Immediate Release
October 15, 2024
A PIECE OF AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY IS DISCOVERED BY A BULLITT COUNTY FAMILY AND GUESTS WILL GET AN OPPORTUNITY TO SEE IT UP CLOSE
A HISTORICAL MARKER WILL BE UNVEILED FOR ECKSTEIN NORTON UNIVERSITY
(Louisville, KY) Lincoln Foundation, the descendants of Kentucky historical figure Eckstein Norton, and the Kentucky Historical Society invite you to the historical marker dedication ceremony for Eckstein Norton University on Saturday, October 19 at 2:30 pm. The ceremony will take place at the site where the school once stood in Bullitt County, KY in 1890, about two miles from Bernheim Forest and the Jim Beam Distillery. (Detailed directions can be found at the bottom of this news release).
Initial research on Eckstein Norton University was conducted by Daniel Buxton a Bullitt County historian. More recently, Kentucky Historian Samuel Dunn researched this incredible effort to create a Black educational institution in Kentucky after the Civil War. Both will speak at the dedication. Two modern-day educational institutions owe part of their legacy to Eckstein Norton University: Lincoln Foundation and Louisville’s HBCU, Simmons College of Kentucky. Eckstein Norton University’s President, Charles Parrish, went on the become Simmons College’s first President after Eckstein Norton University merged with Lincoln Institute In 1912.
Gary and Kathy Fields, owners of the Bullitt County property where Eckstein Norton University once stood, discovered a piece of history when Mr. Fields was clearing the property. He had hit what we know today as the possible main floor and cellar of a three-story dormitory three-story dormitory that once housed the university’s students.
Artifacts dating back to 1890 were uncovered, prompting Mrs. Fields to investigate the property’s history before their ownership. She discovered it was a school for Blacks. Records reveal that the university, established by William J. Simmons and Charles H. Parrish, Sr., was made possible through the financial support of prominent businessmen, most notably Eckstein Norton, an investment banker and president of the L&N Railroad.
Eckstein Norton University was located on 75 acres in Cane Spring, Bullitt County, and was named for its primary benefactor. It officially opened its doors in October 1890 to 24 students. The school included a primary department (grades 1-5), a training department (grades 6-8), a normal and preparatory department (grades 9-12), and a college department that offered both B.A. and B.S. degrees. This makes Eckstein Norton University one of the early institutions dedicated to the education of formerly enslaved African Americans in Kentucky.
The former school is now receiving its much-deserved recognition. As the descendants of Eckstein Norton, Lincoln Foundation representatives, historians, and community leaders gather for the ceremony and tour the property, remnants of the school are still visible today. When you pull into the property, you can literally visualize where everything once stood on the site. The site of Eckstein Norton University now joins other locations throughout the Commonwealth deemed important due to its significant local, regional, state, and national history.
Marshall Bradley, President of Lincoln Foundation, says, “This is a living history. We continue to learn more about Eckstein Norton University and the important role it served in educating formerly enslaved people. It is important to continue research to uncover more about the university, especially its nationally recognized music conservatory.”
Gerry Tyrrell, a descendant of Eckstein Norton, says, “This is such an important part of Kentucky history that has been forgotten. Our family is so proud of this legacy of supporting education for all and are so glad to reconnect with Lincoln Foundation still doing the work of supporting and engaging under-resourced Kentucky students for success134 years later!” To honor the legacy of Eckstein Norton, the university’s two founders, and the school’s prominent music director, Harriet Gibbs, the family has created an endowed scholarship giving Lincoln Foundation Whitney M. Young Scholars an opportunity to further their education. Whitney M. Young Scholars participate in a rigorous college preparatory program beginning in the 8th grade, designed to equip them for success far beyond the classroom.
Marshall Bradley, President of Lincoln Foundation, historians Daniel Buxton and Samuel Dunn, and Gerry Tyrrell, a descendant of Eckstein Norton are available for interviews prior to Saturday’s ceremony. To setup advance interviews, contact VIPP Communications at mail@vippcommunications.com or by calling 502.341-7306.
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MEDIA NOTE: The event is taking place on the property and not by the historical marker, which is situated on a two-way road. This will also offer a rare opportunity to access the gated private property where the school was located.
Attached: The front of the historical marker
Please note: The property does not have an address. The property directly across from the land is 4855 Deatsville Road, Coxs Creek, KY 40013. We used GPS with this address, and we got there with no problem. You will see the historical marker on your right as you approach first and then the property. Your GPS will say “your destination is on your left”. Remember it’s on the right. It’s the only two things on the road. As soon as you see the marker, put your right blinker on and turn into the property. The gate will be open, and you will drive up a long driveway. You will see other vehicles arriving, the property will have a big tent that you will see when you turn in. Landmarks as you approach the property, Bernheim Forest, Jim Beam Distillery, and you will go over a railroad track. You are getting close.
Also, the event is outdoors so you can get up close and see what the owners found on the property. Please wear comfortable shoes.
