We Will Rise! Kentucky's Black Artisans and the Civil War

March 5, 2026
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Speed Art Museum
2035 South Third St. Louisville, KY 40208

Step into a hidden chapter of Kentucky history and meet the Black artisans—both free and enslaved—who shaped their communities and fought for the Union during the Civil War. Through army enlistment records from 1864–1865, preserved at the National Archives, we uncover the names, trades, and skills of these remarkable men, giving voice to lives often lost in historical accounts.

While their handcrafted work may not survive, their stories do. This exhibition invites you to imagine their daily lives, their craftsmanship, and their courage, and to reflect on how their talents and patriotic determination helped shape Kentucky and the nation. Walk away inspired by their skill, resilience, and the enduring impact of their lives and legacies.

This project is supported by funding from the Kentucky Historical Society.