For months, Linda Wheeler-Wood has been hard at work writing a series of four children’s books focusing on historical events and the backdrop of Trigg County.
The goal: to enhance a traveling, fun, and educational historical exhibit from the Trigg County Historical Society and John L. Street Library, Trigg County Elementary School, and select local daycares.
On Wednesday morning and alongside Trigg County Historical Society President Bob Brame, Wood presented the first printed set of these books to Librarian Pam Metts.
The four books – “WC and the Cadiz Railroad”, “Pioneer Life in Kentucky”, “Morning Glories and Golden Pond”, and “Living on a Farm In Trigg County Kentucky” – take a simple, easy-to-understand approach to discussing the concepts early learning.
Wood said the start of the trip came from her and Brame discussing the search for a $48,000 federal grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services — which would be used to both create the traveling exhibition and print more copies of the books.
Brame said the idea is to make the museum’s education and outreach mission more mobile, especially for young people. If the grant is approved, a hands-on wooden experience with log cabins, animals, plants, vegetables, bridges and more will take place across the library, school and daycare centers.
A longtime volunteer for the Historical Society, Wood is originally from upstate New York and has spent more than 30 years working in children and youth programs at various military installations.
After retiring to Fort Knox, Wood – who also taught at both the University of Louisville and the University of Campbellsville – chose to stay in the Commonwealth and has since turned his attention to the county’s rich history. Trigg.
Local research led her to write about these four topics, and she noted that a children’s book focusing on Trigg County sports icons may be published in the future.
Brame said Wood’s recent insights have been nothing but a boon to the organization.
During John L. Street Library’s beloved story hour, children’s librarian Katie Moore read to children “Morning Glories and Golden Pond.” It is loosely based on the childhood memories of Joann Wallace Harvey.
A first set of books was purchased by the Historical Society and supplied by Southern Printing in Hopkinsville. Wood said they are available for purchase at the Historical Society, Cadiz-Trigg County Tourist Office, or Studio 17 for $7 per book, or $25 per set.
Children’s Librarian Katie Moore:
