Learn what makes each Kentucky county unique!
The Frazier History Museum strongly believes that every county possesses a unique and incredible story deserving to be shared with the rest of Kentucky (and beyond). Premised on this conviction, the 120: Cool KY Counties project has collected hundreds of stories from across the Commonwealth—including histories, legends, and oral traditions curated at the local level. As an addition to our immensely popular Cool Kentucky exhibition, we believe that by sharing these “hidden stories” we will be able to encourage empathy, promote exploration, cultivate mutual respect, and bridge divides on the basis of Kentucky’s extraordinary history and heritage.
Available with regular museum admission.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM:
OPEN HOUSE, 1 P.M.
After entering the museum’s front doors on Main Street, guests can explore all three floors of exhibitions! Activations include:
Access to 120: Cool KY Counties, 1st Floor. The interactive exhibit featuring stories, oral traditions, and songs from all 120 counties in Kentucky! We’re installing 120 in the Cool Kentucky exhibition.
County Tables, 1st Floor. Representatives from select counties will share information and give and/or sell souvenirs, soaps, postcards, Kentucky books, band merch, t-shirts, BBQ, Honeybuns, Rebecca Ruth Bourbon balls, Modjeskas, Ruth Hunt candy, local snacks, and more! Other tables will showcase historic Kentucky artifacts and photographs, Kentucky newspapers, and objects representing Chinese culture in Kentucky.
Rolley-Hole Marbles, 1st Floor. Test your skills at Monroe County’s famous marble game!
Beer, Bourbon, and Wine Tastings, 3rd Floor. Tastings of products by Meade County brewers, Smith Holler Distillery, Casey Jones Distillery, and Baker-Bird Winery will be offered.
Costumed Interpreters, 1st Floor. Folks in costume as Claudia and Harland “Colonel” Sanders, Civil War–era Union soldiers, Sandford-Duncan Inn duelers, the Stephen Foster singers, and midwife Aunt Molly Jackson will roam!
Musical Kentucky Playlist, 1st Floor. Throughout the afternoon we’ll play songs off the 120-song playlist featured in the exhibit!
Access to All Museum Exhibitions, All Floors. Enjoy self-guided tours of our exhibitions Lewis & Clark Experience, Spirited Design: Old Forester’s Mid-Century Decanters, The Spirit of Kentucky, Founder’s Gallery, Stewart Historic Miniatures Gallery, The Commonwealth: Divided we Fall, and Cool Kentucky.
NEWS CONFERENCE, 2:30 P.M.
At the 120 exhibit opening news conference, speakers and performers address guests and the media, in this order:
Phoebe White, fourteen-year-old yodeler (Laurel County), performs an original song
Andy Treinen, President & CEO, Frazier History Museum; Sec. Lindy Casebier, Secretary of KY Tourism, Arts & Heritage Cabinet; Cleo Battle, President & CEO, Louisville Tourism; Robbie Morgan, Director, Lawrenceburg/Anderson County Tourism; Susan B. Dyer, President, Friends of the Holt Home (Breckinridge County); and Casey Harden, Sr. Director of Engagement, Frazier History Museum, offer brief remarks
Simon Meiners, Communications & Research Specialist, Frazier History Museum, introduces and congratulates the Kentucky musicians in attendance whose songs are featured in the exhibit: Fred Keams, Dale Ann Bradley, Larnelle Harris, Scout Larken, Kiana Del, Tim Butler, Aunt Molly Jackson, Cade Crider, Nine Pound Hammer, Leah Blevins, Senora May, RYVOLI, Asly Toro, Hong Shao, Phoebe White, Slut Pill, Athena Cage, RISK, Layla Spring, Army of Life, Lorinda Jones, Yared Sound, Joan Shelley, Tiny Tiny, Kelley Ray King, Gravel Switch, Our Transient Lives, Chase McDaniel, Nappy Roots, Sue Massek, and the Kentucky Gentlemen
Phoebe White leads very special rendition of “Blue Moon of Kentucky”
OPEN HOUSE, 3:30 P.M.
Open House Resumes, with exhibition access, county tables, marble games, tastings, and more
Sheila Rush, Manager, Old Mulkey Meetinghouse State Historic Site (Monroe County), delivers monologue
Phoebe White performs a full set
PARKING
There is limited paid parking available in the Frazier’s lot, located behind the museum at the corner of Ninth & Washington Streets. Other options include metered parking spaces and a garage located on Eighth Street between Main and Market.
**Purchase and/or consumption of alcohol is restricted to individuals 21 years old and older. Please enjoy responsibly. We reserve the right to deny or restrict the service of alcohol to anyone.