Lexington Library

Kentucky History and Genealogy Conference 2026

Lexington Public Library is proud to host the 2026 Kentucky History and Genealogy Conference.  This conference brings together historians, genealogists, researchers, and enthusiasts to explore the rich history and genealogical heritage of Kentucky.

The conference will feature keynote speaker Patricia L. Hudson, author of Traces, a retelling of Daniel Boone's saga through the eyes of his wife, Rebecca, and her two oldest daughters, Susannah and Jemima. It continues with sessions throughout the day on Friday and Saturday, and concludes with a performance by Saxton's Cornet Band at 3:30 p.m. Saturday. Registration is required.

Save the date!

August 7-8, 2026 
Central Library 
140 E. Main St. 
Lexington, KY 40507

Keynote Speaker

Patricia Hudson photo and Traces book jacket

Patricia Hudson has been a freelance writer for more than 30 years. She's written for magazines ranging from Country Living to Women's Sports and Fitness, but her favorite assignments focus on historical topics. She was a contributing editor at Americana magazine for more than a decade, writing about historic preservation, folk art, and travel destinations for history lovers. As a frequent contributor to Southern Living magazine, she traveled extensively in the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic, profiling people whose passion for those regions matched her own. She's a long-time member of the American Society of Journalists and Authors. Her book credits include: Inns of the Southern Mountains, and Listen Here: Women Writing in Appalachia, as well as The Carolinas and the Appalachian States, a volume in the Smithsonian Guide to Historic America series. She lives in Knoxville, Tennessee with her husband, photographer, Sam Stapleton.

Patricia's current project, Traces, is a retelling of Daniel Boone's saga through the eyes of his wife, Rebecca, and her two oldest daughters, Susannah and Jemima.

Important dates

  • January 2026:  Presenter and vendor applications open
  • June 2026:  Registration opens
  • August 7-8, 2026:  Kentucky History and Genealogy Conference

Join the mailing list

I am interested in participating as a(n):
CAPTCHA

Contact

Johnna Waldon 
jwaldon@lexpublib.org 
859-231-5583