In the summer of 2000, KAS launched a long-term research and education program to better understand the layout of Ashland, The Henry Clay Estate and to learn more about what life was like at this urban plantation (see 2001 KAS Newsletter for more information). To date we have collected information on the locations of barns, slave quarters, and privies. We are especially interested in learning more about the lives of the slaves at Ashland and how their experience compared to slaves who lived on more rural plantations. Research also is ongoing on the two foals that were found buried near one of the barns. This research has been supported in part by federal highway enhancement funds provided by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinent.

Each year over 1000 students assist in this research. The students learn about the process of archaeology and to use artifacts to interpret the past. They also learn about the history of the Ashland Estate.

For teachers KAS has developed a set of classroom activities based on our work at Ashland. Teachers are required to complete these activities before their field visit. Past experience has shown that students who have completed these activities have a far better learning experience than those who have not. For instance they have greater interaction with the archaeologists and a better understanding of the research that is being undertaken at Ashland.

Students assist in excavation of slave cabins.

To download a copy of the classroom activities

The following is a pdf file, you will need Adobe® Acrobat Reader to view it

  Exploring History in Your Own Backyard: The Ashland Estate