Public Archaeology Dig – Oldham County History Center
“In order to continue the opportunities for archaeological investigations, the Oldham County History Center has opened a new site outside of LaGrange on Winnrose Farm, owned by myself and husband, Jim Theiss. This site was the pioneer homestead of Moses and Cynthia Duncan, who were the ancestral patriarchs of Alexander Duncan that built in the Duncan Memorial Chapel in 1936. Moses and Cynthia. This site is very similar to the Gatewood site in that this family had numerous children and 17 enslaved laborers on the census. Moses was 3rd generation of Duncans who immigrated to America from the Edinburgh area of Scotland. This particular area of Oldham County has numerous Scottish pioneer settlements.
Eleanor Bingham Miller has offered her Harrods Creek Farm for another opportunity of research for the Oldham County History Center. A large remote cemetery on her property, has been identified as a burial ground for enslaved people, with perhaps over 100 burials. The history center currently uses this site for educational programs. Future research could help identify burial customs and practices as well as further our studies on enslavement as historic cultural practice in foodways, economy and farmland in Oldham County.
It is with gratitude to Colonel Glen Fisher, a WWII veteran who is a member of our Veterans Oral History Project, to have granted us the use of his farm for these important studies on internationally known abolitionist, Henry Bibb. He has always been kind, generous and eager to have students on his property to learn about history.
Our archaeology programs continue to further our knowledge about our Oldham County whose deep cultural roots and beauty can change our lives and instill a respect for our past to make our future better. We hope you, your family and students can continue to benefit in this special, hands-on programs that we offer at the Oldham County History Center.
Next Public Archaeology Dig: Sunday, Oct. 13, 2024, 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Call 502.222.0826, email: info@oldhamkyhistory.com or register on Eventbrite. Recommended for ages 12 and up. Smaller children must be supervised. Registration is required.”
📸: Oldham County History Center