Camp Nelson National Monument will host a special event on Saturday, October 26, 2019 to mark the one-year anniversary of the park becoming a National Monument.

During the day, visitors will be able to tour the White House (Officers Headquarters), the only remaining building from the period of the supply depot and largest training center for the US Colored Troops (USCTs) soldiers in Kentucky as well as the 3rd largest USCT training center in the nation at that time.  Speakers will include Abraham Lincoln portrayed by Larry Elliott, Frederick Douglass portrayed by local reenactor Michael Crutcher and Yolanda Burgess, a descendent of a USCT soldier and his wife.  Children can participate in the School of the Soldier and visitors will also learn about the life experiences of the families that came to Camp Nelson seeking freedom from 1864-1866.

The day’s activities begin at 10:00am with a one-year anniversary ceremony that will take place in the reconstructed barracks building, near the park’s visitor center.  At the conclusion of the ceremony, visitors will have numerous tours and activities to choose from throughout the course of the day. The event is free and open to the public.  A schedule of events in listed below.

White House Tours at 11:00am; 12:00pm; 1:00pm and 2:00pm

School of the Soldier for Children at 10:30am and 3:00pm

Presenters:

• 11:00 AM Abraham Lincoln  (Larry Elliot)

• 12:00 PM Yolanda Burgess

• 1:00 PM Frederick Douglass  (Michael Crutcher)

Forts of Camp Nelson and Cemetery One Tour at 11:00am

Park Film will be shown every 30 minutes in the visitor center

Tours of the Museum will take place on the hour

 For more information on Camp Nelson National Monument, visit the park’s website at: http://www.nps.gov/cane