The SEEK Museum in Russellville works to preserve Black history in southern Kentucky

RUSSELLVILLE, Ky – Black history is not only found in textbooks or large cities. In Russellville, local leaders are working to preserve that history and make it accessible to future generations.

The SEEK Museum focuses on African American history in south central Kentucky, highlighting stories from slavery and segregation, to education and the civil rights movement.

“Our mission was to talk about African Americans and expose young people to their histories, and to use documents and all of the artifacts and different things to do that,” said Michael Morrow, director of the SEEK Museum.

Part of that history is tied to Richard Bibb, a Revolutionary War soldier who enslaved dozens of Africans before his death in 1839. Historical records show Bibb freed 65 enslaved people and provided them with money and land. The building that once served as his plantation home now houses exhibits that share the stories of those who were enslaved there.

“I tell people about that exhibit. It’s not a very pleasant topic, but in these days and times it’s a necessary topic,” Morrow said.

According to historical data, more than 165,000 people were enslaved in Kentucky in 1830, making up about 24% of the state’s population at the time.

Morrow said preserving these records is critical so younger generations can better understand their roots.

“We’re trying to save a lot of this stuff, where younger generations can come and find it. find pictures that we didn’t find, a church that they want to understand, where they grew up, who were their slave owners,” Morrow said. “It takes a lot of work to get all this organized, and we’re in the process of organizing.”

Near the Bibb House is another historic area known as “The Bottom,” a community settled by formerly enslaved people. The site explores the area’s cultural heritage, segregation, racial violence and the long struggle for civil rights.

Morrow says the museum’s goal is to ensure those stories remain preserved and accessible for years to come.