Department of Travel
Western Kentucky Sites and Events Mark Black History Month in Kentucky

February 13, 2009                                                          Contact: Chris Kellogg

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                502-564-4930, ext. 145

                                                                                     Chris.Kellogg@ky.gov

Western Kentucky Sites and Events Mark Black History Month in Kentucky

In Bowling Green

Historic Railpark & Train Museum’s African- American exhibit, "Segregation and the North American Road," is located in the Depot's original 'colored' waiting room.  Images featured include story boards describing how segregation affected the railroads.  An interactive exhibit, visitors can hear stories from a real railroader.  For more information call  270-745-7317 or see the museum’s web site at http://www.historicrailpark.com/. 

"A Star in Each Flag: Conflict in Kentucky" is a new exhibit at Western Kentucky University’s Kentucky Museum which follows the stories of several South Central Kentucky families torn apart by the Civil War.  Visitors can learn about the strong conflict and opposing views of slavery between friends, neighbors and community members in Kentucky and see an original copy of Uncle Tom's Cabin, a simulated campsite, a slave cabin and examine period artifacts including John Hunt Morgan’s saddle, Civil War flags, weapons and more.  Kentucky Museum , (270) 745-2592 or www.wku.edu/Library/museum/exhibits/chng_exh.htm

Fort Lytle, on the campus of Western Kentucky University, was completed by freed men and run-away slaves who were recruited and trained at Camp Nelson in Jessamine County.  The 12th Heavy Artillery United States Colored Troops finished the fort which is unique because it was a pentagonal fort made of limestone instead of earthworks. Trenches are still visible at the fort which is at the top of the Hill enclosed by Garrett Conference Center and Van Meter, Gordon Wilson and Cherry Halls.  Fort Lytle is on the Civil War Discovery Trail in Warren County, in addition to Mt. Moriah Cemetery, an African-American graveyard established in the late 1860's.

In Henderson

The Depot Community Room features an exhibit about musician W. C. Handy, known as the “father of the blues.” Handy lived in Henderson for a decade and met his wife there after traveling the Midwest performing music. The exhibit includes Handy’s trumpet, which was donated by a Handy family friend to the Henderson Historical and Genealogical Society. Free. Info: www.hendersondepot.org or 270-830-9707.

 Saturday,Feb 21 at 2 p.m.: Margaret Garner - Death Before Slavery, portrayed by Erma Bush, will be performed at the John James Audubon Museum. The inspiration for Toni Morrison's Pulitzer prize-winning book "Beloved," Margaret Garner gained national attention as the Kentucky runaway slave who killed one of her own children rather than see the child returned to slavery. This is a Kentucky Chautauqua program sponsored by the Kentucky Humanities Council. The performance is free but some material in the play may not be suitable for younger children.  For more information call 270-826-2247, email alan.gehret@ky.gov or log on to http://parks.ky.gov/findparks/recparks/au/events/

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For more information on the Kentucky Department of Travel, visit our Web site at http://www.kentuckytourism.com

Kentuckians can log on to www.mykentuckybackyard.com to see travel suggestions on the Kentucky Department of Tourism’s “Discover Your Own Backyard” Web site that invites residents to visit state events and attractions.