This Kentucky history moment is presented by the Kentucky Historical Society, celebrating America’s 250th commemoration. 

90 years ago in 1935, the United States Narcotic Farm opened its doors in Lexington, Kentucky, as one of two federal narcotic hospitals in the nation. 

This institution was created as an alternative to traditional prison systems in that, in addition to incarceration, also operated as a rehabilitation center and research facility. The farm has a complicated legacy, as it utilized progressive techniques of the time. The institution greatly contributed to the medical understanding of addiction and treatment which still guide science today.

However, the institution also conducted a number of controversial experiments, suffered scandals, and it was closed by 1974.

I’m Rebecca Wishnevski the Museum Programs Coordinator for the Kentucky Historical Society. Learn more at history.ky.gov

history.ky.gov/america250ky

November 24, 2025 - Lexington Narcotic Farm collection

164 years ago, the Covington, Kentucky, chapter of the “Band of the Union” published a pamphlet to explain their organization. They were dedicated to resisting Kentucky’s secession from the United States during the Civil War.

Members of this club operated across the state and had to answer questions for entrance into the society, including “Are you opposed to the secession of the State of Kentucky from said Union, and are you ready and willing to do all in your power to prevent that secession?” 

While secret societies existed for both Union and Confederate sides across the US during the Civil War, this pro-Union organization gathered like-minded individuals, named on these documents, to preserve the United States in the wake of the Civil War.

I’m Mackenzie Scarlott a Museum Educator for the Kentucky Historical Society. Learn more at history.ky.gov


December 1, 2025 - Band of the Union Club Ledger

164 years ago, Julia Marcum’s family home was attacked by Confederate soldiers in Scott County, Tennessee.

“Aunt Julia,” as she was known, had to violently defend her family. After brandishing an axe, she was hit with a bayonet that caused the loss of one eye and one of her fingers. Her family was attacked for a second time by Confederate soldiers, and her father moved them to Kentucky to avoid more conflict. 

In 1885, Marcum was one of only a few women who successfully petitioned Congress for a war pension due to her injuries. She also was the only woman admitted as a full member of the Grand Army of the Republic, a veteran’s organization of Union soldiers in the Civil War.

I’m Sydney Thaler a Museum Programs Coordinator for the Kentucky Historical Society. Learn more at history.ky.gov

December 8, 2025 - Hand-written history of Julia Marcum

208 years ago, William Henry Harrison wrote a letter to Thomas Bodley defending his military actions during the War of 1812. 

Harrison, the brigadier general of the Kentucky militia, defended his military actions when the US faced one of its biggest losses in the conflict at the Battle of River Raisin in 1813. The vast majority of  causalities were Kentuckians. And while General James Winchester was the commander of the troops, he publicly claimed it was Harrison’s fault the battle was so deadly. 

After the defeat, Harrison took Winchester’s role as commander of the Old Northwest, which did not ease the tension between these men, nor did it give Kentuckians consolation in their sacrifice. 

I’m Hannah Litkenhous the Visitor Services Manager for the Kentucky Historical Society. Learn more at history.ky.gov


December 15, 2025 - William Henry Harrison to Thomas Bodlley

108 years ago, Nena Shelton was issued her military identity card for service as a nurse during World War I.

Shelton was born in Lexington, Kentucky, in 1875. She joined the US Army Nurse Corps in 1910, where she was stationed in the Philippines for two years in 1912. In February 1918, with the onset of the war, she was recalled to active duty in France. 

After World War I, she was assigned to duty with the Surgeon General in Washington, DC. By 1920, she was promoted to Chief Nurse of the Army Nurse Corps. Shelton was honored with a Distinguished Service Medal by Congress in 1923. 

I’m Riley Bryson a Museum Educator for the Kentucky Historical Society. Learn more at history.ky.gov


December 22, 2025 - Nena Shelton's Military Identity Card

L&G Pride AUDIO

Nancy Hanks Lincoln, the mother of future President Lincoln, died from milk sickness in Spencer County, Indiana, in 1818, when young Abraham was only nine years old. Nancy died only days after providing care to other family members who had also succumbed to the illness. The Lincoln family’s experiences with milk sickness mirrored the challenges of thousands of other settlers who crossed the Appalachian Mountains seeking land and economic opportunity. Join us today for a discussion with a former KHS research fellow, who will discuss the medical, environmental, and social implications of milk sickness in antebellum America.

Dr. J. Matthew Ward is an assistant professor of history at Quincy University in Quincy, Illinois. He holds a PhD from Louisiana State University and is the author of Garden of Ruins: Occupied Louisiana in the Civil War, published in 2024 and available from LSU Press. Additionally, he serves on the board of the Quincy & Adams County Historical Society, as well as the Lincoln-Douglas Debate Museum.

Hosted by Dr. Allen A. Fletcher, associate editor of The Register of the Kentucky Historical Society and coordinator of our Research Fellows program, which brings in researchers from across the world to conduct research in the rich archival holdings of the Kentucky Historical Society.
history.ky.gov/khs-for-me/for-re…earch-fellowships

Kentucky Chronicles is presented by the Kentucky Historical Society, with support from the Kentucky Historical Society Foundation.
history.ky.gov/about/khs-foundation

This episode was recorded and produced by Gregory Hardison, with support and guidance from Dr. Stephanie Lang. Our theme music, “Modern Documentary,” was created by Mood Mode and is used courtesy of Pixabay.

To learn more about our publication of The Register of the Kentucky Historical Society, or to learn more about our Research Fellows program, please visit our website:
history.ky.gov/

history.ky.gov/khs-podcasts

A Poor Cow at the Door | Dr. J. Matthew Ward

09. Forest Park AD_Fallen Tree Blocking a Patch after the May 2025 Tornado

History of Pleasant Township in Porter County, Indiana, according to the, "1912 History of Porter County, Indiana: Volume I."

Looking to the past helps us better understand the events of the present. Thank you in advance for listening and please consider making an online gift to support the PoCo Muse at pocomuse.org/donate.

Kouts

The award-winning PoCo Muse maintains free general admission year-round as the oldest institution devoted to the history and culture of Porter County, Indiana.

Kouts

Porter County Museum