Encyclopedia of Northern Kentucky launch Nov. 6

News from NKU...

Wednesday - October 21, 2009
For immediate release...

Publication Date: December 4, 2009
$49.95 cloth - ISBN: 978-0-8131-2565-7

WNKU's Matt Kelly sat down with the editors of The Encyclopedia of Northern Kentucky to find out why they decided to tackle the project...http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/wnku/news.newsmain?action=article&ARTICLE_ID=1573028

HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. - Northern Kentucky University and the Friends of Steely Library will sponsor the official launch of The Encyclopedia of Northern Kentucky on Friday, November 6, at 6:30 p.m., in the W. Frank Steely Library, on the Highland Heights campus.

The program, with Nick Clooney serving as Master of Ceremonies, will be followed by a signing with many of the book’s contributors. Books will be available for purchasing at the event, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the Friends of Steely Library. The event is free and open to the public.

Northern Kentucky has been defined as a "gateway" in many respects. Its position along the Ohio River makes it an economic and industrial gateway and its location along the Mason-Dixon line defines it as a gateway between the North and South. The region, which was also an important gateway in early westward expansion, now serves as a transitional zone between two major climate classifications and exists in a state of socio-economic limbo, as it is classified as neither urban nor rural.

Northern Kentucky's consciousness about its border status has fostered a culture that differs greatly from the rest of the state, but this awareness has also served as an obstacle when defining regional identity. The Encyclopedia of Northern Kentucky defines a region of more than 450,000 citizens and includes over 2,100 entries written by more than 300 authors who chronicle the historical, geographical, social, cultural, religious, political and economic history of the area. The volume contains 170 images and thirteen maps, providing a complete overview of the region's geography and exhibiting the area's relationship with the surrounding cities.

The Northern Kentucky region shares a culture markedly independent from the rest of the state, drawing major influence from the metropolitan area of Cincinnati, one of America's first inland cities. Consisting of 11 counties, Northern Kentucky exhibits a unique mix of northern industry, southern tradition and German influence resulting from the influx of immigrants who settled there in the 1800s. The region serves as one point of the "Golden Triangle," along with the cities of Louisville and Lexington, and continues to greatly influence industrial, social and economic development throughout the state.

Despite its somewhat ambiguous regional identity, Northern Kentucky is home to a number of companies and organizations essential to the state’s economy and commerce, including Ashland Oil, Fidelity Investments, Omnicare, Toyota North America and United States Playing Card. Similarly, the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport serves as a major hub of national and international travel.

While it seems that Northern Kentucky is often forgotten when compiling Kentucky history, the 21st century has brought with it a new interest in the diverse nature of the region. The Encyclopedia of Northern Kentucky is a direct product of this movement. Michael Hammons, then director of Forward Quest, approached this encyclopedia's coeditors in 2002 with the idea of compiling a comprehensive reference volume specifically tailored to highlighting Northern Kentucky's economic, industrial and social culture.

Made possible by hundreds of generous benefactors and dedicated volunteers, The Encyclopedia of Northern Kentucky celebrates the people, places and events of the border region's rich heritage. This vast compilation of information will serve as an invaluable reference for any who wish to learn more about a region defined by numerous cultures, traditions and ideas.

The Encyclopedia of Northern Kentucky, published by the University Press of Kentucky, was edited by Paul A. Tenkotte and James C. Claypool. Tenkotte is chair and professor of the department of history and geography at Northern Kentucky University and former chair and professor of the department of history, international studies and political science at Thomas More College, where he taught for 24 years. Claypool, professor emeritus of history at Northern Kentucky University, is the author or editor of nine books as well as numerous articles and book reviews.

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