By Amy Wallot
amy.wallot@education.ky.gov

It’s funny how we often overlook the offerings of our own town. I have lived and worked in Frankfort for over 10 years. My job as a photographer takes me to all sorts of interesting places. But somehow, in all of that time and all of those photo assignments, I had yet to visit the Old State Capitol. 

I recently had the chance as part of the “Torn Within, Threatened Without: Kentucky and the Border States in the Civil War” workshop through the Kentucky Historical Society. The building is beautiful and I loved all of the natural light and old paintings. The history of the building and the politics that took place inside are mesmerizing. I can’t wait to return.

Teachers were able to tour the Old Capitol during the weeklong workshop. They were immersed in scholar sessions and visits to Perryville Battlefield, Mary Todd Lincoln House, Ashland – The Henry Clay Estate and Camp Nelson.

“These workshops allow the participant teachers to not only learn more and experience (by site visits) the important role Kentucky and the other border states played in the Civil War, they also provide ideas, resources, and hands-on interaction with primary sources that they can take back and use in their classroom teaching,” said Tim Talbot, teacher professional development coordinator for KHS.

The workshop was held the week of June 23 and again the week of July 14. Visit the Kentucky Historical Society website for more information on their education offerings for teachers.

Participants of the Torn Within, Threatened Without: Kentucky and the Border States in the Civil War workshop tour the Old State Capitol.

Participants of the Torn Within, Threatened Without: Kentucky and the Border States in the Civil War workshop tour the Old State Capitol.

Henry Clay High School (Fayette County) history teacher Jonathan McClintock asks a question about Frankfort being chosen as the state capital during the workshop. Photo by Amy Wallot, June 27, 2013

Henry Clay High School (Fayette County) history teacher Jonathan McClintock asks a question about Frankfort being chosen as the state capital during the workshop.
Photo by Amy Wallot, June 27, 2013

North Lauren High School (Lauren County) AP US History teacher Howard Muncy examines the library at the Old State Capitol. Photo by Amy Wallot, June 27, 2013

North Lauren High School (Lauren County) AP U.S. History teacher Howard Muncy examines the library at the Old State Capitol.
Photo by Amy Wallot, June 27, 2013

Teachers examine the self-supporting double staircase as they head upstairs to the House and Senate chambers. Photo by Amy Wallot, June 27, 2013

Teachers examine the self-supporting double staircase as they head upstairs to the House and Senate chambers.
Photo by Amy Wallot, June 27, 2013

Tim Talbott, teacher professional development coordinator with the Kentucky Historical Society, discusses early Kentucky politicians in the House chambers of the Old State Capitol. Photo by Amy Wallot, June 27, 2013

Tim Talbott, teacher professional development coordinator with the Kentucky Historical Society, discusses early Kentucky politicians in the House chambers of the Old State Capitol.
Photo by Amy Wallot, June 27, 2013