160th Anniversary of Camp Nelson: A Portal into the Past: Camp Nelson, Photography, and the End of the Civil War

Camp Nelson National Monument

Special Event
  • Jul 26, 2025 at 10:00 AM
  • Free

You are invited to join us in the commemoration of the 160th Anniversary of Camp Nelson on Saturday, July 26, 2025!

The special commemoration, A Portal into the Past: Camp Nelson, Photography, and the End of the Civil War, includes presentations by scholars, NPS staff, and descendants; authentic period photography; and guided tours. The NPS is partnering with Military Images to display the traveling exhibit, “Faces of Freedom,” which features 37 high-quality prints made from original images in private and public collections of U.S. Colored Troops (USCT), including soldiers who served in regiments organized at Camp Nelson.

In the final days of the Civil War in 1865, Camp Nelson remained an active military base for both soldiers and civilians. The U.S. Army continued to enlist and train USCT here and at other recruitment stations, and the site served as a bastion of freedom for their families at the Home for Colored Refugees. However, the war’s ending caused Camp Nelson’s closure and created an uncertain future for Black soldiers and refugees in the weeks, months, and years to come.

 

Schedule of Events

10:00 am – 10:05 am: Welcome and Introduction, Ernie Price, Superintendent

10:05 am – 10:15 am: 160th Anniversary of Camp Nelson in 1865, Steve T. Phan, Chief of Interpretation, Education, and Visitor Services

10:15 am – 11:15 am: A Portal into the Past: Civil War Photography, Dave S. Wilson, Victorian Photography Studio

11:20 am – 12:20 pm (Keynote): Faces of Freedom: African American Faces of the Civil War, Ronald S. Coddington, Military Images 

12:20 pm – 1:20 pm: Break

1:25 pm – 2:25 pm: Archaeology of the C.J. Young Photography Gallery at Camp Nelson, Dr. W. Stephen McBride

2:35 pm - 3:35 pm: Camp Nelson Military Prison: Insights from Archaeological Research and Historical Photographs, Dr. Brian Mabelitini, Kentucky Assistant-State Archeologist  

7:00 pm – 8:30 pm: History at Sunset: Home for Colored Refugees and the End of the Civil War

 

Activities

11:00 am - 4:00 pm

19th Century Photography Station, Victorian Photography Studio

Junior Ranger 

Temporary Exhibits

  • Faces of Freedom: Images of US Colored Troops
  • Archeology of Camp Nelson's Photography Studio 

 

More information

Fees

This event is free to attend.

Location

Camp Nelson National Monument 6614 Danville Loop 2 Road Nicholasville, Kentucky 40356

Schedule

Date:

Jul 26, 2025

Time:

10:00 AM

Duration:

6 hours

The programs will take place from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, and there is a History at Sunset program scheduled that evening starting at 7:00 pm. Details will be released soon.

Contact Information

Steve T. Phan
859-881-5716
Contact Us

Event Type

  • Cultural/Craft Demonstration
  • Guided Tour
  • Hike
  • Talk