The 2024 Kentucky History and Genealogy Conference will be hosted by the Boyle County Public Library (BCPL) on Friday, August 9 and Saturday, August 10 from 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM. The conference will feature over 30 presentations led by guest speakers from throughout Kentucky. In addition to the speakers, the library lobby will be filled with vendors from both the community and statewide who have a focus on preserving, sharing, and researching history and genealogy.

Library Director Colleen Hall is excited about BCPL hosting the conference this year. “The library staff planning this conference have worked very intentionally to create the most informative and entertaining experience possible. To achieve this goal, they have assembled a roster of authoritative speakers who represent the best and brightest in their fields. These people have committed to elevating our knowledge of Kentucky history.”

Reference librarian Leah Byars is one of the staff members who has played a significant role in pulling this year’s conference together. “I’m glad so many other local organizations with a focus on sharing local history will be participating,” said Byars. “Centre College, Forkland Community Center, Main Street Perryville and Perryville Battlefield, The Danville Boyle County African American Historical Society, and the Ephraim McDowell House will all be presenting; and the Kentucky School for the Deaf and the Boyle County Genealogical & Historical Society will have booths at the conference to share information and resources for their organizations.”

Conference attendees will have multiple options to choose from during each of the regular sessions. Presentations include “Anatomy of a Duel: A Civil War Affair of Honor,” “Genealogy through Photography: Exploring Family Photographs,” “Documenting Local African American Experience through Oral History,” and “Discovering Heritage on a Dime: Thrifty Genealogy Tips.” In addition to the regular sessions, both days of the conference will have a keynote speaker.

This year the conference will feature keynote speakers Andrew Patrick and Sharyn Mitchell. On Friday, Patrick will explore the rich and complicated history of Herrington Lake and the associated Dix Dam in his presentation, “The History of Herrington Lake.”

On Saturday, Mitchell will present, “We Too, Were Here,” where she will discuss the history and contributions of people of color in Kentucky, from the Native American tribes who first inhabited the land to the African Americans who were brought to the region as enslaved individuals.

Andrew Patrick is a graduate of Centre College and completed his MA and PhD in American History at the University of Kentucky. His research and writing has focused on the agricultural system of the central Bluegrass region from before the first crop was planted through the aftermath of the abolition of slavery in the 19th century. He has written on the cultural and environmental context of Kentucky agriculture, with a particular emphasis on the role of the hemp industry. Patrick has published in academic journals including the Register of the Kentucky Historical Society and The Journal of Southern History, but prefers speaking about history with his students and the public. His working life has taken him on a tour of historical organizations and schools including stints at Shaker Village at Pleasant Hill, multiple roles at the Kentucky Historical Society, back to Centre as an Assistant Professor, and finally to his current position teaching at the Sayre School in Lexington.

Sharyn Mitchell, a Berea, Kentucky native, embodies a fascinating blend of curiosity, heritage, and dedication to uncovering and preserving history. Her journey is deeply rooted in a background that combines education and faith, being the offspring of a high school science teacher and a Baptist minister. This unique combination has fueled her passion for historical research, or as she playfully describes it, her knack for being “nosey.” Mitchell’s quest for knowledge has led her through the halls of most libraries, archives, and courthouses across Central Kentucky, where she has meticulously pieced together the region’s rich tapestry of stories and histories.

In addition to the speaker sessions, the library will host an open house at the Story Center on Saturday afternoon where conference attendees can explore the space. Story Center Manager Maggie McAdams will be available during the open house to answer any questions, and will present about the project at the conference later in the afternoon.

Doors will open to conference attendees at 9:30 AM. The sessions will run from 10:00 AM to 5:15 PM, with a break for lunch from 12:15 PM-1:45 PM on both days. The conference is free to attend, however for planning purposes attendees are encouraged to register in advance on the library’s website. Registration will also be available at the conference. Same-day registrants are asked to arrive with enough time to register and/or pick up conference supplies in the library lobby. Water, coffee, and light breakfast fare will be provided on both mornings.

For complete details, including the conference schedule, presentation topics and descriptions, and how to register to attend this free event, visit BoylePubLib.org/HistoryConference or call (859) 238-7323.

Information about library resources and all upcoming events can be found online at BoylePubLib.org. The library is open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM; Tuesday and Thursday, 9:30 AM – 8:00 PM; and Saturday from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM.  Chat with library staff using the live chat service on the library’s website or by texting (859)-545-8398.