Throughout November, KET and the Kentucky Historical Society will celebrate the life of the man who continues to be the Commonwealth’s best- known and most respected historian, the late Dr. Thomas Clark, with a statewide “Treasures Tour,” officially recognizing each site designated by Dr. Clark as a Kentucky Treasure. The tour sites are Cumberland Gap, Lilley Cornett Woods, Falls of the Ohio, Speed Art Museum, Mammoth Cave, Abbey of Gethsemani, Land Between the Lakes, the town of Augusta, Fitchburg Furnace, Cane Ridge Meeting House and Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill.
During each visit, the Kentucky Historical Society will make a special presentation naming the site as one of Dr. Clark’s Kentucky Treasures. Also, Kentucky Life host Dave Shuffett will show a preview of KET’s new documentary, A Kentucky Life Special, Dr. Clark’s Kentucky Treasures, and there will be special activities related to each site and its significance. Details about the Treasures Tour are available online at www.ket.org or by calling (800) 432-0951.
“Dr. Clark encouraged Kentuckians to find their roots in time and place,” says Kentucky Historical Society Executive Director Kent Whitworth. “These cherished places help people make connections to the past, gain perspective on the present and be inspired for the future.”
A Kentucky Life Special, Dr. Clark’s Kentucky Treasures, features interviews with Dr. Clark as well as the historical background and visits to each of the 11 sites. The special was inspired by the project Dr. Clark was working on with the Lexington Herald-Leader shortly before his death and the book that resulted: Dr. Thomas Clark’s Kentucky Treasures. The program airs Saturday, Dec. 2 at 8/7 pm CT during KET’s WinterPledge.
“The sites Dr. Clark chose beckon us to learn more about our state and its rich history,” said KET Executive Director Mac Wall. “We’re excited about the opportunities that the Treasures Tour and this Kentucky Life Special give us all to do just that.”
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An agency of the Kentucky Commerce Cabinet, the Kentucky Historical Society, since 1836, has provided connections to the past, perspective on the present and inspiration for the future. KHS operates the Old State Capitol, Kentucky Military History Museum and its seven-year-old headquarters, the Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History. Since 1999, the Center for Kentucky History has welcomed almost one million visitors. For more information, visit the Web at http://history.ky.gov.