Day One, Wednesday, September 8, 2004

LEXINGTON
On February 13, 1968, RFK began his EKY tour, arriving at Bluegrass Airport. After a welcome from Representative Carl D. Perkins, Kennedy makes brief remarks, and they begin the eighty-some mile drive to Vortex.

RFK in EKY begins its tour with Peter Edelman – sharing an overview of Robert Kennedy and what he hoped to accomplish by returning the nation’s focus to the war on poverty.

Day Two, Thursday, September 9, 2004

The first day of the reenactment begins with a community breakfast and the chance for audience members to fix their hair and put on some retro clothing - creating the look and getting into the spirit of 1968.

VORTEX
Kennedy's first stop was the one-room school in Vortex, where he conducted a hearing of the Senate Subcommittee on Employment, Manpower and Poverty. The school then had five students - all members of the same family.

The school was torn down some years ago, so the reenacted hearing will take place next door in the community church.

BARWICK
Kennedy's next stop was at a one-room school in Barwick. Rather than a speech, Kennedy moved from desk to desk, speaking to each child individually, creating a private moment. Rather than recreate these intimate moments, RFK in EKY has chosen to use the space for a public conversation.

Thanks to the Akemon family, the Barwick School still exists. It has been used as a community center and library over the years.

HAZARD
Arriving in Hazard, Kennedy is brought to Liberty Street by Mayor Willie Dawahare, who talks about the need for housing aid. Liberty Street was, at the time, Hazard's primary African American neighborhood. Kennedy walked the length of the street, and visited the Olinger home.

Shortly thereafter, Kennedy is interviewed by local television personality, and current mayor, Bill Gorman.

RFK in EKY expands on the historic moment, here, with an exhibit of photographs and a discussion of Liberty Street history with the Olinger daughters.

YELLOW CREEK
While traveling to Alice Lloyd College , Kennedy is convinced by members of the Appalachian Volunteers to view a strip mine site. Mine owner Bill Sturgill denies access to Kennedy's caravan, but Kennedy and Perkins get into a State Police vehicle and head up, followed by reporters. There are contradictory stories of what happened next . . .

PIPPA PASSES
At the invitation of Professor Lawrence Baldridge, Kennedy comes to Alice Lloyd College, near Representative Perkins' hometown of Hindman. In Cushing Hall, Kennedy speaks to the student body and answers their questions on leadership, education, the war in Viet Nam , and economic development.

Cushing Hall is uninhabitable at present - the college is planning for its renovation. Kennedy's speech will take place in the McGaw Hall Library and Learning Center across the street.

Day Three, Friday, September 10, 2004

WHITESBURG
Begin the day's recreation with a pancake breakfast and the opportunity to style hair and dress in the 60's style. Then join the crowd as they welcome Kennedy at the courthouse steps.

FLEMING-NEON
The Fleming-Neon hearing was the centerpiece of Kennedy's visit. The planned testimony brought together noted mountain activists like Harry Caudill, social workers, and unemployed mine workers. The audience included groups protesting a planned dam at Kingdom Come and poor quality schools. Members of the audience volunteered to speak.

The old gym no longer exists, so the hearing will be held in the new Fleming-Neon gym. Students from the school will join the audience.

PRESTONSBURG
Kennedy's last stop of the day was at the Prestonsburg Fiscal Court House, where he and Carl D. Perkins gave short speeches. The story is that local officials were concerned there wouldn't be a good crowd for Kennedy, so they brought the prisoners down from the jail to fill up the room.

Kennedy's speech was taped and photographed by a young student from Prestonsburg Community College, Ronnie Dee Blair.

Day Four, Saturday, September 11, 2004

NEON DAYS
The Neon Days Festival is part county fair, part heritage and music showcase, and part midway. RFK in EKY will have both a booth where memorabilia from the performance project will be available, and visitors can have their photo made with Robert Kennedy and Carl D. Perkins.