Painted Stone Settlers present 'Daniel Boone: Coming into Kentucky' April 5

For a long time, Scott New has wanted everyone to see Daniel Boone as a real person.

While many credit the legendary frontiersman with the exploration and settlement of Kentucky, there is no doubt that he was one of many who opened the doors for future generations to call Kentucky home.

And there are many who would agree with Kentucky Humanities Council Chautauqua performer Scott New who said he has “always been an admirer of Boone.”

New portrays Boone through several Kentucky Chautauqua programs. He keeps up with the latest research on Boone and his times to present his Daniel Boone:  Pathfinder programs.

He said his goal is to have his audience see Boone “as a real person, as opposed to merely an icon or mythic/folklore figure.”

In addition, New said that “hopefully, they will have a much better understanding of the birth of Kentucky in general.” He considers a question and answer time after each program to be just as important as the presentation. 

Constantly researching and refining his presentations New said, “I try to change the programs a bit to keep them fresh.” Through meticulous research, New is able to dispel many of the myths surrounding Boone’s life that audiences have become familiar with.

Taking his role of separating fact from fiction very seriously, New said it is his “job to correct misconceptions, myths and misinformation.”

New will bring a unique glimpse of Daniel Boone to Shelbyville on April 5, 2012 at 7 p.m. at the Shelby County Public Library, 309 Eighth Street.

The public is invited to attend this free event, hosted by the Painted Stone Settlers, Inc. Refreshments will be served following New’s presentation of “Coming Into Kentucky”.

This program tells the story of the crucial role Boone played in the establishment of the state of Kentucky and the American west.

From his first serious trek into Kentucky in 1769 as a hunter to his founding of Fort Boonesborough in 1775, Boone and his family played a pivotal role in the early days of Kentucky’s settlement.  Boone’s younger brother, Squire, was responsible for establishing Shelby County’s Painted Stone Station.

New has been previously employed at Colonial Williamsburg, American’s largest outdoor history museum dedicated to the 18th century. He is currently employed full-time with the Kentucky Historic Sites & Parks system, and uses Fort Boonesborough in Madison County, Ky as his home-base.

The Painted Stone Settlers, Inc. is a local non-profit organization of living history re-enactors dedicated to researching and preserving 18th century history. 

The group hosts the Long Run Massacre each year in Shelbyville, which will be held Sept. 8 and 9, 2012 with a special School Day Program on Friday, Sept. 7, 2012.

For  information or to make reservations for “Coming Into Kentucky”,  contact Kathy Cummings at (502) 228-3746; Helen McKinney at (502) 738-9435; visit www.paintedstonesettlers.org; or contact the Shelby County Public Library at (502) 633-3803.