The Civil War Governors of Kentucky Digital Documentary Edition allows you to reconstruct the lost lives and voices of tens of thousands of Kentuckians who interacted with the Office of the Governor during the Civil War years – from generals and politicians (of course), to prostitutes and plantation mistresses, free African American professionals and “contraband” refugees.
Visit our website to learn more and get started.
(Some users are experiencing issues connecting to the site. Try clearing the cache of your browser, or try a different browser. We hope to have the problems resolved soon. As of 11/28/2023)
Email Dr. Charles Welsko to schedule an interview about the work of the CWGK.
Civil War History Day Archived Sessions
Immerse yourself in the history of the Civil War in Kentucky and the Border South at the Kentucky Historical Society's Civil War History Day.
Session speakers, descriptions and videos are archived below.
Civil War History Day 2025
(September 27, 2025)
During the day-long event, attendees met and learned from distinguished scholars in the field, engaged with staff from the National Park Service, and explored a collection of Civil War artifacts presented by KHS curators. KHS staff highlighted how recent research and discoveries have reshaped the museum's narratives about the Civil War, its aftermath, and its enduring impact on Kentucky today.
In 2025, KHS highlighted the stories of Kentuckians and their communities through presentations by Dr. Anne Marshall (Mississippi State University/Ulysses S. Grant Presidential Library), Dr. Brian McKnight (University of Virginia-Wise), and Dr. Cicero Fain (Marshall University).
Recorded sessions:
- If a Tree Falls in the Forest…How Guerrilla Warfare Impacted and Still Impacts How We Understand Appalachia’s Civil War. Brian D. McKnight, Professor of History, UVA Wise
- ‘The End of Slavery did not mean the beginning of freedom:’ The rise of racial violence in Jim Crow Kentucky. Cicero M. Fain, III, Assistant Provost of Access & Opportunity, Marshall University
- Roundtable on Interpreting Civil War History, moderated by Dr. Charles Welsko. Panelists: John Walker, Curator, Liberty Hall Historic Site; Dr. Shae Smith Cox, Assistant Professor of History, Texas A&M University; Steve Phan, Chief of Interpretation, Education, and Visitor Services, Camp Nelson National Monument.
- Cassius Marcellus Clay and Antislavery America. Anne E. Marshall, Executive Director, Ulysses S. Grant Presidential Library, Associate Professor of History, Mississippi State University
Watch the complete playlist of sessions below.