Jessica Whitehead, author of 'Driftwood', honored with the 2025 Thomas D. Clark Medallion award.
University Press of Kentucky Awards 2025 Thomas D. Clark Medallion to "Driftwood: The Life of Harlan Hubbard"
In a celebration of Kentucky's literary and cultural heritage, the University Press of Kentucky has awarded the 2025 Thomas D. Clark Medallion to Jessica K. Whitehead's book, "Driftwood: The Life of Harlan Hubbard."
This comprehensive biography offers a rich and nuanced portrait of Harlan Hubbard's life, tracing his evolution from a young man searching for meaning along the Ohio River to a confident advocate of simple living and creative independence. The book is based on unpublished journals, letters, manuscripts, and artwork, providing a detailed account of Hubbard's life and work.
Harlan Hubbard (1900–1988) is a significant figure in Kentucky's history, celebrated as a writer, artist, and sustainability pioneer. Whitehead's biography explores Hubbard's Transcendentalist-inspired lifestyle and philosophy, connecting his early struggles with identity to his later life of creativity and simplicity at Payne Hollow, his hand-built homestead.
The Thomas D. Clark Medallion, presented annually by the Thomas D. Clark Foundation Inc., is a prestigious award given for outstanding contributions to Kentucky’s literary and cultural heritage. The medallion includes a $1,000 prize and an event celebrating the recipient. This year, Whitehead's work has been placed alongside works by notable scholars and writers like Crystal Wilkinson, Richard Taylor, and James Still.
William Francis, president of the Thomas D. Clark Foundation Board of Directors, stated that Whitehead's book is an important historical story. Jessica Whitehead, a writer and curator of collections at the Kentucky Derby Museum, feels humbled by the recognition, believing that Harlan would also appreciate being in good company.
In addition to "Driftwood," Whitehead has contributed to The Watercolors of Harlan Hubbard: From the Collection of Bill and Flo Caddell. She is also a coauthor of The History of the Kentucky Derby in 75 Objects, which is a semifinalist for the 19th annual Dr. Tony Ryan Book Award.
The Thomas D. Clark Medallion is named in honor of Thomas D. Clark, the Kentucky Historian Laureate and a founder of the University Press of Kentucky. This award serves as a testament to the enduring impact of Harlan Hubbard's life and work on Kentucky's art, environmentalism, and cultural memory.
Whitehead's work highlights values such as authentic living, honoring nature, and celebrating beauty and creativity, which resonate strongly in Kentucky’s cultural narrative today. She expresses gratitude for the resonance of the Hubbards' story in the reading community, emphasizing the relevance of their gentle values in uncertain times.
References: 1. University Press of Kentucky - Link 2. Thomas D. Clark Medallion - Link 3. Jessica K. Whitehead - Link
The book, "Driftwood: The Life of Harlan Hubbard," written by Jessica K. Whitehead, not only offers insights into the sustainable-living advocate's life but also significantly contributes to Kentucky's home-and-garden, lifestyle, and community narratives. By delving into Harlan Hubbard's Transcendentalist-inspired lifestyle and philosophy, the book underscores the enduring relevance of his values in contemporary Kentucky culture.
