Producer: Donna Ross

The Mark of Twain

“Riverlorian” Lewis Hankins

All along its northern edge, the state of Kentucky is defined by the mighty Ohio River. It was the path settlers took west and the boundary runaway slaves sought as they went north to freedom. The legends and lore of the river are the specialties of Lewis Hankins.

Our profile of Lewis catches him traveling the Ohio as a “riverlorian” aboard the paddlewheeler American Queen. As the boat makes its way downriver, he provides her passengers with a history of the passing scene—and, dressed as Mark Twain, with stories about the famous author. Lewis’ skill as a Twain impersonator also garners him gigs in other venues for his one-man show, Marking Twain.

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Producer: Donna Ross

Art in the Real World

Artist Michael Skop

Fort Thomas artist Michael Skop was always interested in the question of how an individual’s relationship with the natural world can produce art. In this segment, taped in the mid-1990s, we tag along as Skop and a group of his students visit a lovely wooded setting to learn about themselves and their world—and to turn that awareness into an artistic vision.

Skop died in May 2009.

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For more information:
• Governor’s Scholars Program, 1024 Capital Center Dr., Suite 210, Frankfort, KY 40601, (502) 573-1555

Producer: Keith King

Scholars and Wetlands

Governor’s Scholars at work

Each summer, some of Kentucky’s top high school students are chosen to become Governor’s Scholars and spend an intensive five weeks living and learning on a Kentucky college campus. In addition to attending classes in a variety of academic subjects, the Scholars take part in the life of the surrounding community, including participating in service projects.

This profile of some Governor’s Scholars from 1996 catches up with them in Danville, where they head outdoors to work on a wetlands restoration project.

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For more information:
• Ted Weisman, president, Central Kentucky Steam & Gas Engine Association, (859) 987-4757

Producer: Gale Worth

Steaming Ahead

Antique steam and gas engine show

Do you have a passion for old machinery? Then you’ll love this episode’s last segment: a visit to the Central Kentucky Steam and Gas Engine Show in Paris. The old tractors, engines, and other farm equipment, sometimes brought back to life from rusting hulks, hark back to a time when the family farm was the backbone of Kentucky. Meet some of the people who’ve helped preserve a little of that way of life through their loving care of its machinery.

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