The Adair County Genealogical Society will soon enhance its walking tours after receiving a grant for new sound equipment, microphones and promotional materials.
Paige Nickel, director of tourism, located a grant for local history preservation, specifically walking tours.
Mike Watson, genealogist at the Adair County Library’s Genealogy and History Research Center, said he was contacted by Nickel about the grant and together they planned what to apply for.
“The grant was designed for any kind of walking tours for this calendar year,” said Watson. “We decided that we could do the Lanterns and Tombstones, the October tour, and two to three walking tours this year that would highlight our history.”
A microphone system was the main priority when applying for the grant. The organization was awarded $978, which will cover the sound system and promotional items including brochures to help increase awareness and attendance.
“The Adair County Tourism Commission is proud to support Mike Watson and the Adair County Genealogy Society in their efforts to bring local history to life through community walking tours,” said Nickel.
Nickel also expressed her appreciation to the Kentucky Genealogical Society for offering grants to support history and tourism initiatives.
“We look forward to the positive impact this project will have on preserving and promoting the history of Adair County for years to come,” she said.
Watson has been conducting walking tours around the square and local cemeteries for many years, sharing stories about notable residents and historical events. Last year’s final tour had approximately 175 people in attendance.
The first walking tour of this year will be heldSaturday at noon, beginning at the Adair County courthouse annex. Watson will lead the group around the square and share various historical insights. The tour is expected to last approximately one hour.
Beginning in April, the Lanterns & Tombstones tour will return on the first Friday of each month through September, beginning at 7 p.m. The first will be held Friday, April 3 at the Columbia City Cemetery. Watson and co-host Dave Thomas lead attendees through the cemetery telling stories of notable people who are buried there.
Although some stories are too good not to repeat, there are always new stories.
For Watson, the goal is simply to keep telling the stories of Adair County’s past and ensure they are not forgotten.
By Amy Pike
amy@adairvoice.com
