Three hundred and fifty three people were lynched in Kentucky between 1866 and 1934.
Documenting Racial Violence in Kentucky is a growing digital archive of biographies
and transcribed articles of all victims of lynchings and racially charged killings.
Black women at a lunch counter sit-in, circa 1960s,University of Kentucky Special Collections Research Center
Explore the comprehensive list of all known lynching victims on our site with this
easy-to-navigate table.
Explore the exhibit dedicated to chronicling the history of racial violence in Kentucky through a curated collection of media artifacts.
Explore the collection of maps that vividly illustrate the historical trends and patterns of racial violence in Kentucky. These maps shed light on the locations, incidents, and impact of racial violence.
Read the biographies that narrate the lives of victims of racial violence. These impactful biographies serve to reflect on the past and memorialize the victims of racial injustice in Kentucky.
View comprehensive lesson plans and teaching content focused on the complex history of racial violence. Educators and learners alike will find valuable resources designed to facilitate thoughtful discussions, promote historical awareness, and foster empathy.
Through an innovative combination of maps and compelling narratives, this story map connects the geographical and personal dimensions of each life lost, offering a poignant and insightful exploration of the broader impact of racial violence.
Refutes long-standing, but false claims that a milder form of racism existed in Kentucky than in other southern states. This project researches and develops biographies of every person who was lynched in Kentucky between 1880 and 1955 using historical tools like census record data, birth and death certificates, and newspaper articles.
Encourages cooperation across the Commonwealth as community members come to terms with the events of the past, memorialize injustice, and encourage reconciliation.
Provides undergraduate students with essential experiential learning and encourages career readiness. Student interns practice the detective work that archival research requires, learning to use microfilm, census records, court transcripts, city directories, property deeds and more, under the careful direction of professor advisors.
