What will Kentucky Book Festival visitors find on your table? 

First will be my newest book – James Harrod, Founder of Harrodsburg, Kentucky. This is only the second book ever written about Harrodsburg’s founding father. A pioneer, a soldier, and a visionary, in 1774 James Harrod founded the oldest, permanent American settlement west of the Allegheny Mountains. Establishing Harrodsburg was a symbolic act declaring the Kentucky frontier open for settlement. His settlement domesticated an area considered wild and untamed and has continued for 250 years. My next book is A History of Harrodsburg, Saratoga of the South. This book is about the commercialized springs developed in Harrodsburg. During the early 19th century, Greenville Springs, Harrodsburg Springs and Graham Springs became some of the most popular spas and hotels in the South, and Harrodsburg became known as the “Saratoga of the South.” These springs offered rest, relaxation and accommodations for the entire family. Finally, Images of America: Harrodsburg is a book with vintage photos from our town’s history. These well-preserved photos are from entrepreneurs, grand openings, and expert news reports, allowing the reader to step back in time.

Whom do you invite to stop by? Who will benefit from reading your book?Anyone interested in history, especially Kentucky history, will enjoy these books. Harrodsburg is the first permanent English settlement west of the Allegheny Mountains and was established on June 16, 1774. Teachers will also appreciate these books for their students when they study Kentucky history. Harrodsburg will be celebrating our 250th anniversary next year!

Could you please tell us something curious about you and/or your book?

I am a researcher at heart and I especially love learning new facts about  Harrodsburg and the Bluegrass. I love making my research available to the public, through my books and my dedicated Facebook page, Harrodsburg Sestercentennial.

Is this your first time participating in Kentucky Book Festival? If yes – what are you looking forward to the most? If you’ve participated before – what was your favorite experience at the Festival?

This will be my third time participating in the Kentucky Book Festival. I look forward to meeting with other authors, but especially look forward to meeting new readers for my books. It’s always encouraging as a writer to be recognized by peers and fans alike.

Bobbi Dawn Rightmyer is a lifelong native of Harrodsburg, KY and she writes books of narrative historical nonfiction. In 1774, James Harrod founded the oldest permanent English settlement west of the Allegheny Mountains. Harrod was a soldier and pioneer who was instrumental in exploration of the area.