Oldham County's African American Heritage Exhibit

June 19-September 7, 2004

Oldham County History Center

The traditions and culture of African Americans run deep in Oldham County's heritage. In the early 1800s over 1/3 of Oldham County's population was African American. This exhibit will feature various aspects of that culture including the slave trade, Underground Railroad and the outstanding accomplishments of the African American community over the years. There will be a special quilt display that has been created from local citizens that features the hidden codes for traveling the Underground railroad. Children can crawl in a berth that depicts the space where slaves lived during the 7 to 9 week Middle Passage as they crossed the Atlantic Ocean. There will be a special section on Henry Bibb, a local slave who describes his life in Oldham, Trimble and Henry County in the early 1800s. Artwork from children in Nigeria will be displayed that depict the sense of community in Africa today. Special African music and clothing will be available for "touch and dress items". The history center will display genealogy records drawn from deed documents and marriage certificates. Other features include photographs of African American churches, schools and community interspersed with the local artwork of Victor Sweat.

A special series of events have been planned to highlight the exhibit including: Juneteenth Day on June 19 for the opening of the exhibit

Special children's workshops

Guest Lectures

Genealogy Workshop for African Americans

Contact for more information: Nancy Theiss, 502-222-0826

The Oldham County History Center, 106 N. Second Ave.

LaGrange , KY 40031 502-222-0826/FAX 502-222-7115

http://oldhamcountyhistoricalsociety.org

email: olchstryctr@aol.com

Museum Hours: Tuesday thru Saturday 10 am to 4 pm

Closed Sunday and Monday