Boone County Public Library is hosting a two-month history series through October and November with concerts, crafts, ghost walks and book discussions at all six branches.
The series, called "Revolutionary Read," is part of the America250KY initiative, a statewide effort led by the Kentucky Historical Society to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. The library received a grant through the program.
Events span Burlington, Florence, Union, Hebron, Walton and Petersburg. Highlights in October include:
- Monday, Oct. 5, 6:30 p.m. Paper Patriots craft at the Florence Branch, where participants build a movable paper puppet of an influential American.
- Friday, Oct. 9, 7 p.m. A patriotic violin concert by Jared Maucotel at the Main Library in Burlington, with a chance to win a copy of David McCullough's 1776.
- Thursday, Oct. 15, 5:30 p.m. Spirits of the Revolution Ghost Walk at New Bethel Cemetery in Verona. Tickets cost $5 and can be purchased at the Main Library or Walton Branch.
- Tuesday, Oct. 20, 6:30 p.m. "1776 by Candlelight with Karen," a candlelit book discussion of McCullough's 1776 at the Main Library.
- Thursday, Oct. 22, 6 p.m. Paleoindigenous Peoples presentation by Friends of Big Bone at the Scheben Branch in Union.
Two sessions of Colonial Calligraphy, taught by Amo Ink founder Amy Owens, let participants learn the English Roundhand script used to pen the Declaration of Independence. The first meets Monday, Oct. 12, at 2 p.m. at the Scheben Branch; the second follows Monday, Nov. 2, at 6 p.m. at the same location.
November events build toward a Colonial Ball on Friday, Nov. 13, at 6:30 p.m. at the Main Library. The after-hours gathering includes games, door prizes, refreshments and a historic dance lesson. Costumes are optional but encouraged.
Other November programs include a Daughters of the American Revolution presentation on Boone County Patriots buried locally (Wednesday, Nov. 4, Walton Branch), a panel discussion on Jacob Piatt and his service on General George Washington's staff (Thursday, Nov. 5, Main Library) and a "Breakup Letters to England" workshop at 2 p.m. where participants craft vintage paper and wax seals to write King George III (Saturday, Nov. 21, Florence Branch).
The series follows the library's outdoor History Walk, "Patriots, Pioneers & Places That Transformed the County," which opened June 28 at the Burlington campus and remains open. The library funded the installation with a grant through the America250KY initiative, a statewide effort led by the Kentucky Historical Society to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
The full Revolutionary Read calendar is available at bcplundiscovered.org/revolutionary-read. Residents needing special accommodations can call (859) 663-2041 at least one week before an event.
