Leadership Kentucky 2018 in Paducah
Leadership Kentucky 2018 in Paducah
By: Nikki Carver, Mercer, Leadership Kentucky Class of 2018 member
The Leadership Kentucky Class of 2018 rolled into Paducah on Wednesday and quickly set about seeing all that this historic river city has to offer! We boarded the trolley with Mary and Fowler from the Visitor's Center who told us about the UNESCO Creative City Arts designation a prestigious recognition for the community's commitment to the arts. We toured the National Quilt Museum the beautiful floodwall murals and the funky Lower-Town artist district. We saw the beautiful but dilapidated Columbia theater and learned that Paducah is home to the only lesbian film festival (who knew?). We finished the evening at The Freight House, a former train station where we ate delicious Kentucky Asian carp!
Thursday started early with a bus ride to Eddyville where we visited the Kentucky State Penitentiary. This was truly an experience that we'll not soon forget. We met with DeEdra Hart, the first female Warden, and Secretary Tilly before touring the facility. Touring the various cell houses was fascinating but the walk through the yard and death building was one of the most unsettling experiences I've ever had. We concluded the day with panel discussions by 4 inmates, including one from death row and another with members of the prison staff. It was a heavy day, so afterward we were glad to head to Kuttawa Harbor for a drink and some fresh air. We boarded a houseboat bound for Jim and Jackie Conn's beautiful lake house where we were treated to a wonderful dinner and a discussion on Kentucky's Asian carp problem.
Our final day started at the River Discovery Center where we had a delicious breakfast and a panel discussion on the River Industry in Kentucky. Then we gave ourselves a taste of a riverboat captain's life at the Seaman's Church Institute simulator. Finally, we concluded with a fascinating group conversation capital punishment in the Commonwealth. The third session did not disappoint and once again the experiences and friendships cultivated in Paducah are sure to stick with us for years to come.
