Together We Can Make a Difference
Our Mission
Join us on an incredible journey to uncover the hidden story of the Newport Barracks. By utilizing historic reenactments, interviews with eminent historians and experts, archival images, and period documentation we will deliver an exciting 90-minute documentary.
A Historical Treasure
Located in Northern Kentucky, at the junction of the Licking and Ohio Rivers, the Newport Barracks impacts nearly a century of American history.
The First Americans
Long before European settlement, the area the barracks was built on was important to the indigenous peoples in the region.
The Opening of the Northwest
From its' construction in the early 1800's, the Newport Barracks served as a vital supply base for military activities in the old Northwest Territory.
The War of 1812
The barracks served as a rallying site for Kentucky troops. Hundreds of militia, along with Governor Shelby, embarked from the barracks to fight in the Battle of the Thames in 1813. In the aftermath, British captives were marched back to the barracks, which now served as a POW site.
Mexican American War
The barracks location made it a key military installation during this conflict. A young William T. Sherman escorted troops to the barracks. Sam Walker, of the Texas Rangers also visited the site, remarking "It is a pretty place but crowded with recruits." During this period, the Newport Barracks Band became popular for its' talent, often drawing hundreds of civilians to listen to their performances.
The Civil War
In the years leading up to the Civil War, the barracks hosted U.S. Grant, William Sherman and even Robert E. Lee at various stages of their careers. The Department of the Ohio was headquartered at the barracks, and wounded from the Battle of Shiloh were treated on the grounds.
The End of an Era
Shifting settlement patterns and frequent flooding spelled the end of the barracks distinguished service. In 1894 the barracks was decommisoned and facilities relocated to Ft. Thomas
Who We Are
Our Story
Rosemoor Media is the award-winning documentary film crew behind
Behind the Uniform: A New Class.
Haley Snowden-Director, Executive Producer and Writer.
Haley has produced and directed two award-winning documentaries: Behind the Uniform: A Look Inside the Cincinnati Fire Department and Behind the Uniform: A New Class. She’s created social media content and worked with small businesses around Cincinnati. She owns Rosemoor Media, LLC, which has created multiple works across several different genres, including an award winning animated comedy.
Executive Producer Michael D. Coker- Executive Producer, Researcher and Writer.
Michael has decades of experience working with historic sites, museums, and archives. He currently works as Professor at Northern Kentucky University, teaching US history and Museum Administration and Archival management. He is the author of The Battle of Port Royal, Charleston Curiosities, and South Carolina: An Illustrated History as well as numerous historical articles and essays. Most recently he served as a co-author on the paper Archaeological Identification of the Newport Barracks Site.
Eileen Heekin- Producer, Researcher and Writer.
Eileen is in her last semester of the Public History Program at NKU and is working on this documentary as a part of her capstone. She currently works at NKU as an Academic Coordinator in the College of Health and Human Services. Eileen has researched the Newport Barracks throughout her time in the Public History Program and plans to continue her research after graduation.
Ethan Powles- Editor, Reenactment Coordinator.
Ethan is a graduate of NKU’s Masters of Public History program. He currently volunteers at the Heritage Village Museum where he created videos for their self guided tour and participated in education events. For 7 years, Ethan has been apart of the living history community, participating in reenactment events covering time periods from the late 1770s to the early 1900s. He brings his knowledge of video production and connections with 1812 reenactors to this project.
History in Photos
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Hello
Be a history hero!
Where do you come in? We need help to film the historical vignettes using period reenactors, memory cards for our cameras, and the funding to secure use of the historic images. We estimate an early 2025 release