Kentucky Historical Society "History Road Show"

Kentucky Historical Society celebrating Harrodsburg history on May 8

In honor of Harrodsburg’s upcoming 250thbirthday, the Kentucky Historical Society (KHS) and the Mercer County Public Library are hosting a day of state and local history at the library on May 8.

KHS staff will present educational activities, opportunities for hands-on learning and presentations about Harrodsburg history. Significant archival materials from KHS’s collection—including the state’s original 1792 constitution—will also be on display.

“We’re thrilled to help commemorate Harrodsburg’s history during such an important time for the community,” said Stuart Sanders, KHS’s director of research and publications. “This event will be a great way to explore some of our collections and to learn more about Mercer County history. We’re so appreciative of the public library for hosting us,” he added.

KHS will sponsor a variety of activities throughout the day. In the morning, staff will provide an educational activity for middle school students that explores Kentucky forts during the settlement era.

In the afternoon, KHS staff will present multiple public programs, including talks about slavery at Harrodsburg’s Graham Springs Hotel, the Salt River as a staple of popular culture in 19th century Kentucky, and the history of the founding of Old Fort Harrod State Park.

Throughout the day, archival materials from the KHS collection will be on display at the library’s History Research Center, including the constitution, the constitutional convention journals, and materials related to James and Ann Harrod.

The event, which is free for the public, takes place at the library from 9:00 AM until 4:00 PM.

For more information about KHS, visit history.ky.gov.