Michael Morrow began researching the history of Logan County and the residents of the neighborhood called the Black Bottom at the age of 16.  Today, his life’s work can be seen in the archives and exhibits of the West Kentucky African American Heritage Center. 

Last year Morrow was able to  have Russellvillians Charles Neblett and Alice Dunnigan inducted into the Civil Rights Hall of Fame.  Neblett helped give voice to the movement through his work with the Freedom Singers and Dunnigan through her work as a journalist and leader.  

The exhibits encompassed in the West Kentucky African American Heritage Center’s space are housed in four historic buildings dating from about 1810 to the 1940’s.

With the success of the center which opened in 2006, this year Morrow quit his day job to pursue research, exhibit development and public tours full time.  In 2010 he guided one thousand visitors on a tour and this year he expects to host three to five thousand.

One exhibit that has drawn particular attention is the Hanging Tree.  The controversial exhibit was originally planned as an exhibit on racial violence, but with his research Morrow discovered that many whites were also lynched by Night Riders and violent mobs.  The concept was so disturbing that Morrow and a friend put up the money themselves after being turned down everywhere, including by their own board.  “It’s not a story that everyone wants to hear,” explained Morrow, “but it’s a story that needs to be told.”  On a recent tour of the exhibits during part of the Mary Ann Fisher Concert Series held on the grounds by Russellville Blues, Morrow recounted the day his commitment was affirmed.

A 93 year old man from Louisville, who lived through those times heard about the exhibit and came to see it.  After reading every word of the articles and documents which Morrow used to tell the stories, he turned to him with tears in his eyes and said “Momma and dad never would have believed they’d tell the true story, but you have.”

On August 5-7 the annual Emancipation Celebration will be held on the museum’s grounds.  At that time a new exhibit for Ray Charles’ vocalist, Mary Ann Fisher will open featuring many personal artifacts from her friends and family.  Russellville Blues will present Tee Dee Young & Scandalous, the newly crowned Beale Street Blues Kings on August 5 as part of the festivities.