Celebrating Lincoln! Oldham County’s Lincoln Connections
in Honor of Kentucky ‘s Bicentennial Celebration: Activities for Everyone!

Join us at the history center for our summer activities that focuses on Kentucky’s Lincoln Bicentennial Connection. From camps to digs to special performances, we have something that appeals to everyone!!

“Songs of Lincoln” a special performance by the Oldham County Choir for our Annual Juneteenth Celebration, Saturday, June 14 at 2 p.m. We will also honor the special recipient of this year’s Elijah Marrs Award.

“Kentucky’s Lincoln” Exhibit on Oldham County Day! The Kentucky Historical Society’s Historymobile will be on display at the Oldham County History Center for Oldham County Day!! Be sure to visit the exhibit that was developed in honor of the Lincoln Bicentennial Celebration!!!

“Abraham Lincoln” a D. W. Griffith Movie. Join us “under the stars” as we show this motion picture produced by Oldham County native D. W. Griffith. The movie was produced in 1930 and Griffith traces Lincoln’s “bucolic beginnings and his ill-fated love for Ann Ruthledge through his ascension to the presidency”. The film lasts 97 minutes and will be shown outdoors on the history center grounds. Bring lawn chairs and snacks! Friday evening, August 8, 2008. Movie starts at 9:15 p.m. (Will be shown inside educational building in case of rain.

Lincoln and Archaeology

The Oldham County History Center is actively investigating an ongoing archaeology program at the Gatewood Plantation outside of Bedford. The site is the last place where Abolitionist and Separatist Henry Bibb lived before establishing a colony for refugee slaves in Canada. Bibb was very involved in Michigan’s Liberty Party and organized national conferences around the issue of slavery. Abraham Lincoln was aware of the colonization efforts of Bibb and struggled with the issue of colonization as opposed to citizenship in the U. S. that was supported by Frederic Douglass.

Students work on our active archaeology site under the supervision of Archaeologist Jeannine Kreinbrink.

Public Family Dig: Saturday, May 31, 2008, 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. Free and Open to the public but must register for the activity. Children 10 to 14 must be accompanied by an adult-not recommended for under age 10. Call 502-222-0826 for reservations.

Archaeology Institute for High School Students

This is Oldham County History Center’s second institute repeated from last summer. Students get authentic, hands-on learning working with professional archaeologists while contributing to our knowledge of the Gatewood Plantation Site. If you have interest in pursuing a career in archaeology, this is a great way to get acquainted with the field. Recommended ages: 14-18, Cost: $75.00. July 8, 9, & 10, 2008, 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.

Special Camps for Kids: Lincoln’s School Days

What was is like to go to a one room schoolhouse in Lincoln’s boyhood? Kids experience “Back to the Basics” of Reading, Writing and Arithmetic, just like Lincoln when he was a boy! Activities include spelling bees, dress-up, story hour, visits from re-enactors and old fashioned play activities: marbles, dancing and jump rope! Ages: 5-7 years.Ages: 5-7 years. Scholarships available for registration fees. June 23-27, 9 am until 1 pm. $50 per student.

Living Like Lincoln!

Hands-on learning skills that demonstrated how to care for yourself and others was the basic knowledge needed to live during Lincoln’s lifetime. Children will cook with dutch ovens, make cane poles, sew quilt patches, learn about medicinal old time remedies, swim in a spring fed pond and become acquainted with the native plants and animals in Oldham County. Children will also learn about the Civil War and look through the authentic documents of letters and dairies from soldiers during the period. The last day children will take a field trip to Hodgenville and visit Lincoln’s boyhood home. Ages: 8-10 years.

Scholarships available for registration fees. July 14-18. 9 am – 4 pm.

$150 per student.