Celebrating Black History

Celebrating Black History

at the Oldham County History Center

Archaeology at the Bibb Escapes/Gatewood Plantation Site, a National Park Service site on the National Underground Railroad Network

The Oldham County History Center’s 2023 Archaeology Field School for High School Students, July 10-14, 2023:  Sponsored by the Morris Mount Roberts Fellowship

The Oldham County History Center’s Archaeology Institute for High School Students is a weeklong chance for students to participate in hands-on archaeology investigations that contribute and further our knowledge of past events and circumstances that happened almost 200 years ago in our community. The investigations are conducted under the direction of archaeologists Jeannine Kreinbrink and Doug VonStrohe.

Students investigate the Ante-bellum site known as the Bibb Escapes/Gatewood Plantation site which was opened in 2005 as the site where Henry Bibb spent time with his wife and daughter as enslaved laborers for the Gatewood family. After Bibb’s final escape from slavery, he began a fugitive colony in Canada for freedom seekers and created the Voice of the Fugitive newspaper, making him the first African American editor in Canadian history. In 2016 the National Park Service designated the site to the National Underground Railroad Network.

The students will spend the first four days of the program on the Bibb Escapes/Gatewood Plantation and then camp on Thursday night on a 200 year old farm site where special guests will present stories, poetry readings and research about Black history.  On Friday students will visit pre-Civil War sites in Oldham County including grave sites and known escape sites on the Underground Railroad.

Recommended Ages:  14-18 years of Age. Students must have transportation to the Oldham County History Center Monday through Thursday. They will be transported via van to the archaeological site. On Thursday, students will camp and on Friday visit local historic sites. Students need to furnish their own sleeping bags. Meals for camp and on Friday will be included. Students will be picked up on Friday afternoon. Fees:  $200 but can be waived through recommendations of teachers and mentors of applicants.  For more information and a registration form call the Oldham County History Center at 502.222.0826 or email:  info@oldhamkyhistory.com

There are other public opportunities for archaeology at the Bibb Escapes/Gatewood Plantation for families and the general public. The public dates are April 23, May 14, Sept 17 and Oct. 8. Times each day are from 11 p.m. to 2 p.m. Registration is required by calling the Oldham County History Center.

Juneteenth Celebration, June 16 and 17, 2023

On Friday, June 16 from 11:30-1:30, Author Randolph Paul Runyon will speak on his new book, The Assault on Elisha Green: Race and Religion in a Kentucky. 

Runyan recounts one man’s pursuit of justice over violence and racism in the nineteenth century. He tells the story of Green’s life and follows the relationships that led to the event of the assault. Tracing Green’s life brings the reader from the slavery era to the eve of the First World War, from Kentucky to New Mexico, from Covington to the Kentucky River Palisades. Tickets are $30 and include lunch. Registration required: 502.222.0826

Saturday, June 17 from 10:30 to 1:30.  A Journey on the Civil Rights Trail with Dedication of the Petter Parker Marker.

A special program at the historic African American cemetery where family members talk about their ancestors and journey on the Civil Rights movement from a local level. Dedication of Petter Parker gravestone at the cemetery with music and refreshments to follow at the Oldham County History Center. Free and open to the public.

2023 Tours on the Underground Railroad in Oldham County

These tours are lead by Dr. Nancy Theiss who wrote the book A Tour of the Underground Railroad Along the Ohio River (2020, The History Press). As

Executive Director of the Oldham County History Center, Theiss has led research and programs that have been identified significant by the National Park

Service to the National Underground Railroad Network, hosting archaeological investigations since 2005 on the Bibb Escapes/Gatewood Plantation. Participants on the tours will drive their own cars in a small caravan, to specific sites of activities from freedom seekers during Antebellum Era in Oldham County including grave sites, auction sites and house sites.

Tour Dates:  April 29, June 24, July 29, August 12 and September 9

All tour times are from 10:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m.  Pre-registration required:  Price includes Lunch/drinks:  $30 per person/$25 members,  Call 502.222.0826