Explore the life and times of Judge Samuel McDowell during a special evening, which will include a chautauqua performance highlighting the significant impact of this early American statesman and Revolutionary War officer, known as the “Son of Virginia, Father of Kentucky.”
McDowell presided over nine of the 10 constitutional conventions held in Danville from 1784-1792, leading to Kentucky’s separation from Virginia. He was also the father of Dr. Ephraim McDowell, a pioneering surgeon who performed the first successful ovariotomy in 1809 in Danville.
During the McDowell Night events, the original copy of Kentucky’s constitution will be on display, along with significant historic political papers and meeting minutes from the constitutional conventions. In addition, the Norton Center’s own exhibit – titled “Be The People” – will also be on display.
A group of panelists will gather to discuss Samuel McDowell’s significance and impact on Kentucky, including:
Dr. Benjamin Gies, a policy advisor at Foresight Law + Policy, who holds a Master’s in American History from the University of Louisville and his Bachelor’s in History and Secondary Education from Bellarmine University.
Use this link to Dr. Gies’ web page to learn more about him – click here
Robert J. Gang IIl, author of “Judge Samuel McDowell Son of Virginia – Father of Kentucky”, published in the Augusta County Historical Society Bulletin Volume 54 – 2018. He is a member of the Society of the Cincinnati in the State of Virginia and the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR). While he never knew her, his grandmother Mary McDowell Lyne, who was born in Danville, left family lore of the exploits of her illustrious ancestors. One of them, Judge Samuel McDowell (1735 – 1817), was Robert’s fifth great grandfather. Judge McDowell was Mary’s patriot ancestor for the Daughters of the American Revolution and is Robert’s patriot ancestor for the SAR.
Glen Taul, who holds a Ph.D. from the University of Kentucky. He is program chair of the Scott County Historical Society, vice chair of the Friends for Kentucky Public Archives, Chair of Georgetown250. He lived 20 years (1983-2003) in Danville where he served a term on the Danville City Commission (1988-1990). He has researched and written on Kentucky history, including its political history. His ancestral roots reach deep into the beginnings of kentucky.
The McDowell Night event will be held Saturday, May 9 from 7-10 p.m. at the Norton Center for the Arts at Centre College.