Hankla

Hankla

Dr. Mel Stewart Hankla will be signing his book ‘Into the Bluegrass’ at Kenton Stories with Spirit in downtown Maysville on Thursday, May 18, from 6-8 p.m.

Kentucky-born and educated at Western Kentucky University and the University of Louisville, Hankla is an authority on the history of the Kentucky Longrifle. He is not only a writer of note and collector, but a researcher and speaker on Kentucky heritage.

Some of his active historical experience include being the founder of the American Historic Services LLC, active member of the Kentucky Rifle Association, co-founder and past president of the Contemporary Longrifle Association, and editor of American Tradition magazine. He studied with legendary rifle smith, Hershel House, through a Folk Art Apprenticeship grant and is a skilled long rifle craftsman.

Hankla portrayed Chautaqua characters General George Rogers Clark and Maysville’s founding father, Simon Kenton for 20 years, as well as Kentucky abolitionist, Cassius Clay on PBS documentary ‘An Audacious American’.

‘Into the Bluegrass’ highlights Hankla’s skill as a storyteller and history propionate. This passionate presentation of his work is enhanced by artistry in classic photographs, paintings, and illustrations. Thirty-five years of study culminate to bear a book worthy of multiple re-reads.

Thursday evening, this one-of-a-kind opportunity to ask questions and get Hankla’s work signed begins at 6 at Kenton Stories with Spirit during the Third Thursday Late Night Downtown Shopping event.