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Thomas G. Barnes Extension Professor & Extension Wildlife Specialist Department of Forestry University of Kentucky Lexington, KY 40546-0073 Work Phone: 859/257-8633 Email: Tom.Barnes@uky.edu Website: www.tombarnes.org	WILDFLOWER WISDOM Wildflower Myths and Realities Did you know that poison hemlock, which is not a native flower, is so toxic that consuming just three leaves will kill you? Or perhaps you like a dose of “poke salad” in the spring, or go on the annual “dry land fish” hunt. Humans and plants have a fascinating history. We have affected plants through artificial selection (think black tulip) and plants have affected us (think orchid thieves). More than forty percent of our current pharmaceuticals are plant derived, and how many people know that four native wild grapes saved the wine industry in France? Does taking ginseng really work? Barnes will tell many fascinating plant stories and also discuss what is happening to our rare plants in Kentucky. Projection screen. Caring For Creation: The Scriptures and Environmental Stewardship The world is changing before our very eyes. Kentucky is losing 130 acres per day to development—nationally, four acres per minute are lost—and global warming will alter the environment in ways we never could envision. Who is responsible for this assault on our natural areas and nature in general? Many believe that the Christian and Jewish religions deserve a large part of the blame based upon the biblical concept of man having “dominion” over creation. In fact, there is empirical evidence that supports this thesis, but what is often overlooked is that religion also holds the key to protecting nature. Learn about what scripture really has to say about caring for God’s creation. Along the way we will discover some of the most beautiful natural sights in Kentucky and see why Kentucky has such unbridled natural beauty and diversity. Projection screen.
Kathy Bullock Professor of Music Berea College Department of Music Berea, KY 40404 Work Phone: 859/986-6088 Email: bullockka@berea.edu	AFRICAN AMERICAN ROOTS MUSIC African and African-American Musical Connections in Appalachia In this talk/demonstration, Bullock explores the connections between African-American and Appalachian music. Beginning with the African musical heritage, she moves to the United States, revealing the origins of African American folk songs, spirituals, work songs, and blues and their substantial influence on Appalachian culture. Through stories and songs, she invites the audience to explore and participate in the exciting musical experiences shared by African- American and Appalachian cultures. Piano or full-size keyboard. Singing in the Spirit: Roots of African American Sacred Music Tradition Spirituals and gospel music are much more than pleasing songs to listen to—they are powerful representations of the triumphant spirit and faith that have defined African American music and people. Dr. Bullock takes the audience on a musical journey from West Africa, through the middle passage, to the North American shores where the African American culture was forged. Through songs, stories and performance, this participatory program lets the audience experience the beauty, joy and power of this music and culture. Piano or full-size keyboard.
Diane M. Calhoun-French Provost and Vice-President, Jefferson Community and Technical College 109 East Broadway Louisville, KY 40202 Work Phone: 502/213-2621 Email: Diane.Calhoun-French@kctcs.edu	Scarlett's Place The Five Books Every Woman Must Read This talk considers both fiction and nonfiction books — past and present — which have been critical to the lives of contemporary women. Hear Calhoun-French’s choice of the five books every woman must read, then be prepared to share your own selections. Lectern Margaret Mitchell's Tara: Myth and Reality Perhaps no home in American literature is more famous than Margaret Mitchell’s Tara, the home of Scarlett O’Hara in Gone with the Wind. This slide-illustrated presentation will examine Mitchell’s Tara as well as movie producer David O. Selznick’s interpretation of Tara in the 1939 film of Gone with the Wind. Tara, says Calhoun-French, is an icon that continues to wield its power even today. Lectern
James C. Claypool Prof. Emeritus of History, Northern Ky University, Coeditor, Encyclopedia of Northern Kentucky 1004 Park Drive Park Hills, KY 41011 Work Phone: 859/431-1341 Email: jcclaypool@fuse.net	Celebrating Kentucky Culture Rascals, Heroes, and Just Plain Uncommon Folks from Kentucky In this new talk, Claypool will profile a choice selection of the many colorful Kentuckians—male and female, noted and notorious—whose stories make our history so interesting and entertaining. The format of the program contains an exciting and stimulating surprise for the audience. Lectern The Derby: A Celebration of Kentucky and its Heritage Claypool traces the origins and development of the Kentucky Derby, the world's most famous horse race and a powerful influence on Kentucky society and culture. He will use memorabilia collected during his 40-year passion for the race. Lectern; electrical outlet; display table Kentucky Blue: The Story of Bluegrass Music This program explores the origins of Bluegrass music—one of the Commonwealth's greatest con-tributions to America's music heritage. Claypool will define Bluegrass, which was "born, bred, and spread from Kentucky" and has evolved into a unique musical phenomenon. He will also play some of the classic tunes and look at the careers of pioneers like the Monroes as well as such current greats as Ricky Skaggs and Rhonda Vincent. Lectern; electrical outlet
Diane P. Coon Independent Scholar and Writer 12603 St. Clair Drive Louisville, KY 40243 Work Phone: 502/245-5412 Email: de2perrine@aol.com	Life in the slow lane The Freedmen's Bureau in Kentucky White Kentuckians were so hostile to the former slaves living in their midst following the Civil War that the federal Freedmen’s Bureau came into the state to help the new black citizens. Coon tells the little known story of the Bureau’s efforts to give black Kentuckians their first chance at an education. Table tops for displays; screen and electrical outlets. All Along the River: The Story of the Underground Railroad From Ashland to Paducah, fugitive slaves crossed the Ohio River by the hundreds in search of freedom. This is the story of those who escaped, some who didn't, and those who helped them. Photos and maps will show the what, when, where and who of this American adventure story. Table tops for displays; screen and electrical outlets. History Comes Alive: The Henry Bibb Project Born a slave in Kentucky, Henry Bibb escaped and became a leading abolitionist. In 1849 he published a celebrated autobiography. In this talk, Coon reports on a project that has brought Bibb’s story to life through archaeological excavations at Gatewood Plantation, the Trimble County site where Bibb was enslaved. Table tops for displays; screen and electrical outlets. Country Stores: Our Wonderful Heritage From frontier days, the country store was at the center of rural life in Kentucky. This is where people gathered to exchange news and gossip, debate politics, rehash the sports scores, and sometimes fight and feud. While the old played checkers, the young courted over Nehi sodas and ice cream. It was life in the slow lane, and Coon has many photos and stories showing just how sweet it was. Table tops for displays; screen and electrical outlets.
Berry Craig Assoc. Professor of History, West Kentucky Community and Technical College 409 Highland Street Mayfield, KY 42066 Work Phone: 270/247-8960 Email: bcraig8960@newwavecomm.net	We Love Him Now Lincoln the Unloved Today, no son of Kentucky is more famous or more widely revered than Abraham Lincoln. Yet during his lifetime, Lincoln was so unpopular in his home state that a young hothead from Lexington called him “an infernal old Jackass.” Lincoln won the 1860 presidential election despite receiving less than one per cent of the vote in Kentucky, and in 1864 Kentucky gave him the lowest vote of any state. In this talk, Craig will explore the reasons for Lincoln’s deep unpopularity on his home turf. Lectern Kentucky Politics: Bombast, Burgoo, and Bourbon Time was, Kentucky politics was dominated by the three Bs—Bombast, Burgoo, and Bourbon. Craig begins this talk by examining each of these spicy ingredients in turn. He ends by relating a tale that combines all three and brings to mind the famous remark about Kentucky politics being “the damnedest.” After all, asks Craig, where else could a man running for governor drink too much, throw up in public, and still get elected? Lectern The Coward Jack McCall In 1876, a 25-year-old drifter killed Wild Bill Hickok with a shot to the back of the head while the famous lawman was playing cards in a Deadwood, South Dakota saloon. Craig will tell the story of Wild Bill’s killer, a Kentuckian who has gone down in history as “the coward Jack McCall.” Born near Jeffersontown in 1859, McCall headed west when he was 19. A Deadwood jury acquitted him of Hickok’s murder, but he was retried in Yankton, South Dakota in 1877, found guilty, and hanged. Lectern
Richard Domek Professor of Music, University of Kentucky School of Music, University of Kentucky Fine Arts 105 Lexington, KY 40506 Work Phone: 859/257-1966 Email: dicty@uky.edu	Fascinating Rhythms Eubie Blake and American Ragtime J. Hubert "Eubie" Blake lived a hundred years (1883–1993) and made the most of it. As a composer and pianist—one of the most exciting of all time—he embodied the birth and development of ragtime and jazz. Domek will explore Blake’s life and play his music, in the process revealing some of the keyboard "tricks" that helped make it so appealing. Lectern; microphone; a tuned piano (not an electric piano) of any type or description. More Ragtime and Stride Piano The contributions of America's ragtime composers need more than one presentation to do them justice. This program can serve as a sequel to Ragtime and Stride Piano, or can stand on its own as a fascinating taste of the music of the great Scott Joplin and others, including Eubie Blake, Tom Turpin, and one of today’s finest composers, William Bolcom. Also in the picture: stride pianist Fats Waller and the "inventor of jazz" himself, Jelly Roll Morton. Domek will tell stories of the composers and pieces along with his performances of the music. Lectern; microphone; a tuned piano of any type or description. Ragtime & Stride Piano: Elite Syncopations, Fascinatin' Rhythms Ragtime piano music swept the country early in the twentieth century. Domek, a ragtime pianist, will explain and demonstrate why this fresh music so delighted Americans. In an easy-to-understand presentation, he will cover the musical trademarks of ragtime and its jazzy offshoot, stride piano. He will also review contemporary reactions to ragtime. Lectern; microphone; a tuned piano of any type or description.
Donna M. Elkins Assistant Professor of Communication, Jefferson Community 311 Kenny Blvd. Louisville, KY 40214 Work Phone: 502/361-5683 Email: donnam.elkins@kctcs.edu	Behind the Lines Secret Women: Three Civil War Spies and their Stories Their names are still known and their stories remembered in some circles today: Confederate spies Belle Boyd and Rose O’Neal Greenhow and Union spy Elizabeth Van Lew. How did these women manage to collect and communicate top secrets to their beloved armies in the midst of a bloody war? Reading excerpts from their diaries and revisiting their stories, Elkins will provide insight into the bitter time of the Civil War, and into the secret world of women and war. Lectern. Women for President: Three Who Ran Even Before They Could Vote In 1872, Virginia Woodhull became the first woman to run for the U.S. Presidency. In 1884 and 1888, Belva Lockwood did the same. And, at the Democratic Party’s national convention in 1920, Laura Clay of Kentucky became the first woman to receive a vote for the presidential nomination. In the wake of the historic 2008 presidential primary race, Elkins will examine the careers of these three female political pioneers. Power Point (optional) Keeping in Touch: The History of Christmas Greeting Cards Christmas greeting cards have been a tradition for well over two hundred years. They bring wishes of joy, health, and love to friends and relatives, some of whom we may not see or communicate with at any other time. You may be surprised to learn where and how the Christmas card tradition began. Elkins will delve into the lore of Christmas cards, and show beautiful examples of Christmas cards over the years. Overhead projector and screen.
John P. Ferré Associate Dean of Arts & Sciences, Professor of Communication University of Louisville 310 Strickler Hall Louisville, KY 40292 Work Phone: 502/852-2237 Email: ferre@louisville.edu	POOCHES IN PARADISE Animals are People, Too: Pet Heaven in Popular Books Three out of four Americans may believe in heaven, but if the proliferation of books with titles such as Cold Noses at the Pearly Gates and Spirit Dogs: Heroes In Heaven is any indication, their belief extends beyond humans to the pets that they care for. In this presentation, Ferré will examine the reasoning in dozens of popular books to show how religious orthodoxy in America is in a state of flux. Lectern, microphone. Religion in Cyberspace: Messages from the Medium From e-mail and listservs to podcasts and social networks, Americans are finding various ways to use the Internet for religious purposes. Online religious traffic is soaring as religious groups rush to develop their online presence and individuals look for information about spirituality as well as ways to engage meaningfully with others. In this presentation, Ferré will explore what religious uses of the Internet reveal about faith in contemporary America. Lectern, microphone.
Terry Foody, R.N., M.S.N. Certified Clinical Research Coordinator, University of Kentucky, Independent Healthy Lifestyle Consu 2054 Clays Mill Road Lexington, KY 40503 Work Phone: 859/277-5291 Email: terryfoody@juno.com	Killer in the Bluegrass Infectious Disaster!: The 1833 Lexington Cholera Epidemic During the nineteenth century, cholera raged through the United States several times, and Kentucky always had one of the highest fatality rates. In 1833, cholera killed one tenth of Lexington’s population in just a few weeks. Foody will examine the devastation in Lexington from many angles—environmental, commercial, social and medical. She will discuss early altruistic efforts, the black woman behind the white hero, the toll at the lunatic asylum, and societal trends revealed in death reports. Despite great medical advances, cholera is still a worldwide killer. Foody will explain why and compare it to other threatening global diseases, such as SARS, HIV, flu and smallpox. Microphone; power point projector and screen. A New Yorker Finds Her Old Kentucky Home When Foody moved from New York state to Kentucky, her mother revealed that her family had lived in Kentucky and Missouri for several generations. Armed only with a list of their names, Foody went on a mission to find and stand on her ancestors’ land. In this talk she’ll describe the obstacles she ran into, includingmurky records and barbed wire, and the discoveries that made it all worthwhile: a hidden church, a lost road, an 1830s grave, and a special letter in a chocolate-covered-cherries candy box. She says it’s a journey of discovery any of us can make. Microphone; overhead projector.
Daryl L. Harris Assistant Professor Department of Theatre & Dance, Northern Kentucky University FA 205 Nunn Dr. Highland Heights, KY 41099 Work Phone: 859/572-1472 Email: harrisda@nku.edu	Cooks Extraordinaire My Old Kentucky Home While it touches briefly on the history of Kentucky's state song, the primary focus of this talk is the personal narratives of formerly enslaved Kentuckians. Rather than an indictment, in amny cases these narratives serve as enlightenment, dispelling stereotypes and —perhaps—allowing us to "...sing one song for the old Kentucky home, for the Old Kentucky Home far away." Lectern; microphone. Wanted: Freedom—Dead or Alive! This talk explores and honors the lives and legacies of Kentucky travelers on the Underground Railroad. While Harris focuses primarily on the celebrated Kentucky do-or-die freedom seeker Margaret Garner, whose life inspired the novel Beloved, he also looks at other people from Kentucky who sought freedom by any means necessary: some via the Underground Railroad, other via the “Train to Glory.” Rare newspaper “wanted” notices for runaways provide fascinating insight into these courageous individuals. Lectern; microphone. Someone’s in the Kitchen with Dinah Inspired by John Fox Jr.’s account of Aunt Dinah, an African American woman who came to Kentucky from Virginia more than a century ago, Harris explores the contributions of African American women to the traditions of Southern culinary excellence. In his introduction to The Blue Grass Cook Book (published in 1904 and written by his mother), Fox described Aunt Dinah’s dishes as "of a flavor and fragrance to shatter the fast of a pope . . . Without (Aunt Dinah) would the master have had such hospitality? Would the guest have found it so hard to get away?" Discover the legacy of "those turbaned mistresses of the Southern kitchen." Lectern; microphone.
Jonathan Jeffrey Special Collections Librarian, Western Kentucky University 110 Riverwood Bowling Green, KY 42103 Work Phone: 270/745-5265 Email: jonathan.jeffrey@wku.edu	Lincoln Memorials Memorializing Mr. Lincoln In this illustrated presentation, Jeffrey examines the monuments that Americans have erected to honor their greatest president, Abraham Lincoln. The emphasis will be on memorials in Kentucky, Lincoln’s home state, and will include art, the built environment, and the cultural landscape. Lectern; screen (or large, light-colored wall) for slides. Libraries for All: The Carnegie Experiment in Kentucky Believing public libraries were "the best agencies for improving the masses of the people," the wealthy industrialist Andrew Carnegie funded the construction of more than 2,500 libraries. Twenty-seven of those were in Kentucky. Jeffrey will assess their impact on the state’s culture, and ask why Kentucky lagged so far behind Indiana and Ohio in taking advantage of Carnegie’s largesse. Lectern; screen (or large, light-colored wall) for slides. Duncan Hines: A Culinary Entrepreneur In this talk, Jeffrey explores the culinary odyssey of Duncan Hines, a Kentuckian who became one of the most recognized names in advertising history. A native of Bowling Green, Hines' name appeared on products ranging from ice cream to charcoal grills, and it's still on the most popular of those products—packaged cake mixes. Lectern; screen (or large, light-colored wall) for slides; display table.
John E. Kleber Emeritus Prof. of History - Editor, The Kentucky Encyclopedia and The Encyclopedia of Louisville, Mo 1727 Larkmoor Lane Louisville, KY 40218 Work Phone: 502/458-7372 Email: jekleb01@louisville.edu	Meet Mr. Lincoln Kentucky’s Abraham Lincoln Kentucky was much more than simply the birthplace of our sixteenth president. Kentucky and Abraham Lincoln had profound effects on each other. The state played a significant role in his journey to the White House and his path through the Civil War. It held his earliest memories, provided his political mentor, several close friends, and his wife. Kentuckians were outraged by federal policies during the Civil War and Lincoln was not popular, but today we are proud to claim this giant of American history. With John Kleber as your guide, meet the remarkable Mr. Lincoln. Lectern. "I am Bound for the Promised Land": Kentucky's Early Settlers Kentucky was the first state west of the Appalachian Mountains. To early settlers who followed Daniel Boone through the Cumberland Gap, it was a mythical land of milk and honey. Land disputes and harsh frontier life were the reality, but while the myth lasted thousands came to Kentucky for economic opportunity, open space, and the sheer joy of the gamble. It was truly the first American frontier. Kleber will explore who came here, why they came, where they settled, and what changes they wrought. Lectern.
James C. Klotter Professor of History, Georgetown College, State Historian of Kentucky 1087 The Lane Lexington, KY 40504 Work Phone: 859/277-4572 Email: fredak@aol.com	A Power Trio Henry Clay, Mary Todd, and Honest Abe Lincoln called Clay his beau ideal of a statesman. What influence did Clay have on Lincoln? How were the two men similar and how were they different? And what role did Mary Todd play in both men's lives? Klotter will focus on this power trio's personalities—their beliefs, their successes, their tragedies, their humor, all the while emphasizing their Kentucky connections. Lectern; microphone. Is Kentucky Southern? Who are we? Kentucky is sometimes mentioned as the first west, often called a border state, occasionally classified as Midwestern, and frequently termed Southern. In this talk, the State Historian of Kentucky will look at what the South is and isn’t, and then examine Kentucky to see whether it really fits the region or not. Lectern; microphone. Kentucky in World War II As the number of surviving World War II veterans shrinks with each passing day, Klotter says we should pause to remember that momentous conflict and those who fought it. World War II was a watershed event in the Commonweath’s history, and this talk looks at those who fought abroad, those who did their part at home, and the price paid by both. Klotter will examine the results of the war and conclude with an intriguing look at post-war predictions of the future. Lectern; microphone.
Christopher L. Kolakowski Executive Director Perryville Battlefield Preservation Association, Perryville Enhancement Project P. O. Box 65 Perryville, KY 40468 Work Phone: 859/332-1862 Email: ckolakowski@perryville.net	The Big Battle The Harrodsburg Tankers on Bataan Before World War II, the National Guard represented a steady paycheck and social status for many young men. Those who joined the Guard in Harrodsburg were signing up for a destiny they could never have imagined. Their unit—Company D, 192nd Tank Battalion, Kentucky Army National Guard—participated in the largest surrender in American history and spent three years in Japanese prison camps. By the end of World War II in 1945, these ordeals had claimed the lives of nearly half of the company’s men. Kolakowski will discuss their experiences, and look at the lingering effects of the war on Harrodsburg. Lectern; microphone. Perryville: Battle for Kentucky Abraham Lincoln said that “to lose Kentucky is nearly the same as to lose the whole game.” Both sides in the Civil War coveted the state for its resources and geographic position. In 1862, three Confederate armies launched a campaign to wrest control of Kentucky from the Union. The campaign reached its bloody climax on October 8, 1862 outside the Boyle County town of Perryville, where a Union victory ended the last serious effort by the Confederacy to occupy Kentucky. This talk will review the campaign and the battle, the biggest ever fought in Kentucky and one that changed our history forever. Lectern; microphone.
Lynwood Montell Emeritus Professor of Folk Studies Western Kentucky University 1853 Cobblestone Ct. Bowling Green, KY 42103 Work Phone: 270/796-1907 Email: LLMontell@insightbb.com	Ghoul talk More Kentucky Ghost Stories Much of Kentucky's rich historical legacy is preserved in ghost stories, including those related to the Civil War, ancestors, graveyards, murder victims, haunted spots on the landscape, haunted houses, and ghostly lights and screams. Montell's talk will also discuss the historic value of hearing and preserving Kentucky's verbal legacy. Lectern; microphone. Kentucky Medical Doctor Stories Montell, a noted folklorist, is recording stories told by physicians across the Commonwealth. They are sharing stories about their personal practices—and other doctors—that provide often humorous insight into Kentucky’s medical profession then and now. The stories describe, among other things, house calls, sexual attraction, wrong decisions, nurses, personal ailments, folk healing practices, and animals. Lectern; microphone. Kentucky's Haunted Houses Kentucky’s historic houses are frequently the locations of family and community stories about ghostly entities. Ghostly creatures aside, the accounts are filled with cultural and architectural information and personality descriptions not found in formal sources. Montell will, as always, tell some cracking good stories in the latest version of his famous ghost talk. Lectern; microphone. Kentucky Lawyer and Judge Stories Lawyers and judges know how to spin a good yarn. The people and events they talk about in their stories usually fall into such categories as blunders, humorous episodes, family disagreements, homicide, the bench and the bar, animals in court, and divorce. Thanks to these stories and commentaries, the legacy of lawyers and judges throughout Kentucky will live on. Lectern; microphone.
Paul M. Pearson Director, Thomas Merton Center, Bellarmine College Thomas Merton Center 2001 Newburg Road Louisville, KY 40205 Work Phone: 502/452-8177 Email: pmpearson@bellarmine.edu	A SPIRITUAL ATTRACTION A Meeting of Angels: Thomas Merton and the Shakers Thomas Merton, the celebrated Trappist monk and writer who lived for more twenty years at the Abbey of Gethesmani near Bardstown, felt a strong attraction to the Shakers. In the 1960s, he visited the Shaker village at Pleasant Hill several times, took many photographs, and wrote an article about the village. He also wrote the introduction to a book by Shaker scholar Edward Deming Andrews. Pearson will explore Merton’s attraction to the Shakers—what particularly interested him about the Shakers, and the connections he made between them and his own religious order. Power point projector, stand and screen. A Hidden Wholeness: The Zen Photography of Thomas Merton In 1968, the year of his death, Merton traveled extensively—to Alaska, New Mexico, California, and Asia. He took many photographs during these journeys. Some, says Pearson, are merely travel photos. But others express Merton’s interior journey as he attempted to capture, through the eye of the camera, places and people that had a profound effect on him. These photographs, which embody Merton’s spiritual vision and vision of the world, cause us to pause, to stop, to see what is right in front of us every day. Power point projector, stand and screen.
James M. Prichard Research Room Supervisor Kentucky State Archives, Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives 1000 Round Table Ct. Louisville, KY 40222 Work Phone: 502/797-4306 Email: james.prichard@insightbb.com	Notorious Natives Notorious: The Life and Times of Belle Brezing In the late Victorian America, high-class brothels operated by elegant madams and patronized by wealthy gentlemen were common. Kentucky’s legendary madam of the era was Belle Brezing of Lexington, who ran “the most orderly of disorderly houses.” Reformers finally managed to close her down at the start of World War I, but it is Belle whose story lives on in Prichard’s colorful account. Lectern; microphone; screen for slides. Pariah! The Dark Legacy of General Stephen Burbridge Apostate! Butcher! Pariah! Kentuckians applied all these epithets to Civil War General Stephen G. Burbridge. Born in the heart of the Bluegrass, Burbridge fought bravely for the Union, and in August 1864 became commander of the military district of Kentucky. His harsh policies, including public executions, alienated many Kentuckians, but, Prichard argues, Burbridge may not have been quite the dark villain of legend. Lectern; microphone; screen for slides. Famous Kentucky Duels "Death before Dishonor" ruled the lives of Southern gentlemen for generations before the Civil War. As a result, personal disputes were often settled at gun point. Many Kentuckians willingly embraced this code of ritualized violence—more than forty duels were fought in the Commonwealth between 1790 and 1867. Prichard will re-create an era in Kentucky history when the Code Duello produced both heroic legends and bloody tragedy. Lectern; microphone; screen for slides. Jesse James in Kentucky: Fact, Fiction, and Folklore Few figures loom as large in Kentucky myth and folklore as the outlaw Jesse James. Prichard will discuss the Kentucky roots of Jesse and his brother Frank, and the crimes attributed to the James Gang in the state. From the Russellville bank robbery of 1868 to the Mammoth Cave stage robbery of 1880, Kentucky was second only to Missouri as a field of operations for these outlaws. Lectern; microphone; screen for slides.
Hugh Ridenour Historian and author 1715 Stagecoach Road Hanson, KY 42413 Work Phone: 270/825-1533 Email: treetops@spis.net	Dining with the Greens World War II Romance: "Love you dearly" In this World War II story, Ridenour dips into a treasure trove of 800 letters to chronicle a young couple’s love. However, D-Day, June 6, 1944, marked the relationship’s tragic end, which is recorded in the widow’s diary. Few hearts will remain untouched after Ridenour’s wife, Carolyn, reads several poignant excerpts from the diary. No equipment required. A Surgeon's Tale: Life and Death in the Orphan Brigade As a surgeon attached to various regiments of the famous Orphan Brigade, Kentucky native John Orlando Scott practiced his trade at numerous Civil War battles, including Shiloh. This talk is based on articles he wrote about his war experiences and on scrapbooks he and his daughter kept. No equipment required. From Pantry to Table: History, Recipes, and other Gifts Hear the saga of the Green family dynasty of Falls of Rough and share Kentucky’s culinary past through an heirloom recipe collection rescued from the pantry of the Greens’ 1839 mansion. Carolyn Ridenour joins her husband for this journey into a bygone time when food preparation required perseverance and talent and setting a fine table was a social necessity. Green family dining items will be displayed. No equipment required.
Gwyn Hyman Rubio Novelist 140 Montgomery Avenue Versailles, KY 40383 Work Phone: 859/879-6261 Email: info@gwynrubio.com	Rubio on Writing Character and Dialogue: Living Inside Icy and Dalia In a successful novel, the characters become real and take their final steps independently of the author as the story unfolds. Rubio will discuss this surreal aspect of writing by describing the ways her fictional characters, Icy Sparks and Dalia Miller, began to consume her life and become her best friends as the solitary profession of writing cut her off from the world. Lectern; microphone (for large groups). The Challenge of a Second Novel Rubio’s father, Mac Hyman, published the bestselling comedy No Time for Sergeants in 1954, but was unable to write a second book and died tragically young. Rubio will talk with humor and insight about overcoming her own fears of writer’s block—a consequence of witnessing the glories and miseries of the writing life as a young girl. Lectern; microphone (for large groups). A Novelist on Her Work Rubio, author of the bestselling novels Icy Sparks and The Woodsman’s Daughter, will read and discuss her writing. Lectern; microphone (for large groups).
Mark F. Sohn Food historian and cookbook author - Professor of Educ. Psychology, Pikeville College 119 Honeysuckle Drive Pikeville, KY 41501 Work Phone: 606/434-2782 Email: mark@marksohn.com	Speaking of Spirits Kentucky Bourbon: The History and Culture of a Whiskey Kentucky produces 98% of the world's bourbon. Sohn, who has written a book called Bourbon: A Kentucky Tradition, will explain this iconic Kentucky drink's many intricacies. Do you know the difference between whiskey and whisky, or the reason for charred oak barrels? Sohn can also tell you how bourbon is made, where you can buy a still that fits on your kitchen counter, and how to get started on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. No equipment required. The Food and Culture of Abe Lincoln's Kentucky Childhood Abraham Lincoln lived on the Kentucky frontier until he was seven years old. What did he and his family eat, and how did they live? Mixing Native American, regional, and frontier history, Sohn will discuss a Lincoln-style family hearth, kitchen, home, garden, and farmstead. He will provide recipes, and will gladly assist if your group wants to prepare a Lincoln-era meal or snacks. No equipment required. Appalachian Food: Defining a Culture Southern Appalachia is a culturally distinct mountain region that extends from Maryland to north Georgia. From stack cakes and shuck beans to moonshine and cast iron cookpots, Sohn will discuss the region’s unique cuisine. If your group wishes to prepare food for the talk, Sohn will help you choose recipes from his new cookbook, Appalachian Home Cooking. KEY INGREDIENTS No requirements.
Ronald L. Spriggs Executive Director Ron Spriggs Exhibit of Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. Recipient of the Tuskegee Airmen's 2 100 Mason Springs Drive Nicholasville, KY 40356 Work Phone: 859/881-0546 Email: ronspriggs@aol.com	Pioneers in the cockpit From Red Tails to Golden Warriors: The Airmen Strike Gold On March 29, 2007, President George W. Bush awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian award Congress can authorize, to the Tuskegee Airmen. It was a long overdue recognition of their great service during World War II. This talk will include observations and reflections by surviving airmen and government officials. Lectern; microphone. The Illustrated History of the Tuskegee Airmen In this one-hour multimedia lecture featuring photographs and video and audio clips, Spriggs tells the story of the Tuskegee Airmen, who manned the first all-black combat units in the U. S. Army Air Corps. About 450 Tuskegee Airmen were deployed overseas during World War II. Spriggs will detail their groundbreaking achievements and look back at the early days of black aviation. Power Point projector; screen; microphone; high stool. The Tuskegee Airmen and Their Kentucky Connections The Tuskegee Airmen formed the first all-black combat units in the U. S. Army Air Corps. Trained in Tuskegee, Alabama, about 450 Tuskegee Airmen were deployed overseas during World War II. In this talk, Spriggs will review the splendid record the Tuskegee Airmen compiled as they battled the Axis Powers in Europe—and racism at home. He will also discuss Kentucky’s connections to this historic group. They include flight instructor Willa Brown of Glasgow, commanding officer Col. Noel Parrish of Lexington, twelve cadets from around Kentucky, and a victorious P51 Mustang fighter called Miss Kentucky State. Lectern; microphone.
Paul A. Tenkotte Coeditor, Encyclopedia of Northern Kentucky, Prof. of History & International Studies, Thomas More C 420 Glengary Way Ft. Wright, KY 41011 Work Phone: 859/426-1776 Email: nkyencyclopedia@fuse.net Website: www.nkyencyclopedia.org	An Encyclopedia All its Own Defining a Region: The Encyclopedia of Northern Kentucky Project The Encyclopedia of Northern Kentucky will examine and define an eleven-county region (Boone, Bracken, Campbell, Carroll, Gallatin, Grant, Kenton, Mason, Owen, Pendleton, and Robertson) that has sometimes felt neglected by the rest of the state. Tenkotte, the co-editor, will review the fascinating highlights of Northern Kentucky's history as he explains the process of creating such a publication. Lectern; microphone (large groups); screen; table; extension cord. Push, Pull, and Means: Immigration and Migration to Northern Kentucky This well-illustrated Powerpoint presentation explores immigration and migration in urban Northern Kentucky, particularly to the cities of Covington and Newport. Germans, Irish, and Appalachians are covered in detail, and to a lesser extent, African Americans, Asian Americans, Greeks, Italians, Jews, and Latinos. Lextern; microphone (large groups); screen; table; extension cord. Lost: Irreplaceable Treasures of Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky This illustrated talk offers Dr. Tenkotte's personal list of the ten most significant buildings and places in the Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky region that should have been preserved, but were instead destroyed. Tenkotte will invite audience members to talk about the lost buildings and places they would put in their top tens. Lectern; microphone (large groups); screen; table, extension cord.
Aaron Thompson Associate Vice-President for Academic Affairs, Eastern Kentucky University 172 Wildcat Drive Richmond, KY 40475 Work Phone: 859/622-2076 Email: Aaron.Thompson@eku.edu	From Appalachia to Academia African Americans' Contributions to Appalachia's Culture This talk looks at the history of African Americans in Kentucky, especially those who settled in central Appalachia. Dr. Thompson will talk about his own childhood in Clay County as well as the wealth of tradition and history African Americans brought to the Appalachian region. He will lead a thoughtful and provocative discussion regarding the realities and stereotypes about African Americans and Appalachians and how they intersect. No equipment required. Establishing a Process for Cultural Competence Are you aware of your beliefs and how they affect others? Are you hindering your growth and the growth of those you love? This talk takes the audience through a process of recognizing bias and how it may affect an individual and his or her community, job, and interaction with others. In addition, a discussion of aspects of diversity that are not usually considered will help individuals embrace their own uniqueness and the uniqueness of those around them. No equipment required.
Jane Genry Vance Poet Laureate of Kentucky, University of Kentucky Professor of English 340 Morgan Street Versailles, KY 40383 Work Phone: 859/873-5700 Email: jgvance@alltel.net	The Poet Laureate What are Poems Useful for? A Talk and Reading Vance says poems are indeed useful. Among her reasons: they're good stories, they are powerful tools for self-discovery, and they help us feel the joy of being alive. She will read one of her own poems to support each of the points she makes. Lectern and microphone. Poems as a Way of Knowing We consider poems more often for their form or style or place in literary history than we do for what we can learn from them. But there is much to be learned. Through deeply imagined personal poems we get a sense of historical personalities and eras. Through poems about visual art we learn to see such art more perceptively. And through ecstatic poems, we can sense the joy of religious ecstasy. Lectern and microphone; carousel slide projector with remote control, projector stand, screen. Creating the Soul of Kentucky: Kentucky Poems Poems by Kentucky poets have helped shape Kentuckians’ perception of their state as a soulful place. In this talk, Vance begins in the early 19th century with William Orlando Butler (“The Boatman’s Horn”) and Theodore O’Hara (“Bivouac of the Dead”), moves to the nationally popular poetry of Madison Cawein and Elizabeth Madox Roberts, and concludes with the 20th-century visions of such Kentucky poets as Robert Penn Warren, Wendell Berry, Frank X Walker, and Vance herself. Lectern and microphone.