Mammoth Cave

Black History Month

Black and white photo showing a wooden cabin with family of six people sitting on the front doorstoop.
Civil War veteran and Mammoth Cave guide William Garvin sits on his front porch with his family during the mid 1800s.

Photo from the Mammoth Cave National Park Curatorial Collection

African American Contributions to Mammoth Cave


African Americans have played a pivotal role to the tourism, exploration, mapping, and development of Mammoth Cave throughout its over 200-year modern history. Their contributions may not always been obvious to those who first visit the park, but their impact reaches everyone who enters and embarks on a cave tour.

Dive deeper into African American History at Mammoth Cave.

 
Historic black and white photograph of man in a coat carrying a lantern in front of a cave entrance. The words "Mr. M.W. Bransford Guide of 3rd Generation, prop. of Bransford's Resort, Mammoth Cave, KY" are written at the bottom.
Matt Bransford was the 3rd generation of the Bransford Family to guide at Mammoth Cave. He and his wife, Zemmie, owned and operated the Bransford Summer Resort for African Americans traveling to Mammoth Cave in the 1920s and 1930s.

From the Mammoth Cave National Park Curatorial Collection

Dive deeper into African American History at Mammoth Cave.

 

Program Schedule

Select the date from the event calendar below to see what ranger-led programs are offered during your visit to Mammoth Cave National Park.

 

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Last updated: February 4, 2025

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

P.O. Box 7
Mammoth Cave, KY 42259-0007

Phone:

270 758-2180

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