The historic Holt Home is part of the portrait of America. The Friends of the Holt Home, Inc. work diligently each year to bring history back as MG Joseph Holt might have entertained. The yearly family event on the fourth Saturday of September has become a tradition as the doors are open to the people’s home! During the restoration the public has been invited year after year to be a part of the process.

Preservation is slow done the right way. As the next phase of restoration continues visitors who come on September 26, 2020 will see a remarkable change in Judge Holt’s home, the only home in America today that tells the complete story of the Lincoln Conspiracy Trial where Holt presided. As you view pictures from the September 26, 2019 event you can just imagine how the Holt’s lived, and learn of how Joseph Holt helped develop the Judge Advocate General Corps.

Much work has been done to gain and continue the partnering with the United States Army JAGS and other state partners. Support your local history where the Showplace of Breckinridge County is returning along with the home of one of the Army JAGS’ heroes and our most famous son!

The President, portrayed by Larry Elliott, and Gen. Grant, portrayed by Curt Fields, have been heralded as amazing lookalikes and highly proficient authorities on two of the key figures in the U.S. Civil War. They’ll headline a program that’s scheduled from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. CDT on the grounds of the historic Judge Joseph Holt home in Hardinsburg.

The Friends of the Holt Home, Inc. cherishes its position by presenting the Holt Home Community Day where families and visitors of all ages are entertained in the period as Abraham Lincoln’s Lawyer might have entertained. And are proud to coordinate fund raising efforts and events for the home of Judge Advocate General Joseph Holt. Holt, a Breckinridge County native, was appointed Judge Advocate General, in 1862 by President Lincoln. His 19th Century 14-room mansion will be open for public viewing.

In addition to the Lincoln and Grant portrayals, other Community Day highlights include a silent auction, a wreath-laying ceremony at Judge Holt’s monument, period music by the Breckinridge County Concert Band and Chamber Singers, performances by the Berea Festival Dancers, Kentucky Home Guard Band and the Guilderroy Byrne Band. A Civil War baseball game will be conducted along with cannon firing by the 14th Kentucky Light Artillery unit.

Proceeds from the Silent Auction assist with costs for the Community Day, which is free and open to the public. Those wishing to contribute an item should contact the Breckinridge County Chamber (270-756-0268), the Breckinridge County Fiscal Court (270-756-2268), or the Friends of the Holt Home (270-756-2573).

Guided tours of the Holt Home will focus on continuing restoration projects for the 160-year-old mansion. Copies of the latest book concerning the home’s restoration also will be available. Author Susan Dyer will sign Joseph Holt Mansion: Saving and Restoring the Home of Lincoln’s Judge Advocate General.

Judge Holt’s most memorable role as judge advocate general occurred when he presided over the trial of the Lincoln assassination conspirators. His 6,225-square-foot home with its Italianate architecture is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and sits on 19.5 acres owned by the Breckinridge County Fiscal Court.

The Holt Home is located at 6205 Highway 144 in Hardinsburg. More information is available at http://www.jholt-houseky.org or by calling 270-756-2269, 270-756-0268, or 270-756-2573.