Payne Hollow on the Ohio is pleased to announce its inaugural Payne Hollow Symposium, which will take place at Hanover College and the surrounding communities of Hanover, Madison, Milton, and Bedford from October 9-11, 2026.

Our theme this year is “Drifting Forward.” In his lyrical book about his friends, Harlan and Anna Hubbard, the celebrated author Wendell Berry writes:

“One cannot drift with intention - or, at least, in intending to drift and in drifting, one must accept a severe limitation on one’s intentions. But in giving oneself to the currents, in thus subordinating one’s intentions, one becomes eligible for unintended goods, unwished - for gifts - and often these goods and gifts surpass those that one had intended or wished for.”
— Wendell Berry, Harlan Hubbard: Life and Work, 1990

The Hubbards were, for Berry, the perfect example of people who learned to give themselves over to their beloved Ohio River and, in doing so, reaped many unintended or surprising gifts.

In a similar way, as the organization that now cares for the historic Trimble County, Kentucky home and land of the Hubbards, Payne Hollow on the Ohio is exploring the unexpected ways the Hubbard legacy continues to unfold. We believe there are countless ways to inspire new and energetic advocates for the Ohio River Valley’s people, cultures, and environment.

At this 2026 Symposium, we hope that scholars, students, scientists, creatives, and community members will consider what it means to them to “drift forward” in such a way. How can we, like the Hubbards, learn from the stream of time and carry the ideas of creativity, curiosity, and stewardship into a bright and bountiful future?

The call for sessions at this symposium is now CLOSED. The full schedule will be available later this Summer.

Questions may be directed to Jessica Whitehead at whiteheadj619@gmail.com.

Here’s a sneak peek of what you have to look forward to at “Drifting Forward”:

  • A day of intriguing and diverse sessions related to the legacy of Harlan and Anna Hubbard and Payne Hollow, inclu

  • The dedication of the new state historic marker honoring Harlan and Anna Hubbard and Payne Hollow in downtown Milton, Kentucky

  • The Hanover premiere of Daniel Gilliam's Piano Trio No. 2: "Payne Hollow" performed by the NouLou Chamber Players

  • The unveiling of a refreshed Hubbard exhibit in the Hanover College Duggan Library

  • Informal tours of Payne Hollow's historic trails and structures

...AND MUCH MORE!

Our official Symposium hotel is the Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Madison, Historic Eagle Cotton Mill. Registrants are offered a special rate of $229/night for the Symposium block, while rooms last. Be sure to make your booking before Tuesday, August 25, 2026. BOOK NOW.

Visit www.paynehollowontheohio.org or join our mailing list to stay on top of the latest news about the Symposium.

REGISTER NOW

Many thanks to our generous sponsors for this event, including:

Gene and Linda Marshall (In memory of Bill Caddell)
Bob and Charlotte Canida
Hanover College