ERLANGER, Ky. — History enthusiasts gathered for Northern Kentucky History Day at the Kenton County Library.

Northern Kentucky native and author Bob Webster says he loves history because of his family.

He said, “I started with a family history project about 40 years ago. Ended up with a 600-page book on the Webster family, which, I’m proud to say, is in the local libraries. But that really turned me on to so much other things in northern Kentucky history that I had no idea about.”

He’s spent over 40 years writing books and meeting others who love history just as much as he does.

He said, ”It’s amazing that everyone has a story of where they were in childhood and what school they went to and, some of the other, you know, wonderful places to visit in this region.”

For the past couple of years, the Kenton County Library has hosted the Northern Kentucky History Day event, where local historical groups, authors, researchers and residents come to learn the history of the region.

Like Webster, local history and genealogy librarian, Cierra Earl, said events like this form rich learning opportunities.

Earl said, "Northern Kentucky History Day is a great way for everyone to get together from museums, historical societies, genealogy groups. We have lots of local authors, genealogists who come in and do presentations. So it’s a great way to get everybody together here in northern Kentucky. And just celebrate local history.” Webster added, "I just remember back when I was in school, being taught Kentucky history, and it really was very generic. They talked about the Cumberland Gap and the Wilderness Road and Daniel Boone, you know, leading families into Kentucky. And that’s wonderful. But the history of northern Kentucky is completely different.”

Webster said knowledge of the past shapes the future.

He said, "I think it’s so important to write things down so that future generations can look back and, and know the things that went on here decades before.”