Local Black history project earns two awards

Sierra Marling, Richmond Register, Ky.
·2 min read

May 15—"Footprints: Traces of Black History in Richmond, Kentucky," an initiative that made local Black history stories accessible to the public free of charge, has been honored with two state awards.

The booklet was recently published as a joint project between the Richmond Tourism Commission and the Madison County Historical Society.

Then, on May 14, 2024, the publication received the Blue Grass Trust Historical Preservation Clay Lancaster Award, which is given to an individual or group for their service in researching and disseminating information about the Central Kentucky region.

On June 1, 2024, it will also receive the Kentucky Historical Society Publication Award, which is one of the annual Kentucky History Awards that recognize outstanding work done in Kentucky history and the community of public historians who help the public learn more about the stories of our past.

At its debut presentation in Feb., Mayor Robert Blythe passionately expressed the importance of the work and preserving history, saying, "We, as the current generations, are stewards of the legacies left to us in the present. Taking time and care today so future generations will know their history tomorrow benefits all people, and it is a sacred responsibility to pass along the rich heritage we have been given."

Organizers of the project have received praise throughout the community since.

"We have received very positive feedback from the public," said Historical Society President Sharon Graves, who noted that other historical society members have received favorable responses as well.

Meanwhile, Committee Member Sharyn Mitchell commented that copies of "Footprints" have been "going like hotcakes."

Graves said the awards are a much-welcomed accolade for a long, time-consuming process of research, oral interviews, formatting, and editing.

"There were a number of people involved in the many steps who need to be recognized," she commented.

Graves noted other historical projects are en route, including a book with information about each of the 67 names on their recently placed Revolutionary War Patriots' Monument.

The Historical Society also hopes to recognize the men who died in World War II and had a connection to Madison County next year with a monument.

"This would be the eightieth year since the end of World War II," said Graves. "The research has been completed by one of our board members, so we will be raising money and seeking a location and a design."

Finally, for America's 250th birthday, they will be publishing calendars with old photos connected to Madison County, designing a new bookmark, and an activity book for children.