Submitted for all those of you who might be interested: Putting It All Together Research, African American History and Genealogy Symposium A comprehensive look at the state of African American history, preservation and genealogy is the focus of a three-day Research Symposium at Kentucky State University and the Kentucky History Center, Thursday Saturday, February 24-26, 2005. Topics of discussion include the origin of African colonization which took root and flourished in Kentucky (1827-1866); a recovery of the identities and biographies of some of the first 100 emigrants to Liberia and the roles some of these emigrants from Kentucky played in directing the political affairs of the Republic; other discussions will focus on Kentucky African American linkages to national movements such as the 1905 Niagara Movement which led to the establishment of the NAACP. Of equal importance are topics that address genealogy and family histories, historic preservation and efforts to reclaim community sites, such as African American cemeteries and underground railroad historic sites. Presenters at the Symposium include Philip J. Merrill, a nationally recognized expert in African American history, memorabilia and collectibles. His specialties include African American historical research, oral history and collecting and interpreting cultural artifacts. An appraiser with the PBS television Antiques Road Show for six years, he has lectured widely on African American history and collectibles and will exhibit under-rated collectibles useful in illustrating African American contributions and accomplishments. Other presenters include Dr. Blaine Hudson, University of Louisville; Dr. Gerald Smith, University of Kentucky; Ted Harris, Covington, Kentucky; Ms. Juanita White, Louisville, Ky.; Robert Lett, San Marino, CA;Tom Stephens, Kentucky History Center; Bob Gates, Kentucky History Center; and David Morgan, Executive Director of the Kentucky Heritage Council. Dr. Russell Irvine and Dr. David Smith, from Georgia State University, Atlanta, will discuss their research covering the education of African Americans prior to 1865, the Kentucky Colonization Society led by Henry Clay, and the Liberian presidencies of two former Kentucky slaves. An African American History Extravaganza and Reception that showcases historical and preservation projects from around the state and a book signing by authors of recent books about Kentucky African Americans will take place on Friday, February 25th from 6-9 p.m. in the Carl Hill Student Center Ballroom on the campus. Admission to this event only is $10.00. John Logan, a native of Garrad County, Kentucky, will close the Symposium with a full-day Geneaology Workshop on Saturday, February 26, 2005. He is a co-founder of the African-American Genealogy Group (AAGG) of Philadelphia, and has been practicing genealogy for over 20 years. The Genealogy Workshop will be held at the Kentucky History Center. Registration for the Symposium starts at 8:00 a.m., Thursday, February 24, 2005 in the Cooperative Extension Building at Kentucky State University. Participants may register for either one day of the Symposium or all three. The registration fee is $50.00 per day, for Thursday and Fridays sessions and $25 for the Genealogy Workshop on Saturday. This workshop will be held at the Kentucky History Center. Registration can be completed by phone by calling the CESKAA Office at 502-597-6315. Checks are to be made payable to CESKAA SYMPOSIUM. The Symposium is a joint project between the Center of Excellence for the Study of Kentucky African Americans (CESKAA) at Kentucky State University, the Kentucky African American Heritage Commission, the Kentucky History Center and the Kentucky Genealogy Society. Contact: Dr. Anne Butler, 502-597-6315 [email protected]