John Barlow, Civil War soldier, Confederacy

About the Project

We are excited to announce that our documentary film, “Kentucky—An American Story,” goes into production later this fall! In December we will shoot interviews with distinguished scholars and leading figures in Kentucky’s history. In the spring production will continue throughout the state on all parts of the film. We anticipate having the film ready for broadcast by the summer of 2010.

Our commonwealth’s history and development are microcosms of the triumphs and the struggles in forming our nation. “Kentucky – An American Story” captures that spirit and serves to educate young Kentuckians about how past generations helped forge a commonwealth and a nation.

Laura E. Owens
Secretary, 2006
Kentucky Education Cabinet

Film Series:

“Kentucky – An American Story” hosted and narrated by film star and Kentucky native, Ashley Judd, will be launched as an original documentary history for public television.  The film, airing initially as a special on KET, with eventual nation-wide exposure on PBS, will dramatize how Kentucky’s past, far from being an odd ‘stepchild’ of the American experience, in fact symbolizes much of the nation’s journey. 

From its frontier origins to its global present, Kentucky offers a revealing window into a wide range of distinctly American issues. Offering a treasure-trove of unforgettable people and transforming events, the film will tell vivid Kentucky stories that are indelibly linked with the nation at large. 
Evocative music that expresses Kentucky’s musical heritage—from the mountain music of Bill Monroe and Ricky Skaggs to Patty Loveless and Dwight Yoakam’s heartfelt tunes rooted in Kentucky’s past—will create a powerful soundtrack for the project.

Companion Book

The University Press of Kentucky will publish a companion book to “Kentucky – An American Story”. Lavishly-illustrated with photos and stills from the film as well as many other surprising images from Kentucky’s rich past, this attractive, collector’s item will contain original essays by the authors and filmmakers.

Educational Outreach

The ‘shelf life’ of “Kentucky – An American Story” will go far beyond its multiple broadcasts on state-wide television, creating a whole range of educational materials and opportunities:

  • Six state-wide professional development seminars for teachers
  • An instructor’s Guide to the film series
  • An interactive CD containing sources and footage from the series
  • An interactive website for students and teachers: the History Scene Investigator (HSI)
  • A virtual course for teachers continuing education and professional development