.m. The Life of Jefferson Davis – by William C. Davis.
- 3:45 p.m. “Jefferson Davis Biography” – Book Signing by William C. Davis.
- 4:00 p.m. Musical Instruments of the Civil War – by Saxton’s Cornett Band.
- 7:30 p.m. Reenactor Ball – Music by Saxton’s Cornett Band.
- 8:30 p.m. Night Firing Program – by Byrnes Kentucky Battery.
- 9:00 p.m. Reenactor Ball continues.
Sunday, June 8, 2008
- Gates open at 9:30 a.m. Encampments and sutlers open at 10:00 am.
- 10:15 a.m. Period Music by Saxton’s Cornett Band.
- 11:00 a.m. Worship Service – Bethel Baptist Church.
- Noon “A Distant Light” – Book Signing by Judge Bill Cunningham.
- 12:30 p.m. Period Music by Saxton’s Cornett Band.
- 1:30 p.m. “Then & Now” – Book Signing by local historian William Turner.
- 2:00 p.m. Artillery Demonstrations and Cannon Firing – by Byrnes KY Battery.
- 2:15 p.m. Birthday Commemoration.
- 3:00 p.m. Period Music by Saxton’s Cornett Band.
The Jefferson Davis State Historic Site is located on Highway 68E in Fairview, about 10 miles east of Hopkinsville. Park facilities include two picnic shelters near restrooms and a playground. Call Park Manager Mark Doss at 270-889-6100 for more information. Registration information for vendors and participants may be found on the Kentucky State Parks website, www.parks.ky.gov.
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The Kentucky State Park System is composed of 53 state parks plus an interstate park shared with Virginia. The Department of Parks, an agency of the Commerce Cabinet, operates 17 resort parks with lodges -- more than any other state. Each year, Kentucky parks draw 7 million visitors and contribute $317 million to the economy. For more information on Kentucky parks, visit our Web site at http://www.parks.ky.gov.