Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War joined with the Jack Jouett House Historic Site and the Daughters of the War of 1812 to pay tribute to Kentucky Portrait Painter Matthew Jouett with a stone dedication at Cave Hill Cemetery in Louisville, KY . Click here to learn more...
Women on the Frontier at Fort Boonesborough
Women and their families gathered April 28 & 29 for the 8th Annual Women on the Frontier Event.Story and photos - Click Here!
Rare Bird: Sonnets on the Life of John James Audubon
Poet Richard Taylor examines the life and work of John J. Audubon in his latest book Rare Bird. This book of sonnets is a limited edition letterpress book produced by Larkspur Press.
Taylor spoke and read many of his sonnets recently at a special evening event at Historic Locust Grove on April 18th. According to Taylor, he “uses poetry as his vehicle to examine history.”
In addition to teaching at Transylvania University Dr. Taylor was Kentucky’s Poet Laureate from 1999- 2001.
Newsreel Clip of the event coming soon!
Salute to the General
Members of the Illinois Regiment paid tribute to General George Rogers Clark during their spring encampment at Historic Locust Grove. The annual event is entitled 18th Century Thunder and takes place during the same weekend as “Thunder over Louisville”- the annual fireworks show that is the kickoff to Kentucky Derby Festival events. Photos and newsreel now loaded.
History on the walls....
Ever spotted a water tower with amazingly lifelike art on it and wonder who created it? Or as in the case of the photo above, been driving down Main Street in Franklin, Ohio to see wonderful scenes of yesteryear unfolding as you drive. They are the creation of Artist Eric Henn. His artwork dots the country including aquariums, theme parks, commemorative walls and of course water towers. Story and photos click here.
Painted Stone Settlers Host an Evening with Daniel Boone
Each April the Painted Stone Settlers of Shelbyville, Kentucky host an open meeting for visitors to enjoy an evening of living history. This year’s program was Kentucky Chatauqua performer Daniel Boone as portrayed by Scott New. An opening color guard ceremony was performed by The Governor Isaac Shelby Chapter of the Sons of the America Revolution and was followed by questions, answers and refreshments. Learn more.....
From Our Archives Entertainment at the 2011 Fair at New Boston
A reader recently pointed out to us that a section of the 2011 Fair at New Boston never made it to the website. So click here to see photos and video from the entertainers. Click here...
Spring brings both re-enactors and visitors out to the 2nd Annual Bardstown Colonial Days in Bardstown, Kentucky. Friday saw 500 school children visit the event . Vendors set up in two locations at the village and also at the Wickland Historic Home.Click here for photos, video and more.
Artists David Wright, Shawn Webster and friends design Ceramic Egg for Charity Auction
Participant Registration for the 2012 Fair at New Boston opened on March 15. From webmaster Kristin Schultz “We are very excited to announce we are now accepting registrations online of the 2012 Fair. Payments are accepted through Paypal. This year you are required to include a jpeg. of your camp, or set-up along with your clothing. We are updating our records to electronic files so this is a necessary part of the process. Also, if you do not wish to fill out your registration via the online process you may still email registration@grcha.org or call 937-882-9216, to request a registration via mail.
One of the real signs of a truly talented artist is the high level of creativity and originality given to every project undertaken. David Wright shows off this “out of the box” concept with his design of a ceramic egg for a charity auction. Entitled “The Teacher,” Wright tapped into his vast knowledge of the American Indian for his piece. Read more and see additional photos and a newsreel about the Art of David Wright.
From Our Archives Fort Randolph
Sometimes in traveling, we fail to load photos that we shoot. Fort Randolph in 2010 was one of those stories. In 2009 an arsonist did damage to the Tavern. When we returned to the historic site in the spring of 2010 it had gone a remarkable renovation. Although we posted the photos of the event, we never finished the feature on the fort itself. See it now....
Simon Kenton visits at The Fireside Chats at Fort Boonesborough
Even a chill in the air and a threat of snow didn’t discourage the capacity crowd that came to hear Simon Kenton.
After another great meal by the foundation and games and music in the tavern, everyone settled in to hear the story of Frontiersman, Simon Kenton as portrayed by Mel Hankla. Aided by his walking stick, an elderly Simon Kenton shuffled into the blockhouse to tell his story. Click here for photos and story .
Mel Hankla appears as Simon Kenton sponsored in part by The Kentucky Humanities Council
February Fireside Chats begin at Fort Boonesborough with Daniel Boone
Scott New appeared as Daniel Boone at The Fireside Chats. This program is funded in part by The Kentucky Humanities Council
Daniel Boone, portrayed by Scott New, opened the February Fireside Chats on February 4th at Fort Boonesborough State Park. Each Saturday night in February brings a different speaker and also “A Taste of the Frontier” the dinner served before the performance. New this year is the 18th Century tavern opened in the lower blockhouse. It gave the capacity crowd a chance to mingle and walk through the fort before the main performance. Jon Hagee provided music in the tavern and hot cider was available.
E. L. Kurtz Brings the Music of the Revolution to a full house at 2nd Fireside Chat
On a very cold, cold night at Fort Boonesborough, the blockhouse was warmed by the fire, and performer Ernie Kurtz engaged the crowd in a night of music and entertainment. “A Taste of Frontier Fare” started the evening with white chili with fruit cobbler for dessert. Two chats remain - Mel Hankla portrays Frontiersman Simon Kenton on February 18 and Octavia Sexton portrays Jenny Wiley on February 25. Call Fort Boonesborough at 859-527-3131 for reservations. Click here for photos and a newsreel of this performance.
A Bible for Maggie Delaney
Ever wonder how the vast numbers of illiterate people in the 18th century learned about the bible. The truth is probably that they learned by word of mouth. Preachers, parents and others related the stories of the bible to those that could not read. But history also tells us that there were “picture bibles.” And Maggie Delaney, portrayed by Carol Jarboe is now the owner of one such reproduction bible. Learn more....
The best of 2011 in photos
As we start this new year we have moved all 2011 stories off of the front page so that we can start with a fresh canvas. As in previous years we will be bringing you news and information about living history and living history events. Watch for more articles and features in the coming year. 2012 will see the advent of many events commemorating the 200 Anniversary of the War of 1812 and 2012 is also the start of the Civil War Sesquicentennial. As always, if you would like to add an event to our calendar please email editor@pioneertimesusa.com. Another new feature is the search engine feature that will search the Pioneer Times. We hope you will continue to support our advertisers and visit our associated web pages and most of all enjoy our photographs!
Goodbye to April
For many children meeting April was often their first up close interaction with a horse.
In December of 2011 re-enactors lost another great friend. Although this was a quiet passing April, the horse belonging to Larry MacQuown was put down due to some painful ongoing issues with her hooves. Countless children thrilled to see April at school days at numerous events. She was a regular at Women on the Frontier at Fort Boonesborough where many young women and girls had their first horseback ride. April was the gentlest of horses. Children could brush her, pet her and feed her treats. She accepted it all, with a steady and friendly attitude. She loved to have her photo taken and she will be missed. See more photos of April at The Long Run Massacre School Day.
“Beyond Photography”
If you enjoy our photography, watch for our traveling exhibit entitled “Beyond Photography”. This series debuted in 2010 and has appeared at several venues.
“Beyond Photography” is a series of giclee prints framed and signed by the artists. Most of these prints deal with historic settings, log cabins, barns and landscapes. They are printed with archival papers and high quality pigment inks - framed and ready to hang in your home or office.
The print at the left is titled “The Water Wheel” by Jim Cummings. All prints are framed and available for purchase. Click Here for more details or to bring this show to your historic event.
Bringing History to Life... is the title of our book. It is a photo compilation of photos of living history people, events and places. And in addition to the photos we asked a hand full of folks to add their impressions of what this passion for history is all about. This 10 X 10 “coffee table book” has a linen cover in Midnight Blue with a full color dust jacket. The finished product contains over 150 full color photos from over the past several years. We did not target any specific events or people - just picked some of our all time favorite photos - some that have appeared on the website - some that have not.
Looking for a Story that was previously on the Home Page? Check for past stories here
x
Pioneer Times Weekend Newsreels
Haven’t seen all the recent newsreels then check out
