LEXINGTON, Ky. — Governor Andy Beshear has announced 10 new stops along the Kentucky African American Heritage Trail, expanding the state's effort to preserve and celebrate the contributions of African Americans to Kentucky and the nation.

The additions to the heritage trail, which is maintained by the Kentucky Tourism, Arts & Heritage Cabinet, aim to provide visitors and residents with increased access to historic sites and stories that document the profound impact of African Americans on the state's cultural, economic and social development.

The expanded trail now includes additional heritage sites that showcase the achievements, struggles and legacies of African Americans throughout Kentucky's history. These locations serve as educational resources highlighting pivotal moments and influential figures in African American history that have shaped both the commonwealth and the broader United States.

The Kentucky African American Heritage Trail had previously been established to recognize historically significant locations connected to African American communities across the state. The new stops represent the state's commitment to ensuring these important narratives remain accessible to the public and continue to be acknowledged in Kentucky's historical record.

Officials noted that the heritage trail serves as both a tourist destination and an educational tool for schools and community organizations seeking to learn more about African American history. The sites included on the trail range from historic homes and churches to former businesses, cultural institutions and landmarks significant to the civil rights movement and other important periods in African American history.

The announcement reflects a broader effort by the Beshear administration to promote cultural heritage tourism and ensure diverse historical perspectives are represented in Kentucky's tourism and educational initiatives. The Tourism, Arts & Heritage Cabinet continues to work with communities and historical organizations to identify and document additional significant sites for potential inclusion on the heritage trail.