Diversity, Equity, Access, and Inclusion

“With a greater knowledge of history, we can fully appreciate the great difficulties and the great opportunities that lie ahead. By reconnecting with our past, we can renew a sense of who we are, what we stand for, and where we are headed.”

—Owsley Brown Frazier, Founder

WHO WE ARE:

Kentucky is a place with diverse people, geography, and stories. The Frazier History Museum is the place where the world meets and celebrates what makes Kentucky—and the people who choose to enter our doors—unique.

History belongs to everyone, and we want people to see themselves in the stories we tell.

Our goal is to create a space where everyone feels welcome, well-represented, and able to enjoy our museum and programs.

To read a letter from the Frazier History Museum President and CEO, Andy Treinen, click here.

 

Curator Amanda Briede accepts the AAM’s Recognition for the Advancement of DEAI Award on the Frazier’s behalf, May 2023.

 

In May 2023, the American Alliance of Museums (AAM)—the only organization that represents the entire scope of the museum community—honored the Frazier with a DEAI award. The Frazier History Museum in Louisville and the Children’s Creativity Museum in San Francisco were the two institutions awarded in the Recognition for the Advancement of DEAI category.

We share this award with so many in our community who have helped the Frazier tell a more complete story of Kentucky’s history. We are incredibly thankful for partners such as Walt and Shae Smith of the West of Ninth blog, LaDonna Brown of The Chickasaw Nation, Hannah Drake and Josh Miller of the UnKnown Project, and so many others. A special thanks as well for sponsors such as Fifth Third Bank and grant funders such as the National Endowment for the Humanities, the James Graham Brown Foundation, the Gheens Foundation; the KY Tourism, Arts, & Heritage Cabinet; and the Kentucky Humanities Council.

 WHAT WE STAND FOR:

Our Mission: Ignite the human spirit with thoughtfully crafted stories to spark curiosity about who we are and our connection to the future.

Our Vision: To be a compelling destination about Kentucky’s culture, its heritage, and its relationship to the world.

Our Goal: We strive for all visitors, partners, staff, and community to feel welcome and represented at the Frazier History Museum. Through the power of history and storytelling, we hope to inspire people to look back in order to look forward.

Our Core Values: Respect | Empathy | Collaboration | Integrity | Passion

WHERE WE ARE HEADED:

We are committed to:

  • Utilizing local & national resources to better inform ourselves on best practices through training and professional development.

  • Facilitating both internal and external dialogue to inform our continued growth.

  • Auditing and evaluating our partnerships, workforce, exhibitions, and collaborations to ensure they reflect our community as a whole.

  • Engaging with and sharing a diverse range of perspectives.

  • Prioritizing accessibility to ensure that all can benefit from museum exhibitions and programs.

Community Feedback: We understand that our work on diversity, equity, access, and inclusion is an ongoing process that will grow and change over time. If you have comments or feedback that will support us in this process, please use our community feedback form to share your thoughts and suggestions.