Celebrating Black History Month - Van Lear, KY meets Tuskegee Airman

Visit anywhere in eastern Kentucky and you will find stories and myths that have been around for decades.  Stories of mountain people facing and overcoming numerous adversities, tragedy, and even some folklore that seems a little farfetched.  If you search far enough, sometimes there are stories that are hidden or forgotten that captures the mind and imagination.

One day earlier this month, Sue Thomas, Park Program Services Supervisor for Buckhorn Lake SRP, called me asking about information on a story I had never heard of.  "Trinity, have you ever heard of the crash of a Tuskegee Airman in Van Lear, Kentucky?" Sue claimed.  This piqued my interest tremendously, being that this happened only a short drive from Jenny Wiley State Resort Park and war history has always caught my attention.  Sue, her sister Tammy, and I began researching this story about eastern Kentucky that ties into February's Black History Month.  Below is a link to what we found, bringing to light the wonderful story of Harry T. Stewart Jr., a national hero who was welcomed by an eastern Kentucky community.

Tuskegee Airman crashes in Van Lear, Kentucky 1948

Harry T. Stewart Jr.

P 47 Thunderbolt

Tuskegee Airmen

Photography Weekend at Jenny Wiley SRP

February 22-24, 2013


Have you every wanted to try a new hobby or learn a new skill, but didn't know where to go or where to start.  Jenny Wiley State Resort Park offers a wonderful opportunity to learn a new skill and acquire a hobby that will offer years of rewarding experiences.  Most workshops are setup for those who are already well rounded in the field of photography, but not this workshop.  Whether you are an experience photography from the rolled film days, or you have just picked up a camera for the first time this workshop has something for everyone.

Some of the excursions that you will experience during this adventurous weekend will be the opportunity to visit and learn about a working mid 1800's settlement known as the "Mountain Home Place" in Paintsville, Kentucky.  Also, we will take an elk tour where you will have a chance to get up close to one of Kentucky's most majestic species of wildlife.  We will discuss the history of the elk restoration project and the unique characteristics that this precious natural resource has brought back to eastern Kentucky.  We will dive into many areas of photography with seminars, a historical interpretive program about Floyd County and the life of Jenny Wiley, sunrise and sunset opportunities, and time to speak with three professional photographers that has made photography not only a lifelong hobby, but a career.

Photography is a great way for individuals to get out and explore many different subject matters.  It is also a great way for families to spend time together and create handheld memories that will last for generations to come.  We invite you to contact us about this wonderful weekend and make your reservations today.  Our photography expedition is set for February 22 - 24, contact us at 1-800-325-0142.

Photography Weekend Workshop Photo Gallery

Facebook Event Page 

Valentine's Day Getaway

There's no better place to spend Valentine's Day with the one you love than at Jenny Wiley State Resort Park located in scenic Prestonsburg, Kentucky.

You and your loved one can enjoy a wonderful meal in our May Lodge dining room,with a view of inspiring Dewey Lake, while listening to the light, romantic sounds of live entertainment.  Our Sweetheart's Menu is sure to please with choice of 2 entrees: All You Can Eat Catfish, 12 oz Porterhouse Pork Chop, 6 oz Sirloin, 10 oz Sirloin, Two piece Grilled Chicken Breast, side items, and soup and salad bar.  Be sure to ask how you can upgrade your meal and don't forget the appetizers and drink specials.

Our Valentine's Day special will be from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.  Dinner for 2 is only $25.00 plus tax and if you are looking for an overnight package, include a lodge room with your dinner for a total of only $75.00 plus tax.  For more information call 606-889-1790 or make your package reservations by calling 1-800-325-0142.

Kentucky's Ageless Meal

Where:  Jenny Wiley State Resort Park

When:  Saturday January 26, 2013

Time:  12pm to 8pm

Even though the almighty Anerican Bison (commonly known as buffalo) has been gone from Kentucky for over 150 years, it doesn't mean you can't enjoy this wonderful food source. 

Jenny Wiley State Resort Park offers a buffet style meal with different entree choices that are all prepared from buffalo. Along with this meal, you can enjoy the sounds of Rob McNurlin, a country/western style singer and he plays songs of the old west. 

Also, learn the ways of the Native Americans that called Kentucky home and ranged with the buffalo long ago.  Jeff Hatmaker will be in full native attire as he interprets and brings history to life with dance, tales, and songs.