Here we go, folks!

The best Halloween party in town is coming up this Thursday as the Frazier joins our good friends and neighbors here on Main Street to present the Michter’s Spookeasy.

That’s right, it’s a Halloween-themed hotsy-totsy with the Frazier Kentucky History Museum decked out in ghoulishly styled décor. The attire is 1920s and/or Halloween, so get creative, or just show up in your favorite cocktail attire. Enjoy Michter’s magic libations, including an American Pie and a Spellbound.

Michter’s will have an extensive lineup of whiskey tastings, which will be paired with nostalgic candies from 1896 to 1935, including Reese’s, Tootsie Rolls, Mounds, Kit Kat, Goetze’s, and Pumpkin Spice Truffles.

There will be live music from the Tim Whalen Quartet featuring Carly Johnson, a costume contest, premium Bourbon sales, and spooky surprises sprinkled throughout the museum, including a Name That Phobia interactive. Anyone here suffering from globophobia? This is going to be fun—and we hope to see you here!

In today’s Frazier Weekly issue, we’ve got some haunted objects from the Frazier collection that will be on view during the Spookeasy. Pumpkins at Kentucky Kingdom offers a Jack O’Lantern Spectacular. And the Brown Hotel is celebrating the 100-year anniversary of the Hot Brown.

Oh, and if you didn’t see it, Mick Sullivan, our rock-star curator of guest experience, played to a packed house at the Lincoln Center in New York!

Enjoy.

This Week in the Museum

Curator’s Corner: Haunted Objects at the Spookeasy

Halloween is, and always has been, my favorite holiday. I think it comes from a lifelong embrace of all things spooky. As a young child, I was obsessed with the “Thriller” music video and idolized the Wicked Witch of the West. Now, as an adult, I enjoy horror movies, visit historic cemeteries, and travel to places like Salem, Massachusetts, and Sleepy Hollow, New York. So, I am very excited to be a part of the Michter’s Spookeasy this year to show off a table of some of the most haunted, creepy, and holiday-appropriate objects in our collection.

You can expect to see vintage Halloween decorations, creepy dolls, Victorian mourning items, and the we’re-pretty-sure-they’re-haunted gallows rings that have caused real-life havoc while on display. However, if you are a fellow afficionado of the afterlife, the main attraction will be a section of the dance floor from the legendary Bobby Mackey’s Music World. Bobby Mackey’s was a nightclub and honky tonk located in Wilder, Kentucky. It is known as “the most haunted nightclub in America.” According to legend, it’s the site of a portal to hell. All the major ghost hunting TV shows have visited, including the premier episode of Ghost Adventures in 2008. In 2024, the original location of Bobby Mackey’s was demolished, and many pieces from the interior of the bar were sold at auction. We were able to purchase a piece of the dance floor, and when we went to pick it up, it was easy to see why people felt the building was haunted. Decades of additions to the building left crooked walls and weird rooms jutting off in different directions. I snapped a few photos to try to capture the strangeness of the building, but I have to say, it’s hard to tell without actually being there. What does appear in the photographs, however, are glowing orbs that are usually considered by ghost hunters to be evidence of some kind of spirit.

So, if you’re planning on coming to the Michter’s Spookeasy this Thursday, be sure to stop by my table to see some of the spookiest and most haunted objects in the Frazier’s collection . . . if you dare!

Cool Kentucky Shop: Poe Salt and Pepper Shakers

Once upon a midnight dreary, while I munched upon a snack both bland and weary . . . I craved some flavor! Salt! Pepper! Something more!

I searched with a heart a-flutter, through cupboards and drawers, until—behold! My shakers appeared, ready to season my snacks and haunt my table through Spooky Season and beyond.

Quoth the foodie, “Pass the pepper!” Find them at the Cool Kentucky Shop!

The Mantell Incident: When an Air Force Captain Chased a UFO Above Western Kentucky

As the 120 on the Road team has traveled through Kentucky, we’ve heard whispers of local legends and regional mysteries. From the witchy to the hairy and the scary, Kentucky has no shortage of strange phenomena to study. You might encounter Kentucky’s own bigfoot (“the Thing”) in Trimble County, the infamous Hopkinsville Goblins of Christian County, or even glimpse the grave of Leah Smock, who was burned alive for witchcraft in Meade County. The following tale of a close encounter comes to us from Simpson County, courtesy of my colleague Faith Shoulders!—Megan Sleeper, Manager of 120 on the Road

Just six months after New Mexico experienced the famous Roswell incident, Kentucky had its own UFO encounter. January 7, 1948, was a cold, clear day in Kentucky and Captain Thomas Mantell was leading a training squad of four P-51 Mustangs from Marietta, Georgia, to Louisville when he was asked by the Fort Knox control towers to investigate a strange, hovering craft above Godman Airfield. In the hours leading up to this, folks in Elizabethtown, Madisonville, Owensboro, and Irvington had all reported a massive, hovering craft above their cities. They all described it the same: ice-cream-cone-shaped, with red lights all around the bottom half, metallic, and over 200 feet wide. Witnesses say it would hover just below the cloud line and do several small circles in the air before accelerating and shooting off. This craft had been hovering over Fort Knox for ninety minutes, and had been witnessed by all in the control tower, even Commanding Officer Colonel Hix.

Captain Mantell and three of his fellow pilots began to diverge towards Godman Field, while the fourth went on to Louisville. The pilots began climbing in altitude to approach the craft over Godman, reaching up to 22,000 feet. At this point, two pilots fell back, stating he did not have the proper oxygen equipment to be this high up. They went back to Standiford Field in Louisville to refuel. Captain Mantell continued the pursuit. Here’s a quote from Mantell himself: “It appears to be a metallic object and it is of tremendous size. I’m still climbing. The object is above and ahead of me moving at my speed or faster. I’m trying to close in for a better look.” This was the last radio call from Thomas Mantell. When Mantell’s wingman refueled and attempted to search for Mantell and the craft, he reportedly could no longer see Mantell but did report seeing the craft again.

At 4:40 p.m. Captain Mantell’s plane was reported crashed in Franklin, Kentucky. In a strange coincidence, Franklin was Mantell’s birthplace and childhood home. They would find the Captain still strapped into his seat, his P-51 Mustang destroyed and partially burnt up from the nosedive it took. The official Air Force report states that Mantell passed out from climbing to high altitudes, a condition known as hypoxia. In the wake of Captain Mantell’s death, the Air Force tried to piece together a logical explanation for the events of January 7, to no avail. Experts reported no weather balloon activity in the area and astronomers ruled out the theory that the pilots were chasing the reflection of Venus or Jupiter off of their canopy. Of course, rumors were rampant. Some said that Mantell, a seasoned pilot and World War II veteran with a Distinguished Cross, was forced by magnetic ray to ascend so high that the airman passed out from hypoxia. Although this story leaves us with more questions than answers, Captain Mantell’s story is an important part of Kentucky’s weird and wild history, and he deserves to be remembered.

Pumpkins at Kentucky Kingdom: Featuring the Original Jack O’Lantern Spectacular! 🎃🍂

We’ve asked our friends at Kentucky Kingdom to tell you about this year’s Pumpkins at Kentucky Kingdom, which now features the original Jack O’Lantern Spectacular! You can visit Wednesday through Sunday, now through November 1, for as low as $24.99.—Simon Meiners, Communications & Research Specialist

Play all day and glow into the night during Pumpkins at Kentucky Kingdom, now featuring the original Jack O' Lantern Spectacular. This year’s trail invites guests to travel the world without leaving Louisville, with over 5,000 hand-carved pumpkins that showcase global landmarks, traditions, and cultural icons.

Plus, enjoy world-class rides and explore fall-themed fun like games, street performances, and colorful characters. After sundown, the park will transform into a whimsical wonderland of glow featuring larger-than-life pumpkin sculptures!

Plan your fall family adventure at Louisville’s Family Theme Park!

Buy & Save Now

Celebrating our Colleague who Made his Debut at Lincoln Center

The greatest thing happened to me: I got to see my colleague Mick Sullivan through the eyes of elementary schoolers. And let me tell you, they are HUGE fans.

The funny thing? Most of them have never seen Mick or met him. Yet they hang on his every word, know their favorite of his stories by heart, and even fall asleep listening to his stories.

I remember not long after I started at the museum, Mick asked me for a contact at a book publisher. He was going to write a book about an anomalous event known as the Kentucky meat shower. Well, that worked out! His book, The Meatshower, was published. Then came a book about Lincoln’s underpants. (Because, of course, why wouldn’t you want to know about Lincoln’s underpants?)

Next thing I knew, Mick was starting a podcast for kids—although it turns out it’s really not just for kids—called The Past and the Curious, where he could share the quirky history stories he loves. I already knew Mick was passionate about history, music, and telling a good story. But this fall, I got to see just how far that passion has taken him.

Mick was invited to perform at Lincoln Center, and as luck would have it, I was in New York City that same weekend. I arrived at the theater early and watched as it quickly filled with families. I met people who had traveled from Boston, Washington, DC, Portland, Oregon, and Florida—all because their kids loved The Past and the Curious.

The kids gathered on the floor in front of the stage, and I discovered two surprising things: so many of them fall asleep listening to Mick’s podcast, and every single one seemed to have a favorite episode ready to share.

They were practically bursting with excitement to meet him, get their pictures taken with him, and tell him which episodes they loved most.

I’ve always known Mick is a terrific storyteller. But watching these kids—who felt as if they knew him through his stories—made me appreciate his gift in an entirely new way.

What a wonderful thing to do: make history so entertaining, so surprising, and so much fun that kids all over the country can’t wait to hear more.

And what a privilege to work alongside someone who does just that. Look for The Past and the Curious wherever you get your podcasts. I highly recommend it. My favorite episode? Bears!

Come see Mick at one of his tours. The Frazier offers tours every weekday at 11, 1, and 3—and Mick leads many of them!

Mindy Johnson
VP of Operation

Last Call for Next Week’s Election Day Pop-Up Camps!

Hey parents and teachers, have you secured childcare for next Monday and Tuesday? With school being out due to Teacher PD days and Election Day, don’t stress about where to send your kids. Bring them to Camp Frazier! We’ve made a fun video to highlight our upcoming Election Day Pop-Up Camp on November 2–3, and we hope your camper will join us! Registration is for grades 1–5, with prices starting at $55 for members and $65 for non-members. Don’t wait—sign up now before spots fill up!

On the Trail with Abby: Pensive Distilling Co. in Campbell County

Bourbon tourism is booming—and the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® is growing faster than ever! Each week, the Frazier’s Abby Stanton takes readers on a digital stop-by-stop tour of this expanding adventure, spotlighting the distilleries, stories, and expressions behind America’s native spirit. Ready to hit the trail in real life? Start your journey at the Frazier Kentucky History Museum, home of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® Welcome Center.

Interior of Pensive Distilling Company in Newport, Campbell County, Kentucky.

This week on the trail, we head up north to Pensive Distilling Co., located in Campbell County, Kentucky. Named after the famous Derby-winning Calumet Farms racehorse, their spirits may have you feeling pensive . . . or anything but!

Pensive’s main location in Newport, Kentucky, was once home to a Speakeasy during Prohibition. Today, it is a lively distillery and kitchen featuring moonshine, vodka, award-winning burgers, and, most importantly, Bourbon! Their Bourbon offerings range from cask strength to cognac-finished products. Named in the top ten best restaurants of NKY 2023, Pensive is nearby some of Newport’s attractions, like the aquarium, so you can stop and stay a while.

Bridging the Divide

The Dot Experience: Where Understanding Becomes Action

Louisville is celebrating the arrival of The Dot Experience. It opens this Friday, October 30, and is located at 1839 Frankfort Avenue as part of the American Printing House. It invites visitors of all ages and abilities to experience interactive exhibits, sensory experiences, and groundbreaking accessibility innovations. You can purchase tickets at this link. The hope of course is that you’ll come and visit, but there’s a much bigger call to action. Keep reading to find out more about this one-of-a-kind place in our own backyard.—Rachel Platt, VP of Mission

Every meaningful change begins the same way: with a new perspective.

A conversation shifts our thinking. A story challenges an assumption. An experience helps us understand something we didn’t before. Once that happens, we begin to understand the world differently. More importantly, we start to see our role in it differently, too.

That belief—that we can change perspectives to change the world—is at the heart of The Dot Experience at American Printing House (APH), opening in Louisville this Friday, October 30.

Our mission is simple but ambitious: to change perspectives about blindness and empower individual action toward a world that welcomes everyone. Those goals are inseparable. Understanding creates empathy. Empathy leads to action. Action is how communities become more welcoming and inclusive.

The Dot Experience approaches this work through stories. Not just any stories, but the best kind: ones told by the people who lived them.

The human experience of blindness is not one story. It is complex and vibrant, shaped by different backgrounds, ambitions, challenges, and triumphs. Throughout the attraction, visitors will encounter artists, entrepreneurs, advocates, students, and innovators who are blind or low vision. Their experiences are not presented as lessons to observe. They are invitations to connect with perspectives that are often overlooked.

Visitors can step into Helen Keller’s home office where she disrupted how the world understands disability, discover figures like Louis Braille and Buddy the guide dog, tour the factory where braille and accessible learning products come to life, and more.

That spirit of connection and understanding shaped more than the stories we tell. It shaped the way the museum was designed.

Unlike traditional museums, touch is encouraged and fundamental to the experience. Creating that experience required us to think differently from the beginning. For us, accessibility is not simply about removing barriers. It’s about creating opportunities for people to participate fully and engage together.

Guided by a “nothing about us without us” philosophy, individuals with disabilities shaped not only what The Dot Experience shares, but how it’s shared. The result is what we believe to be the world’s most inclusive museum, offering a glimpse of what’s possible when inclusion is considered from the beginning.

I know people will leave The Dot Experience with a deeper understanding of blindness and disability. But I hope they leave with something else too: the belief that they can shape a more welcoming world, and the tools to make it happen.

This week, our mission extends beyond the museum through the launch party, the power of advocacy panel, and a community skateboarding event, connecting our cast of storytellers to the community.

Welcome to The Dot Experience, where barriers break and change begins. Our team has worked tirelessly to bring The Dot Experience to our community, and I welcome you to our opening events and to our new attraction. Plan your visit and follow along on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn to join the excitement. Learn more at thedotexperience.org.

History All Around Us

Brown Hotel to Mark One Hundred Years of the Hot Brown

What a celebration in 2026 of iconic brands, books, and more! Walt Disney Studios turns 100, so do Ray-Ban sunglasses, Winnie the Pooh, and, wait for it . . . the Hot Brown! It was a rite of passage to try one when I moved to Louisville in 1989. Of course, it’s served all over the world now. But there’s something special about eating one at the place it started, the Brown Hotel. Keep reading to learn the history from the General Manager, and the different ways they’re celebrating this milestone.—Rachel Platt, VP of Mission

In 1926, The Brown Hotel was the center of Louisville’s social life. James Graham Brown had opened the hotel just three years earlier, and its dinner dances regularly drew more than a thousand guests. They danced until well past midnight, and when they finally came off the floor looking for something to eat, the kitchen kept sending out the same thing: ham and eggs.

Our chef, Fred K. Schmidt, decided Louisville deserved better. He took an open-faced turkey sandwich, laid it on toast, covered it in a rich Mornay sauce, finished it with bacon and tomato, and ran it under the broiler until the top blistered. He named it after the house. A hundred years later, the Hot Brown is still on our menu, still made to order, and still the reason a great many people walk through our doors on West Broadway.

I have been General Manager here for two months. I say that plainly, because it means I am seeing this place the way a guest sees it, and what I keep noticing is how completely the city adopted this dish. The Hot Brown was never trademarked or franchised. It spread the way good things spread in Kentucky, by word of mouth and imitation. Today you will find versions of it in diners in Bowling Green, in restaurants in Lexington, on menus in London and Tokyo, and at tailgates every fall. Some of those versions would give Chef Schmidt pause. That is fine. A dish that belongs to a city is going to be argued over, and the arguing is part of the tradition.

My job is not to reinvent any of it. It is to hand it off in better shape than I found it.

This fall we are marking the centennial with A Founders Affair, a public celebration of one hundred years of the Hot Brown, held here at the hotel on October 29 where it was invented. We would be glad to see Frazier Weekly readers there.

If you have never had one in the room where it started, this is the year to do it. Sit in the lobby, order it the way Schmidt made it, and let it come to the table too hot to eat right away. That first minute of waiting is part of the experience.

A hundred years is a long run for any recipe. We intend to give it another hundred.

Last Call for Michter’s Spookeasy, 1948 UFO Chase over Simpson County, Election Day Pop-Up Camps, and More

Mount Rushmore of Kentuckians, Loretta Lynn’s Red Dress, Teddy Roosevelt’s Big Stick, and More