Putting It All Together Research, African American History and Genealogy
Symposium
A comprehensive look at the state of African American history, preservation
and genealogy is the focus of a three-day Research Symposium at Kentucky
State University and the Kentucky History Center, Thursday Saturday,
February 24-26, 2005.
Topics of discussion include the origin of African colonization which took
root and flourished in Kentucky (1827-1866); a recovery of the identities
and biographies of some of the first 100 emigrants to Liberia and the roles
some of these emigrants from Kentucky played in directing the political
affairs of the Republic; other discussions will focus on Kentucky African
American linkages to national movements such as the 1905 Niagara Movement
which led to the establishment of the NAACP. Of equal importance are topics
that address genealogy and family histories, historic preservation and
efforts to reclaim community sites, such as African American cemeteries and
underground railroad historic sites.
Presenters at the Symposium include Philip J. Merrill, a nationally
recognized expert in African American history, memorabilia and collectibles.
His specialties include African American historical research, oral history
and collecting and interpreting cultural artifacts. An appraiser with the
PBS television Antiques Road Show for six years, he has lectured widely on
African American history and collectibles and will exhibit under-rated
collectibles useful in illustrating African American contributions and
accomplishments.
Other presenters include Dr. Blaine Hudson, University of Louisville; Dr.
Gerald Smith, University of Kentucky; Ted Harris, Covington, Kentucky; Ms.
Juanita White, Louisville, Ky.; Robert Lett, San Marino, CA;Tom Stephens,
Kentucky History Center; Bob Gates, Kentucky History Center; and David
Morgan, Executive Director of the Kentucky Heritage Council. Dr. Russell
Irvine and Dr. David Smith, from Georgia State University, Atlanta, will
discuss their research covering the education of African Americans prior to
1865, the Kentucky Colonization Society led by Henry Clay, and the Liberian
presidencies of two former Kentucky slaves.
An African American History Extravaganza and Reception that showcases
historical and preservation projects from around the state and a book
signing by authors of recent books about Kentucky African Americans will
take place on Friday, February 25th from 6-9 p.m. in the Carl Hill Student
Center Ballroom on the campus. Admission to this event only is $10.00.
John Logan, a native of Garrad County, Kentucky, will close the Symposium
with a full-day Geneaology Workshop on Saturday, February 26, 2005. He is a
co-founder of the African-American Genealogy Group (AAGG) of Philadelphia,
and has been practicing genealogy for over 20 years. The Genealogy Workshop
will be held at the Kentucky History Center.
Registration for the Symposium starts at 8:00 a.m., Thursday, February 24,
2005 in the Cooperative Extension Building at Kentucky State University.
Participants may register for either one day of the Symposium or all three.
The registration fee is $50.00 per day, for Thursday and Fridays sessions
and $25 for the Genealogy Workshop on Saturday. This workshop will be held
at the Kentucky History Center. Registration can be completed by phone by
calling the CESKAA Office at 502-597-6315. Checks are to be made payable to
CESKAA SYMPOSIUM.
The Symposium is a joint project between the Center of Excellence for the
Study of Kentucky African Americans (CESKAA) at Kentucky State University,
the Kentucky African American Heritage Commission, the Kentucky History
Center and the Kentucky Genealogy Society.
Contact: Dr. Anne Butler, 502-597-6315
abutler(a)gwmail.kysu.edu