The Oldham County History center was awarded a $5,000 grant form the Kentucky Heritage Council to conduct a feasibility study that investigates the various options for developing an education program to honor Kentuckian Henry Bibb (1815-1854). Henry Bibb was a prominent abolitionist who endured and overcame slavery to become the first black editor of a newspaper in Canada.

This project will explore the possibility of developing a National Henry Bibb Trail which will follow Mr. Bibb’s journey beginning in Kentucky and ending in Canada as well as develop an educational package that examines slavery as an experience by Mr. Bibb. The project will also include the contributions and achievements of the African American people to the society and government of the United States during the Nineteenth Century.

The main objective for the Kentucky Heritage Council Grant is to conduct an archeological investigation at the Gatewood Plantation, located outside of Bedford in Trimble County, Kentucky. This investigation is the first of its kind that explores the potential to develop an educational program around Mr. Bibbs life in the United States. Mr. Bibb has already been designated in Canada as a prominent and important historical figure.

The grant will conduct two archaeological investigations at the Gatewood Site under the direction of archaeologist Jeannine Kreinbrink. The first investigation will be conducted on Aug. 27, 2005 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and is open to members of the historical societies from Oldham, Trimble and Henry Counties through advanced registration. The second investigation will be conducted during September and will be open to high school students and teachers from several targeted schools. Diane Perrine Coon is the principal historian for this grant and the Oldham County History Center will be directing the educational projects.
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