Mel Hankla, founder of American Historic Services LLC, will be appearing in Columbia on, Friday, September 17, 2021. Hankla is a noted collector, researcher, lecturer, and writer of Kentucky heritage.
Hankla, who is an active member of the Kentucky Rifle Association, is a past president of the Contemporary Longrifle Association and editor-in-chief of American Tradition Magazine.
He grew up in Jamestown, KY and attended Western Kentucky University. His bachelor’s degree is in Agriculture, and Wildlife Management & Ecology. His Master’s degree is in Administration. In 2010, he completed an Educational Doctorate (Ed.D.) in Educational Administration through Western Kentucky University and the University of Louisville Cooperative Doctoral Program.
He has worked for 25 years with the Kentucky Humanities Council presenting Chautauqua characters of frontiersman Simon Kenton and General George Rogers Clark. In 2012, he was cast for the leading role in the PBS documentary "An Audacious American", the story of Kentucky abolitionist Cassius Marcellus Clay.
Hankla will be signing his book: "Into The Bluegrass" at the Trabue Russell House on September 17th. This will be in conjunction with the 200th anniversary of the Trabue Russell House.