There are several Civil War events and activities planned for August, September, and October. For more information about the Kentucky Civil War Sesquicentennial, see www.history.ky.gov/civilwar. The Kentucky Historical Society is the administrator of the Kentucky Civil War Sesquicentennial Commission.
A Capitol Divided Tour: Civil War Beginnings at the Old State Capitol
Frankfort
What were the issues that caused uproar and concern before the war? Who were the people that made the decisions that affected the state? Experience the sights and sounds of the debates and battles that occurred in the Old State Capitol during the first years of the War Between the States. Tour begins at the Center for Kentucky History. (50 minutes) Reservations requested, contact greg.hardison@ky.gov.
Kentucky Civil War Sites Association Video
The Kentucky Civil War Sites Association (www.kycivilwarsites.org) has produced a nine-minute video overview of the Civil War in Kentucky. To order this video, to sell it in your gift shop, or to have it aired on your local access television station, contact Mary Kozak at marykoz@aol.com.
“United We Stand, Divided We Fall:” The Civil War at the Kentucky State Fair
Louisville
There will be a major Civil War area at this year’s Kentucky State Fair, which will run from August 18-28. In addition to a panel exhibit titled “United We Stand, Divided We Fall: Kentucky in the Civil War,” the Civil War area will include the Kentucky Historical Society’s HistoryMobile, a large Civil War floor map outlining the Civil War in Kentucky, living history, a Civil War musical, and more.
Battle of Richmond Reenactment
August 27-28
Madison County
Event includes living history demonstrations, speakers, and battle reenactments at 2:00 p.m. both days. For more information, contact Phillip.Seyfrit@madisoncountyky.us.
Cornets and Cannons: A Civil War Music Festival
September 1-4
Frankfort
Celebrate the music of the Civil War area at Cornets and Cannons, a Civil War music festival. Includes presentations, concerts, a parade, and more. Most events are free and open to the public. For more information, see www.cornetsandcannons.com.
Camp Nelson Living History Weekend
September 9, 10, 11
Camp Nelson, Jessamine County
Event includes afternoon skirmishes, living history, speakers, and more. For information, see www.campnelson.org.
Madison County Civil War Round Table Meeting,
September 16, 6:30 p.m.
The Dinner Bell Restaurant, Berea
Join speaker Paul Rominger, who will discuss “The American Indian in the Civil War.” Reservations required. Contact Phillip.Seyfrit@madisoncountyky.us.
Civil War Bardstown Historical Marker Dedication
September 17, 10:00 a.m.
1468 North 3rd Street, Bardstown
This new historical marker commemorates a fight at the Bardstown Fairgrounds during the Perryville campaign. For more information, contact Joe Masterson at jem@bardstowncable.net.
Orphan Brigade Kinfolk Association Annual Meeting
September 24, 2011, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Filson Historical Society, Louisville
The annual meeting of the Orphan Brigade Kinfolk Association is open to the public. Speakers include Richard Taylor (speaking on guerrilla “Sue Mundy”) and Doug Cantrell (“The Road to the Civil War”). For information, contact ARBratcher@aol.com.
“Interpreting the Civil War” conference
September 26, 7:30 – 9:30 p.m.
Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville
Lecture by Dr. George Rable to be followed by a panel discussion. Rable’s lecture will be about “Was the American Civil War a Holy War?” For more information, see www.events.sbts.edu.
Union General William “Bull” Nelson interpretive sign dedication
September 27, 1:00 p.m.
Camp Nelson National Cemetery, Jessamine County
The Sons of Union Veterans and the Battle of Richmond Association will dedicate a new interpretive sign that commemorates Union General William “Bull” Nelson. A Kentucky native, Nelson led troops at the Battle of Richmond. Shortly thereafter, he was killed by Union General Jefferson C. Davis at the Galt House Hotel in Louisville. Camp Nelson was named in his honor. For more information, contact Phillip.Seyfrit@madisoncountyky.us.
Battle of Perryville Reenactment
October 1 - 2
Perryville Battlefield State Historical Site
Event will include military demonstrations, speakers, living history, interactive programming and more. For more information see www.perryvillebattlefield.org.
Civil War Days at Columbus-Belmont State Park
October 7 - 9
Columbus-Belmont State Park
Includes living history, battle reenactments, encampments, demonstrations, Friday evening Ghost Walk, sutlers, and more. For information, contact cindy.lynch@ky.gov.
“Civil War: My Brother, My Enemy” exhibition
October 15, 2011 – April 8, 2012
The Frazier History Museum, Louisville
In this original exhibition, the Frazier History Museum explores Kentucky’s exceptional Civil War experience through a comprehensive collection of stories and artifacts, including uniforms, letters, photos and more. In addition, rare papers documenting Mary Todd Lincoln’s involuntary commitment at an Illinois insane asylum will be publicly shown for the first time. For information, see www.FrazierMuseum.org.
“Our Only Hope Was in Kentucky” exhibition
Now through October 31
University of Kentucky Special Collections Library, King Building
This exhibit documents the lives of individual soldiers as well as women, divided families, publishing, and the development of photographic processes in Kentucky, using material from the UK Libraries rare book, manuscript, photograph and oral history collections. For information, contact kate.hesseldenz@uky.edu.
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