About Between the Rivers, Inc. (BTR-Inc)

Between the Rivers, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the rich cultural heritage of the Between the Rivers people and their unique history. Located in the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, we strive to protect and share this once-vibrant community's stories, traditions, and physical remnants.

Our Mission:

To preserve the cultural heritage of the Between the Rivers people for present and future generations.

What We Do:

Historical Preservation:

• We restore and maintain historic structures, such as St. Stephens Church, the only remaining BTR church.

• We work with partners like the Forest Service and Kentucky State Historic Preservation Officer to protect and restore significant sites like Bell City (Empire Farm).

• We advocate for restoring the original names of lost or altered places.

  Genealogy and Storytelling:

• We published the "Between the Rivers" magazine, a collection of community-submitted stories, photos, and genealogy research that documents the lives and experiences of BTR families.

  Cemetery Preservation:

• We conduct regular maintenance and restoration work on over 277 documented cemeteries within the Land Between the Lakes, ensuring that the final resting places of the BTR people are respected and remembered.

Get Involved:

We welcome volunteers who are passionate about preserving the history of the Between the Rivers region. Whether you have a personal connection to the area or simply an interest in its heritage, there are many ways to contribute. Join us for cemetery cleanups, help with research projects, or share your family stories and photos.

Together, we can keep the spirit of Between the Rivers alive.