Phase one of the transformation of The Bibb House into an educational museum is underway thanks to a grant from the E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Foundation. The funding willprovide for repairs to the structure, modifications for handicap accessibility and development of museum exhibits.

The renovated museum will tell the story of the emancipations that occurred at this site and the ongoing struggles for civil rights. The museum will be available for school tours and exhibitswill include audio-visual interactive components along with traditional fixed displays.. Pre- and post- tour curriculum activities will be offered via an upgraded website, and the Saddle FactoryMuseum and the West Ky African American Heritage Center will also be available for educational tours.

Revolutionary War Major Richard Bibb freed 29 of his slaves in 1829, and he freed the remaining 52 slaves at his death in 1839. Bibb’s home was donated to the public by Miss AgnesDavis, a pioneer in the struggle for women’s rights, who found success as an early businesswoman running the VC fertilizer company.

The primary advisers for this project are Dr. Ann Butler, chair of the Center of Excellence for the Study of Kentucky African Americans at Kentucky State University and John Egerton, noted Southern historian and author.

The museum has worked with the curators of Nashville’s Belmont Mansion and the Shaker Museum at South Union to identify the historically significant items in the house that will be retained for the educational activities. This process has been completed, and a public tag sale ofthe other furnishings will be held on Friday and Saturday, Nov 16 and 17, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, Nov 18, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

The sale will include a wide variety of furniture, china, glassware, art, lighting fixtures, garden ornaments and collectibles. James Christian and Associates of Springfield, Tenn, is conducting the sale, and more information is available at www.estatesales.net.