Several events are taking place in October, and one of them involves our May speaker.  On Friday, October 5, at the EKU Libraries, Kathryn Engle will be making a presentation about the book she has edited, Madison's Heritage Rediscovered:  Stories from a Historic Kentucky County.  When she spoke to the Historical Society last May her book was in press; it was published later this summer.  With columns by Fred A. Engle, Jr. (Kathryn's grandfather) and Robert N. Grise, and with illustrations from EKU's Special Collections and Archives, the book is a fine treasure of information about historical Madison County.

The October 5 event begins at 4:00 p.m. in the Library Discovery Classroom, 204D, in the John Grant Crabbe Library.  In addition to Kathryn, Fred Engle and Robert Grise will be in attendance to discuss the contents of the book.  So, if you have a yen for the Madison County past, come and join Kathryn and participate in the discussion!  Afterwards, you are welcome to purchase an autographed copy of Madison's Heritage Rediscovered.

June 18, 1812: Let the war begin

200 years ago today -- June, 18, 1812 -- the United States declared war on Great Britain, beginning what is now known as the War of 1812 or the "Second War of Independence."  Kentuckians eagerly joined the fight with almost 26,000 volunteers.  By war's end much Kentucky blood had been shed, especially at the humiliating defeat at the Battle of the River Raisin in January of 1813.

MCHS recently hosted speaker John Trowbridge, who is highly knowledgeable about Kentucky and the War of 1812.  His talk and the discussion that followed gave members a deeper understanding of the sacrifices made by Kentuckians in this war. The June/July issue of Kentucky Monthly includes an article by Ron Soodalter entitled, "Remembering the Raisin:  Kentucky's Role in the War of 1812."  A thoughtful essay about the war is found in June's Smithsonian. This article, by Tony Horwitz, also refers to this horrific battle in its title -- "The War of 1812:  Remember the Raisin."  Let us remember the Kentuckians who fought in this war as well as the lessons learned during this conflict.

Heritage Highlights and Membership Dues

The latest issue of Heritage Highlights is about to be published -- look for it in your mailboxes very soon!

In addition to all the wonderful articles, Heritage Highlights will contain the MCHS membership renewal form. Be sure to fill out the form and renew your dues.

Finally -- our next membership meeting is scheduled for Thursday, April 19, at 7 p.m. at Central Bank. More on that meeting soon.