Daniel Boone comes home to KY, lives again at Lawrence County Public Library through character portrayal
Louisa, KY. — Louisa caught a glimpse of one of Kentucky’s biggest historical figures last week, as legendary frontiersman, Daniel Boone, portrayed by Kevin Hardesty, made an appearance at the Lawrence County Library.
The oral presentation, ‘Daniel Boone, The First Kentuckian,’ is a production of The Kentucky Humanities Council, Inc., via Kentucky Chautauqua, accurate character impersonations of Kentucky’s colorful past.
Library Director, Carlie Hillman, welcomed everyone, and introduced ‘Daniel Boone’ to a crowd of young and old alike. Kevin Hardesty entered the room, and Daniel Boone came to life. (See video)
Boone, who was born in Pennsylvania in 1734, recounted his experiences in Kentucky from his first visit in 1767, to his later life. Some of his exploits included venturing across the Cumberland Gap, a two year hunting expedition along the Ohio River, Indian attacks, the establishment of Boonesborough, his captivity by Indians and his escape, personal tragedies, and his involvement in government and military affairs, just to name a few.
This larger than life man faced many challenges throughout his life, and became a courageous Kentucky hero who was immortalized through movies, books, TV, and folk tales. Boone died in 1820, at the age of 85, and was buried next to his wife, Rebecca, in Defiance Missiouri. Twenty-five years later, what are believed to be their bodies, were moved to Kentucky and reinterred in the Frankfort Cemetery.
Kevin Hardesty, who portrayed Daniel Boone, is from Lexington, KY. He received his B.F.A in acting/theater from UK in 1986, and has since performed professionally in theater, film, and television, including prominent leading roles in Biloxi Blues, Hamlet, Macbeth, and Romeo and Juliet.
‘Daniel Boone, The First Kentuckian,’ received a great response, and Hillman said she was happy that the library could host the presentation.
For upcoming library events, call 606-638-4497 or visit their website at lcplky.org.