Originally a supply depot for Union forces in Kentucky, Camp Nelson became the site where 10,000 Black soldiers trained in the Civil War. But in the war’s last months, these soldiers were attacked by bitter Southerners. Their remains have never been found, and a team is dedicated to finding them to memorialize their service and heroism.
Film Interviewees
- David E. Brown – 5th USCC Descendant and Researcher
- Juanita White – Historian and Scriptwriter
- Jerry Miller – Local Historian
- Amy Murrell Taylor – Historian, University of Kentucky; Author, Embattled Freedom
- Steve Phan – Chief of Interpretation, Camp Nelson National Monument
- Joni House – Civil War Historian
- Stephen McBride – Archaeologist
- Philip Mink – Archaeologist
Secrets of the Dead: The Civil War’s Lost Massacre is a production of Wide Awake Films for The WNET Group and Kentucky Educational Television. Directed by William Eichler. Narration Written by Laurens Grant. Narrated by Jay O. Sanders. Produced by Julia Barnett. Executive Producers for Wide Awake Films are Shane Seley and Michael Mavretic. For KET: Shae Hopkins, Nancy Southgate, and Matt Grimm are executive producers. For Secrets of theDead: Benjamin Phelps is supervising producer; Stephanie Carter is executive producer; Stephen Segaller is executive in charge.
The Civil War’s Lost Massacre was made possible in part by the KET Millennium Fund. Funding for Secrets of the Dead is provided by public television viewers.