The historic John P. Parker House in Ripley. Photo by Wade Linville
The John P. Parker House in Ripley is the home of John P. Parker, former slave, abolitionist, Underground Railroad conductor, businessman and inventor.
The Parker House is a National Historic Landmark and a Network to Freedom Site. During February for Black History Month, the Parker House conducted its annual membership drive, a Parker House display was placed in the Kroger’s store in Maysville, KY.
The Parker House’s open season is from May through October, but welcoming tours were offered in February by appointment, and it is always open for scheduled group tours any day through the year. Appointments can be made for group tours by calling (937) 392-4188.
One of the Parker House projects completed during Black History Month 2023 was the installation of a gravestone for John P. Parker, Jr. the oldest son of John and Miranda Parker, John, Jr. died at an early age when he was still a student at Oberlin College.
He is buried in Ripley’s Maplewood Cemetery.
“When we located his grave site we found there was no headstone. The Gravestone Project has been in the works for two years. We directed donations to this project. The gravestone was designed and ordered from Georgetown Marble & Granite Company and has now been installed,” said Carol Stivers, president of the John P. Parker Historical Society. “The dedication will take place after our Parker Membership Meeting on Sunday, April 23, 2023.”
Other events to take place at the Parker House in 2023 are: A Student History Camp for students who have completed grades 3, 4 and 5 will take place June 5-8 at the Parker House from 9:30 to 12 noon. All students from the area are welcome to attend by calling (937)392-4188.
A Juneteenth Celebration will take place on June 17 in the Parker Park. There will be music, food, vendors, games, dancing and displays. The public is invited.
There will be a 5-K Run sponsored by Ripley Heritage in the summer. The 5-K Run will start and end at the Parker Park on Front Street.
The Holiday Forest of Lights sponsored by Parker House is a beautiful display of lights during the month of December. The lighted trees are sponsored by loved ones in Memory and in Honor of their loved ones. The Holiday Forest of Lights kicks off in October when they start taking orders for the Memorial Trees.
The Parker House’s main project at the present time is an effort to become a Unit of the National Park Service. The Parker House is in line for a Resource Study to be done by the National Park Service to determine suitability, however this could take up to 36 months.
“We have been informed that there are 21 sites in front of the Parker House to be evaluated to become a Unit of the National Park Service. We want the Parker House to become a Unit of the National Park Service because we want the Nation to know about Ripley & John P. Parker and his important part in American History. John P. Parker is a National Hero,” said Stivers.
Plan to visit the John P. Parker House with your family this year. Dewey Scott (docent) will tell you about the life and times of John P. Parker.
Open season is May through October, Friday & Saturday 10 a.m. – 5 pm. and Sundays 1-5p.m. All other days are by appointment.
All groups and schools are encouraged to attend.
Adults are $6. Students (6-18) $3.
