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Wednesday 10am - 2pm Thursday 10am - 2pm Friday 10am - 2pm Saturday 10am - 2pm

Ancestral Trails Historical Society

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Ancestral Trails Historical Society

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Ancestral Trails Historical Society, Inc. (ATHS) is a regional genealogical and historical society with a national membership. is a tax-exempt organization.

Ancestral Trails Historical Society had its beginnings in Radcliff, Kentucky on October 3, 1975. It was formed "to bring together persons who are researching history and genealogy and to share ideas, information, research methods, and practices. We work with local officials and other organizations to preserve cemeteries, historic buildings, public records and historical and/or genealogical collections. Our focus is on the following ten Kentucky counties: Breckinridge, Bullitt, Edmonson, Grayson, Hardin, Hart, Jefferson, LaRue, Meade, Nelson and Harrison in Indiana. Historical or genealogy presentations are available to groups or organizations upon request. We welcome donations and will gladly furnish any donor with a receipt for tax purposes.

10/13/2026

Ancestral Trails Historical Society had its 2nd " Community Conversation" at Bethlehem Academy, St John Road, Elizabethtown. It was a beautiful sunny afternoon, with several individuals attending excited to hear about the history of the Academy. Bethlehem established in the 1800's was originally owned by two times Governor John Helm, who's family farmed this magnificence plot of farm land. Sisters of Loretto began girls' school in 1830; the official contract made, 1831. John L. Helm, twice gov. of Ky., sold 580 acres for $2,240 to Rev. Chas. J. Cecil. Sisters used Helm mansion as main building; wings added ca. 1848. With facilities for 75 boarding and 25 day students, Academy had grade through high school levels. Closed 1959; mansion restored in 1981. The afternoon was enjoyed, history was shared and tours were provided.

09/27/2026

You are invited to Ancestral Trails Historical Society Meeting, October 2, 2026, 7 PM. EDT, Elizabethtown Community Technical College, Jim Owens Building, Room 112 .Free to everyone, do not have to be a member of ATHS to attend. Light Refreshments, door prizes.
Presentation by: Teresa Wise.

The remarkable life of Irene Helen Crabtree. Teresa, in honor of her mother, will give a presentation on Irene Helen Crabtree’s life. Irene was a native of Brzostek, Poland. At the age of 14, during World War II, Irene and her older sister Wanda were taken by the German Army and forced into slave labor in Salzburg, Austria. In 1945, they were freed by the U.S. Army and placed into a displaced persons camp with the United Nations Relief Organization. In 1949, her Uncle Frank Begos assisted Irene with her immigration to America.

Irene Helen Crabtree.

Marcia Barnes, [email protected]
Ancestral Trails Historical Society , 270-982- 0881

09/25/2026

The Ancestral Trails library will be closed on Saturday September 26 due to the downtown streets being closed from 5am to 7pm. Thank you

09/12/2026

Edited to answer questions

Announcing "Community Conversations" # 2

Location: Bethlehem Academy, 7051 St John Road, Elizabethtown, KY
When: September 22,2026
Time : 5 pm, EDT

History and Tour presented by Vincent Thompson, Owner
Come hear a love story, about possible ghost presents, come as a stranger , leave as a friend.

Every one is invited...it is not necessary to RSVP.
Contact person Marcia Barnes, [email protected]

Just FYI, Community Conversation # 3 will be upcoming in October. This is our last one for 2026...

09/09/2026

Announcing the upcoming meeting of Ancestral Trail Historical Society , Friday, October 2, 2026. 7 PM EDT, Elizabethtown Community Technical College, Room 112 , Jim Owens Building. The program will be presented by Teresa Wise, a local Hardin County Resident. Teresa, in honor of her mother, will give a presentation on Irene Helen Crabtree’s life. Irene was a native of Brzostek, Poland. At the age of 14, during World War II, Irene and her older sister Wanda were taken by the German Army and forced into slave labor in Salzburg, Austria. In 1945, they were freed by the U.S. Army and placed into a displaced persons camp with the United Nations Relief Organization. In 1949, her Uncle Frank Begos assisted Irene with her immigration to America. Everyone can attend; one does not have to be a member of the ATHS organization to attend. Light refreshments, door prizes, and history minded people.
POC Marcia Barnes, Vice President, [email protected] or contact ATHS library at 270-982-0881 or drop by the library, Tuesday thru Saturday, 10 am -2pm , address 201 W Dixie Ave, Elizabethtown. Place this event on your calendar , come a stranger, and leave a friend.
Teresa's mother

09/08/2026

On September 4, at an ATHS monthly meeting, the program was provided by Faith Shacklette, a local Meade County Resident. Faith, who is a graduate of Western Ky University with a bachelor’s in history and social studies. She is presently in her last class for her master's degree at the University of Kentucky, majoring in Library Science. She provided historical and genealogical information on the Shacklettes. Faith loves researching her family, walking through graveyards, and discovering information about her family that may not have been previously discovered. Faiths family’s tradition as many other families who migrated to America is deeply enriched with faith in God, community and country. She shared numerous interesting facts about the history of her personal heritage. The meeting was well attended with some new faces, everyone is welcome to attend our monthly meetings, the first Friday of each month at Elizabethtown Community Technical College, 7 PM, EDT, JSO building , room 112.

09/07/2026

"Patriots, Pioneers, & Lawmen" - Faith Shacklett
The Shacklett/Shacklette family has a long history of being driven by their faith and moral convictions. Faith talks about John Shacklett, the patriarch who served in the
American Revolution, his eldest son Benjamin, an early Hardin and Meade County politician and sheriff, and his youngest son, Jesse who was a War of 1812 "mounted spy." Recorded at ATHS Membership meeting, 9/4/2026.

09/03/2026

Reminder about our meeting tomorrow night....look forward to seeing everyone

08/24/2026

REMINDER-;SAVE THE DATE

Date :ATHS September 4,2026

Everyone is welcome
POC: Marcia Barnes, 270-234-4541, [email protected]

Presenter: Faith Shacklett

Location: ECTC, Jim Owens building , room 112
Time: 7 PM EDT

Program :“Patriots, Pioneers, and Lawmen”

The Shacklett or Shacklette family have been patriots, pioneers, politicians, lawmen and religious leaders. The family has a long history of being driven by their faith and moral convictions. John Shacklett, the patriarch, served in the American Revolution his eldest son Benjamin, an early Hardin and Meade county politician and sheriff, and his youngest son Jesse being recorded as a War of 1812 “mounted spy” The Shacklett family has many stories to tell.

Faith Shacklett, graduated from Western Kentucky University in 2024, with a bachelors in history and social studies.Faith is currently a Graduate Student with the University of Kentucky's Library science program. Faith loves to spend her time studying genealogy and local history, particularly in the Civil War Era.

Hope to see you there.

Address

Elizabethtown, KY
42702

Opening Hours

Wednesday	10am - 2pm
Thursday	10am - 2pm
Friday	10am - 2pm
Saturday	10am - 2pm

Telephone

+12709820881

Website

http://aths.com/

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