State history journals can be a treasure trove of useful information for family historians and local history enthusiasts alike. Many state historical societies included a journal focusing on the early history of their region among their earliest offerings to members and scholars. In addition to articles on a wide array …
By: Cheri Daniels, KAO Editor & KHS Head of Reference Services In June, 1985, my great Aunt, Ada Browning, wrote a letter to my mother, wishing her a Happy Birthday. Beyond the standard niceties one would expect in a family letter, Ada informed my Mother that the card she sent …
By: Julie Maio Kemper, Curator, Museum Collections & Exhibitions, Kentucky Historical Society Around a corner in the Kentucky Historical Society’s permanent exhibit, “A Kentucky Journey,” two portraits sit enclosed in a large glass case. These are the images of Dennis and Diadamia Doram, dated 1839. Like many prosperous 19th century Kentuckians, the Dorams …
‘Tis the Season to celebrate with family and friends! As many gather together this week to continue their family traditions, here is a family history mystery from the Owensboro/Daviess County area, circa 1951. As part of the Ohio River Portrait Project, Ida Mae Pruden contributed this lovely image of family …
When Native American Heritage Month rolls around, Kentuckians with Native American roots usually take notice. Regionally, Kentucky not only played a large part in migration patterns for several eastern tribes but it also sits very close to a major tribal area: The Eastern Band of the Cherokee. Many Kentuckians have …
By: Cheri Daniels, KAO Editor and KHS Head of Reference Services Genealogists are usually very cognizant of those odd moments, when we discover something during our research that sends a tiny little shiver down the spine…..or gives us goose bumps…..or makes us pass by it quickly because it’s just plain creepy. …
Using Historical Newspapers to Solve a Genealogical Mystery By Kathy Reed My grandmother was secretive. Ask her how old she was. No definitive answer. What is your wedding anniversary? No answer for that, either. I remember one whispered conversation among older members of my family questioning whether or not my …