Frazier250: What was the Last Native American Village in Kentucky?
- Frazier Kentucky History Museum 829 West Main Street Louisville, KY, 40202 United States (map)
What was the last native American village in Kentucky? Where was it, who lived there, and how did they live? Join the Frazier’s Simon Meiners in a conversation with archaeologist A. Gwynn Henderson about the last Native American settlement in what is now Kentucky. As the Frazier marks 250 years since 1776—the year America declared its independence—we shine a light on the Native American presence in Kentucky leading up to that time. The late 18th century saw not only the arrival of Euroamerican settlers like Thomas Walker, James Harrod, and Daniel Boone in Kentucky—it also saw the abandonment of Kentucky’s last remaining Native American villages as distinct communities.
Dr. Henderson is the Education Director at the Kentucky Archaeological Survey. She has carried out field research in Kentucky, the Ohio Valley, Tennessee, and Mexico, and she is particularly interested in researching the lifeways of the ancient Native farming cultures of the middle Ohio Valley and the history of mid-18th century Indigenous groups in the same region. She will explore what the material evidence suggests about Lower Shawnee Town (Greenup County) and more.
Brown-Forman Theatre
ADMISSION: Free with price of museum admission (RSVP required)
PROGRAM: 1-2 PM
Step into the heart of Kentucky with Bourbon Through Bluegrass—an immersive experience where the rich heritage of Bourbon meets the soul-stirring sounds of Kentucky & Bluegrass Music.
Come to the Frazier Kentucky History Museum for a Family Day celebration honoring the 250th anniversary of American Independence! Experience the Frazier’s four temporary exhibitions inspired by American Independence and the contribution of Kentuckians to it: Pursuit of Happiness, Louisville to Liberty, I Too Am A Kentuckian, and Revolutionary Threads. With admission to the event, you and your family can engage in a series of hands-on crafts and activities provided by the Frazier’s Education team and various community partners, participate in museum-wide scavenger hunts, guided tours, meet with our collections manager and get up close with the collection, witness a live theater performance titled Early America Through Music, and gain access to the rest of the Frazier’s 3 floors of exhibitions! The Frazier Kentucky History Museum’s America 250th Family Day will be held from 10 AM – 2 PM. We hope to see you there!
In 1985 archaeologists in Toronto, Canada made an incredible discovery. Beneath the playground of a school, lay the remnants of a house, shed, and cellar. Records showed that the property’s original owner was “Thornton Blackburn, cabman, colored”. Against all odds, he and his wife had escaped their enslavers in Louisville, KY in 1831 and gone on to lead exceptionally impactful lives.
Don’t miss your chance to meet the lead archaeologist on the project and hear firsthand about her years-long journey meticulously piecing together the Blackburn’s experience. Karolyn Smardz Frost is an archaeologist, historian, and the author of multiple books including I’ve Got a Home in Glory Land: A Lost Tale of the Underground Railroad.
An enslaved couple in Louisville, a daring escape, a jailbreak, and finally a new life in Canada—learn about the incredible lives of Thornton and Lucie Blackburn on September 15 during Underground Railroad Month. Archaeologist and author Karolyn Smardz Frost, who uncovered their story in Toronto, will join us. So will Hannah Drake and Josh Miller from the (Un)Known Project, Lamont Collins from Roots 101, and the Frazier’s Rachel Platt, who traveled to Toronto. For the first time in the United States, we’re sharing some of the couple’s artifacts in our exhibit and this program, Louisville to Liberty: The Blackburns’ Journey.
Step into the heart of Kentucky with Bourbon Through Bluegrass—an immersive experience where the rich heritage of Bourbon meets the soul-stirring sounds of Kentucky & Bluegrass Music.
Step into the heart of Kentucky with Bourbon Through Bluegrass—an immersive experience where the rich heritage of Bourbon meets the soul-stirring sounds of Kentucky & Bluegrass Music.
Sportsmen and Bourbon lovers take aim! The Owsley Brown Frazier Classic sporting clay tournament is an exclusive yet competitive lifestyle experience celebrating Kentucky history and the founding of the Frazier Kentucky History Museum. Shooters of all skill levels are welcome!
Named in honor of the founder of the Frazier Kentucky History Museum, his broad philanthropic investment in the Louisville community, and his lifelong love of history and the artistry of the gun, the Owsley Brown Frazier Classic sporting clay tournament features 12- or 20-gauge shotguns.
Grab a magnifying glass and get ready to look for clues this Fall Break at the Frazier! During our History’s Mysteries Fall Break Camp, become a junior detective, and try to uncover the truth of the past as we explore tales of spies, lost civilizations, hidden treasure, and more! Make hands-on arts and crafts, explore the Frazier’s newest exhibits, and develop your detective skills. This case won’t crack itself and we need your help! Spots are limited – sign up now for Camp Frazier to join the investigation.

