Heritage Tourism and Public Outreach at Lower Howard's Creek

Since 1998, CRA has conducted cultural resource surveys and archaeological investigations at the Lower Howard’s Creek Nature and Heritage Preserve in Clark County, Kentucky. The Preserve, which is comprised of approximately 297 acres, contains the historical remains of one of Kentucky’s earliest industrial communities dating back to the late eighteenth century. Many of the historic sites contain ruins of stone residences and industrial buildings, as well as extant buildings. It is also home to populations of federally endangered and rare plants.

The goals of the Preserve are to protect the rare plant species, protect and interpret historical and archaeological resources, promote scientific research, facilitate natural community protection and restoration, and develop environmental education.

CRA has worked one-on-one with the Preserve to attain these goals. While conducting archival research, cultural resource surveys, and archaeological investigations, CRA has been committed to incorporating public outreach in these endeavors. For example, in 2002, CRA conducted an archaeological field school to assess the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) eligibility of Site 15Ck478, a homestead that was once the early nineteenth century residence of Jonathan Bush. During the four-week field school, undergraduate students from Transylvania University were introduced to archaeological theories and gained hands-on experience in learning archaeological field methods.

In 2007, CRA completed additional archaeological investigations at Site 15Ck478. Third grade students from Shearer Elementary School in Winchester, Kentucky, spent time at the Preserve learning about the history of the Lower Howard’s Creek Valley and participating in screening for historic artifacts. College students from Transylvania University also spent time learning about archaeology and excavation methods and techniques.

Guided tours of the Lower Howard’s Creek Nature and Heritage Preserve are a primary means of support for the Preserve and are a major component of its public outreach and education goals. CRA remains actively engaged in this effort.