Mammoth Cave National Park to Host “Echoes of the Past” Genealogy and History Event

A crowd gathers at a homecoming event held for previous park area residents in 1939. NPS Photo

Mammoth Cave, Ky. — Mammoth Cave National Park invites the public to attend Echoes of the Past, a special event designed to explore modern connections to the generations of people who once called the Mammoth Cave region home. The event will take place on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. CDT in the Rotunda Room of the Lodge at Mammoth Cave.

Attendees will have the chance to connect directly with historians, archivists, and genealogists, and explore tools that can help them trace their own family histories. Whether you have ancestral ties to the park or are simply curious about the region’s past, Echoes of the Past offers a meaningful opportunity to uncover personal connections to the history of Mammoth Cave and the communities that surround it.

“Echoes of the Past is more than a history event. It’s a chance for people to connect with the stories and history that shaped this landscape,” said Superintendent Barclay Trimble. “We’re proud to offer a space where community members and visitors alike can explore the deep cultural and genealogical ties to this region.”

This event is open to the public and no registration is required. Seasoned and aspiring genealogy enthusiasts alike are welcome to attend. Informative sessions will include:

• Booth-style sessions at 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. where visitors can interact one-on-one with representatives from local historical societies and organizations. These experts will share research insights, help attendees identify genealogy resources, and connect them with local archives and specialists.
• Guest speaker presentations at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. offering practical guidance and inspiration for those interested in genealogy research and regional history.

Featured Guest Speakers:

• 11 a.m. — Sam Terry, IV : A native of Barren County, Kentucky, Sam Terry is a historian and author with deep roots in the region. He is the creator of Sam Terry’s Kentucky, a popular platform celebrating the state’s heritage, and has contributed to radio and podcast programs such as Think History and Uncommon History of the South. Terry has held leadership roles in several historical organizations and continues to lead educational tours and programs in his community.
• 1 p.m. — J. Mark Lowe : A professional genealogist and lecturer, Mark Lowe specializes in Southern U.S. records and has taught at major genealogy institutes across the country. He has contributed to television series like Who Do You Think You Are? and African American Lives 2 and is a past president of the Association of Professional Genealogists. His work is widely published, and he is recognized for his engaging and accessible approach to family history research.

In addition, National Park Service staff will offer demonstrations on how to access cemetery records and archival photographs from the park’s curatorial collection.

This event commemorates National Public Lands Day, a nationwide effort to honor and care for the lands we all share. In the spirit of this year’s theme Our Home Outdoors, visitors are invited to explore the many stories that have shaped Mammoth Cave National Park. Known around the world for its vast, interconnected cave system and natural wonders, the park is also a place of deep personal connection — where generations of families once lived, worked, and built community.