We all remember stories from our school days, but the memories shared by the alumni of Caverna High School who graduated in the 1950’s and 1960’s are unique.

The Caverna School District was formed in 1950 by a cross-county-line merger between the school systems in Horse Cave (Hart County) and Cave City (Barren County). There was dissent among the communities; there were even lawsuits.

Then in 1957 Caverna integrated all twelve grades at once and was one of the first school districts in Kentucky to have an integrated faculty. Caverna sports soared in state ratings after the merger and again after integration.

The City of Horse Cave, with the support of the Kentucky Humanities Council and the Kentucky Historical Society, worked with Joanna Hay Productions to collect the memories of students who attended Caverna during this era of change. The stories shared represent differing perspectives. Although Caverna was considered a model of integration, some students, both black and white, still fell through the cracks. Altogether the collection documents a dramatic period in Kentucky history in a very personal way through the voices of the people who actually lived it.

Dr. Bill Braden and Martha Rose (Miller) Turner (Class of ’51) shared memories of their senior class experiences when Caverna was new. Richard Wilson, the first black graduate of Caverna, relates stories of his Class of ’58 experiences. Alma Ford talks about the black school and just what Caverna came to mean to her family. Gloria Boyd and Beverly Nuckols share memories of being a part of Caverna. Other voices participate to make the era come to life.

You can share in the experiences by visiting www.horsecavestories.com and selecting Stories and Traditions. Caverna Stories is the latest addition to this cultural heritage website.