Camp Nelson National Monument – Winter Lecture Series

Learn about Civil War History

Camp Nelson National Monument is launching our second annual Winter Lecture Series starting in January 2023!

The special programs feature guest speakers who present on a topic related to the Civil War Era. The presentations will take place on select Saturdays starting at 11:00am. The January event will be held at the national park, while the February and March presentations will be hosted at Jessamine County Public Library. All the programs are free and open to the public.

Portrait of Brad Asher

January 14, 2023 – Brad Asher

Historian and author of The Most Hated Man in Kentucky: The Lost Cause and the Legacy of Union General Stephen Burbridge

January 14th, 2023 ● 11:00am – 12:30pm ● Presentation at Camp Nelson National Monument 6614 Danville Road, Loop 2 ● Nicholasville, KY

In his biography of Union General Stephen G. Burbridge, Brad Asher explores how Burbridge earned his infamous reputation and illuminates how Burbridge—as both a Kentuckian and the local architect of the destruction of slavery—became the scapegoat for white Kentuckians, including many in the Unionist political elite, who were unshakably opposed to emancipation.

Portrait of Stuart Sanders

February 11, 2023 – Stuart Sanders

Director of Research and Collections at the Kentucky Historical Society

February 11th, 2023 ● 11:00am – 12:30pm ● Presentation at Jessamine County Public Library 600 S. Main Street ● Nicholasville, KY

Union officer and Kentucky native William “Bull” Nelson worked tirelessly during the early stages of the Civil War to keep the Bluegrass State in the Union. Stuart W. Sanders will examine Nelson’s important role during the secession crisis, his arrest of pro-Confederate civilians, early military victories, and how he became a controversial before his murder by a fellow federal officer in September 1862.

Portrait of Holly Pinheiro

February 25, 2023 – Holly Pinheiro, Jr.

Assistant Professor of African American History at Furman University, and author of The Families’ Civil War: Black Soldiers and the Fight for Racial Justice

February 25th, 2023 ● 11:00am – 12:30pm ● Presentation at Jessamine County Public Library 600 S. Main Street ● Nicholasville, KY

In The Families’ Civil War, Holly A. Pinheiro Jr. provides a compelling account of the lives of African American soldiers and their entire families, but also argues that the Civil War was but one engagement in a longer war for racial justice. By 1863 the Civil War provided African American Philadelphians with the ability to expand the theater of war beyond their metropolitan and racially oppressive city into the South to defeat Confederates and end slavery as armed combatants. But the war at home waged by white northerners never ended.

Portrait of William Marvel

March 25, 2023 – William Marvel

Historian and author of over twenty books, including the definitive biography of General Ambrose Burnside

March 25th, 2023 ● 11:00am – 12:30pm ● Presentation at Jessamine County Public Library 600 S. Main Street ● Nicholasville, KY

Historian Bill Marvel examines General Ambrose E. Burnside’s transfer to the Western Theater, and his tenure as the commander of the Army of the Ohio. Burnside’s career in the West culminated with the launch of the Knoxville Campaign from Camp Nelson in August 1863.

Signature Annual Events

Kentucky Wine And Vine Fest

Kentucky’s premiere wine event celebrating not only wineries here in Jessamine but across the whole bluegrass state.

PGA Barbasol Championship

Enjoy the PGA’s very own Barbasol Championship at Keene Trace. Did you know that the PGA will host this event in Nicholasville through 2023? There’s plenty of time to book your tickets and watch some of golf’s best athletes here in the bluegrass state.

Wilmore Fourth of July Parade

If you love a parade (and who doesn’t love a parade!), especially a 4th of July parade followed by a festival that includes music, food and fun, then Wilmore’s Annual Festival of the Fourth is a “must do” event.

Jessamine Fall Fest

Enjoy the fall festival of Jessamine in downtown Nicholasville. Children activities, petting zoo, music, food trucks, crafts and more.

Spooky Time on Main

Bring the kids to the Trick or Treat Halloween festivities in downtown Nicholasville, Kentucky.

Saint Nick Fest And Parade

Enjoy the spirit of Christmas in downtown Nicholasville, Kentucky. The Saint Nich Fest offers craft vendors, food trucks, kettle corn, lights and of course the annual Christmas parade.

Wilmore's Old Fashioned Christmas

Explore the streets of Wilmore with open houses, official tree lighting and musical concert.

High Bridge Homecoming Festival

Enjoy the beauty of High Bridge Park at the annual High Bridge Homecoming Festival. Antique tractors, cars, craft and food vendors as well as local musicians such as our very own Moron Brothers will truly entertain at this great event.

Taste of Jessamine

We hope you’ll join us for an evening of food, fun and fellowship. At the Taste of Jessamine County, you’re welcome and encouraged to sample tasty samples prepared by more than 75 chefs and aspiring foodies from in and around Jessamine County.

Places to Eat in Jessamine County

Big Cheese Beer Cheese

Beer cheese is a Kentucky staple! Big Cheese Beer Cheese is a small batch beer cheese made by the...

Big City Pizza

If you’re a pizza fan, then the slice stops here. Big City Pizza turns the authentic big city...

Bill’s Saloon at Connemara

Grab lunch on the green! The Connemara Golf Course, constructed in 1992, was an addition to the...

Chicken Salad Chick

Chicken Salad Chick specializes in the art of the salad: chicken salad, broccoli salad, pasta...

Coffee @ Oak and Main

We are a woman owned and operated business that offers a temporary home to female locally owned...

Copper River Grill

Copper River Grill continues the tradition to serve American classics like wood-fired pizzas,...

Cottage Cafe

Cottage Cafe Diner on Main Street serves Nicholasvillians Southern-style home cooking favorites...

Daddy Joe’s Bar & Grill at Thoroughbred Golf Club

Daddy Joe’s Bar and Grill is located in an old tobacco barn situated on high ground—the highest...

Dixie Cafe & Quick Stop

The Dixie Cafe & Quick Stop is an Irish market with imported candies, local products, and...

Drake’s

Bruce Drake couldn’t sleep, so he grabbed his keys and went out to find a pub where he could hang...

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