Please join us in welcoming Dr. Mel Stewart Hankla of Carter County, Kentucky as he presents his program “The American Long Rifle: Backbone of Frontier Culture.” Dr. Hankla will showcase examples of early material culture, knitting high-quality detailed images together with the stories of early American frontiersmen. Hankla contends that the emergence of art, fine silverwork, elaborate furniture, and the dramatic architecture of early America was made possible by a culture that had, as its backbone, the iconic long rifle.

This program will be held on the first floor of the Rock Ford Barn. This program includes admission to our special exhibit “Long Rifles of the American Revolution: How Lancaster County Craftsmen Helped Win the War” located in the Snyder Gallery (2nd floor of the Barn).

Dr. Hankla will have copies of his book “Into the Bluegrass: Art and Artistry of Kentucky’s Historic Icons” available for purchase and signing.