4 for $250 Gala Party Tickets, KDF Pegasus Pins, Jo Adell’s Three Home Run Robberies, and More
As Louisville comes alive for Thunder Over Louisville and the excitement of Derby season begins, we’re celebrating with a special, limited-time offer for our Night at the Frazier gala.
Introducing our America250 Party Pack—4 tickets for $250! It’s the perfect way to gather your friends and plan a night out you won’t forget. Whether you’re making Derby week plans or looking ahead to May 15, this is your chance to experience Louisville at its best. This limited time offer ends April 20 at midnight.
2026 Night at the Frazier flyer.
Party guests enter the museum galleries at 8 p.m. to a high-energy celebration of Red, White & Bluegrass—think elevated Americana with a touch of sparkle! Enjoy dancing to live music from V-Groove, curated culinary stations, and a full bar featuring Bourbon tastings and cocktails from distilleries including Horse Soldier Bourbon, Dark Arts Whiskey House, and Larrikin Bourbon Co. Check out the full Bourbon lineup here.
Pappy Van Winkle bottle collection.
President’s Choice Bourbon.
This year, our live and silent auctions are bigger than ever—and you don’t want to miss what’s in store. Headlining the evening is an exceptional five-bottle Pappy Van Winkle collection, alongside a once-in-a-lifetime dinner for twelve with Chef Kathy Cary and a custom live painting of the 2026 Derby winner by Ben Reynolds created during the event.
Online bidding opens Monday, May 11, giving you early access to both live and silent auction items—but remember, you must be present to win the live auction experiences.
Our silent auction also features standout packages including an Ingram Distillery tour, a President’s Choice Bourbon selection, a Superfecta package at Churchill Downs, a Michter’s collector’s set, and a variety of local arts and cultural experiences.
View all auction items and purchase your party pack before April 20 here.
Grab your group, plan your look, and join us for a night that celebrates Kentucky’s spirit—past, present, and future. Your America250 Party Pack awaits!
In today’s week’s Frazier Weekly, Tish spotlights a 1970s Kentucky Derby Festival badge, Stephen makes Bourbon mojitos with Louisville Tourism, and Heidi announces the return of our Bourbon Through Bluegrass tasting experience. Plus, Rachel celebrates a Ballard alum, Los Angeles Angels outfielder Jo Adell, on his amazing three home run robberies!
Hayley Harlow
Sr. Manager of Fundraising
Frazier Kentucky History Museum
This Week in the Museum
From the Collections: Kentucky Derby Festival Badge, 1976
Kentucky Derby Festival badge from 1976. Part of the Frazier Kentucky History Museum collections.
As we count down to Thunder Over Louisville on Saturday, it kicks off a magical time in Kentuckiana, and the busiest time of the year for the Kentucky Derby Festival.
One family whose name has special meaning to the KDF and the Fillies is the Broecker family and it had us heading to our collection for a special piece.
Today we want to look at the badge with the Derby insignia that was worn in 1976. The badge is beautiful. It’s made of gray and teal fabric and embroidered with gold thread.
This is a piece from the Broecker family that was key to the Kentucky Derby Festival for many generations. This piece was originally donated to the Science Center in 1976 before it was transferred to our collection in 2023. It was donated by Carla Sue Broecker, who at one time served as the President of the Fillies. Her husband Brad Broecker was also on the board of the Kentucky Derby Festival. In fact, Brad’s grandfather was a founding member of the Kentucky Derby Festival board back in the 1950s.
Carla Sue Broecker was the President of the Fillies and served on their board for roughly fifteen years. Founded in 1959, the Fillies is a volunteer women’s organization dedicated to supporting the KDF. Their signature event is the Fillies Derby Ball. As President of the Fillies, Carla Sue was given a seat on the Kentucky Derby Festival for a year. Their daughter Leslie says as lifelong Louisvillians, her parents believed in service and giving back and this is a special time of year.
So, as we get closer to Derby, we want to remember all the people who make the magic happen and pay tribute to the Broecker family.
Tish Boyer
Registrar & Manager of Collections Engagement
Cool Kentucky Shop: 2026 Pegasus Pin
A 2026 Kentucky Derby Festival Pegasus Pin sold in the Cool Kentucky Shop, April 9, 2026.
Every Kentucky Derby Festival Pin is a winner—but in every envelope there is a chance you could strike the gold. Think of it as a little treasure hunt but with much better odds. Pop into the Cool Kentucky Shop, get this year’s pin, and keep your eyes peeled—because around here, striking gold is absolutely a thing.
Sippin’ with Stephen: Bourbon Mojitos with Louisville Tourism
The Frazier Kentucky History Museum shares stories of the people, places, and producers of the Kentucky Bourbon industry. To learn more, visit our Kentucky Bourbon Trail® Welcome Center or tour our Spirit of Kentucky® exhibition.
This month’s episode of Sippin’ with Stephen is my annual partnership with my good friends at Louisville Tourism to promote the official cocktail of the Kentucky Derby, the mint julep. In keeping with Sippin’ with Stephen tradition, I have Stacey Yates and Jessica Dillree from the marketing department of Louisville Tourism to discuss all happenings involving the mint julep leading up to the Kentucky Derby and show viewers how to craft a Bourbon Mojito.
The mint julep is a fine Southern tradition dating back to the eighteenth century. It has been the official drink of the Kentucky Derby since 1939. Since 2013, April has been designated as Mint Julep Month®, celebrating this famous Bourbon cocktail alongside the arrival of spring in Kentucky.
This year, take your julep appreciation to the next level with the Mint Julep Month® Trail. Explore participating locations across Louisville, from iconic distillery bars serving up classic juleps to hands-on cocktail-making classes, and even mural stops perfect for a festive julep selfie. Click these links to learn more about Mint Julep Month in Louisville or book your mint julep experience at the Frazier Museum.
Recipe for Bourbon Mojito
Ingredients:
· 2 ounces Bourbon
· ½ ounce lime juice
· ½ ounce lemon juice
· ¾ ounce mint simple syrup
· Ginger beer
· Fresh mint
Instructions:
Shake Bourbon, lime juice, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker with ice. Strain into a julep cup with crushed ice. Top with ginger beer and garnish with fresh mint.
Stephen Yates
Community & Corporate Sales Manager
Bernie Lubbers’s Bourbon Through Bluegrass Returns to Frazier
Bernie Lubbers and Steve Cooley lead a Bourbon Through Bluegrass performance, 2025.
There’s a movie quote that says “Paddle faster, I hear banjos.” Now, depending on your location, on a remote canoeing trip as the movie goes, you might want to take that quote into action. But if you happen to be near the Frazier Kentucky History Museum starting May 7, on Thursdays and Fridays, you will definitely hear banjos—and you want to take action by purchasing tickets to our Bourbon Through Bluegrass experience!
Yes, you read that correctly. Brought back by popular demand, the Frazier is offering the Bourbon Through Bluegrass tasting experience Thursday nights at 6 p.m. and Friday afternoons at 2 p.m. Come along on a bluegrass experience led by the Whiskey Professor himself, Bernie Lubbers. As Bernie guides you through a tasting of four iconic Bourbons, he pairs each with a story and a bluegrass song, making it a toe-tapping great time. He doesn’t come alone—he has help from bluegrass legend Steve Cooley!
This ninety-minute program will leave you with more Bourbon knowledge than you can handle. By the end, your soul will be filled with bluegrass music and your glass filled with delicious Bourbon. What more can you ask for?
Heidi Janes
Sr. Manager of Operations
Kentucky Author Kim Michele Richardson Publishes New Novel
Author Kim Michele Richardson.
Front cover of The Mountains we Call Home by Kim Michele Richardson, 2026.
We were so lucky to have author and Kentuckian Kim Michele Richardson at the Frazier last year for a special program on the Pack Horse Librarians of Kentucky.
She has written four historical works on them starting with The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek.
And now she has a new book, The Mountains We Call Home.
Her main character, Cussy Lovett, is back in what is being called a stand-alone companion novel. Here is just one quote about it: “From the New York Times bestselling author of The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek comes a triumphant tale of a librarian’s fight to bring literacy to the prisons of Kentucky and the underserved neighborhoods of downtown Louisville, revealing a story of fierce love, quiet strength, and the healing power of books.”
Kim has a couple of upcoming appearances at both the Filson Historical Society and Oxmoor Farm.
A last-minute change at the Filson has opened the door for me to be the lucky one who will be in conversation with Kim on Thursday, April 16, at 6 p.m. Emily Bingham takes the reins at Oxmoor Farm on April 23.
If you’re in need of a sanctuary, you may find it in Kim’s latest book!
Rachel Platt
VP of Mission
Highlights of 120: Marion County: “Swamp Fox” Francis Marion
Map of Kentucky with Marion County highlighted.
There are hundreds of stories in our 120: Cool KY Counties exhibit, and many of them pertain to America’s founding. As we celebrate America250, we will share some of those stories here with you.—Simon Meiners, Communications & Research Specialist
Portrait of Francis Marion. Credit: NYPL.
Born around 1732, Francis Marion had quite a startling childhood. When Marion was only 15, while on a ship headed to the West Indies, the ship sank, forcing the crew to use the lifeboats. They were stranded at sea for an entire week before finally reaching land. Once in the New World, Marion decided to enlist in the military, serving for the British in the French and Indian War. However, once the American Revolution started, he sided with the Patriots. In 1775, Marion was commissioned as an officer in the 2nd South Carolina Regiment, participating in the defense of Fort Sullivan and the Siege of Charleston. Marion also took part in several guerilla campaigns, lowering his overall reputation. Yet Marion was undeterred in stopping the Loyalists from achieving victory, earning him the nickname “Swamp Fox.” Marion County, Kentucky, is named after this war veteran.
Ballard Baseball Alum Jo Adell Makes History in the MLB
Jo Adell. Credit: Los Angeles Angels / ESPN.
Los Angeles Angels outfielder Jo Adell holds up the ball after robbing his third home run of the night against the Seattle Mariners, April 4, 2026. A fan standing behind him named Kayleigh Kraus took this photo, then submitted it to the Angels, who posted it on social media. Credit: Kayleigh Kraus.
It’s being called one of the best defensive games people have ever seen in baseball!
Jo Adell with the Los Angeles Angels made three home run–robbing catches, with the third catch a leap that had him crashing into the seats near the right field pole in the ninth inning.
The Angels beat the Seattle Mariners 1-0 in the game that had the Ballard High School alum the talk of the nation with his performance.
From what I’ve been able to read Adell is the first player in baseball history to rob three homers in one game since tracking began in 2004.
I reached out to Adell’s mom here in Louisville to see if she was at the game. Nicole Adell says she was, but his dad wasn’t.
I asked her what it was like to see those three spectacular catches.
“Sitting in the stands, that first baseball that Jo jumped up and grabbed above the yellow HR line had me jumping up myself,” she told me. “The second one? I thought to myself: Jo is truly locked in. Then the third home run steal left me in total shock. Initially, I thought he was hurt. But Jo stood up so quickly, it left me in total disbelief. I was beyond proud of my son.”
Adell didn’t play college baseball. He committed to the University of Louisville but turned professional after being selected tenth overall in the 2017 MLB Draft by the Angels directly out of Ballard High School.
If you haven’t seen the highlights of his historic performance, watch below. What a show he put on in “the Show”!
Rachel Platt
VP of Mission
JustInfluence to Capture Photography at 2026 Night at the Frazier
Bet on Yourself flyer.
We’re excited to spotlight JustInfluence, a community partner of the Frazier Kentucky History Museum and the team behind the photography and creative at this year’s Night at the Frazier. Founder Justin Collins invites you to check out their Thurby event as you plan your Derby week festivities!—Hayley Harlow, Sr. Manager of Fundraising
BET ON YOURSELF: THE PRELUDE
Promo Code: Access100 saves you 100% (while they last)
Where Derby Week Meets the Canvas
April 30, 2026 | Mash Up Food Hall | 6–9 p.m.
LIVE ART. LIVE MUSIC. LIVE IMPACT.
THE ARTISTS:
Featured artist Lance Newman and The Splattery with a live activation bring Derby Week to life through paint, color, and creative energy.
Watch or participate in making original art. Raw creativity happening three feet in front of you.
Fall in love with a piece? Buy it. Take home original art from Derby Week 2026. Proceeds support the cause.
THE EXPERIENCE:
VIP Bourbon tastings with Peerless Distilling pouring Kentucky’s finest. Live DJ setting the mood. 150 people who appreciate Bourbon, art, and dancing as much as anyone.
This is where everyone that “Bet On Themselves” fellowship.
THE RAFFLES & PRIZES:
$500 Genesis Diamonds certificate. Premium experiences. High-value packages for people who understand quality.
THE MISSION:
Percentage of raffle proceeds support AJ Strong and The Coles Foundation in their battle against childhood cancer and community engagement.
Create impact for families fighting the fight nobody asks for.
Your ticket buys you access to Bourbon, art, and music.
Your raffle entry buys hope for AJ.
Tickets: $25 GA | $85 VIP | $275 All Access | $888 Tables
Access100 saves you 100% (while they last)
Art you can watch. Bourbon you can taste. Music you can feel. Impact you can make.
April 30. Mash Up Food Hall. 6–9 p.m.
This is Derby Week done differently.
Justin Collins
Founder, JustInfluence
Guest Contributor
History All Around Us
Louisville Nature Center to Host Open House for Swallowtail Forest School
Swallowtail Forest School Open House flyer. Credit: Louisville Nature Center
The great outdoors is second to none when it comes to a learning space for children. One of our partners, the Louisville Nature Center, knows all about that and is expanding its Forest School. Keep reading to learn more about how to engage and connect your children.—Rachel Platt, VP of Mission
“Be kind to yourself, others, and nature!” is our ode to the forest and our classroom ethos. A day in the life of Swallowtail Forest School at the Louisville Nature Center consists of endless opportunities to dive deep into imaginative play!
The mud kitchen becomes a Michelin-starred restaurant with pine needle soup and world-famous mud cupcakes. Downed trees become boats that sail the open ocean and hoard treasures found abroad. Every rock flipped unveils a tiny world of worms, snails, and roly-polies that are nurtured by gentle hands.
Forest School is a full sensory experience and our classroom is in a constant state of change, much like the world around us. Children are encouraged to build, break down, and alter the spaces in the classroom to fuel their creative journey.
Forest School teaches children patience as they wait for the rainy days to turn the mud hill into a slip and slide. Forest School teaches children gratitude when the sun warms their face on the coldest winter days. Forest School teaches children resiliency when they learn to manage their needs. Forest School teaches children confidence when they create relationships with peers. Forest School teaches children mindfulness when they pause to observe the world around them.
This is a small glimpse of experiences your child will encounter during their time at Forest School; there are so many more wonders to discover!
The community at the Louisville Nature Center has seen firsthand the transformation of children when they are given a safe space in the outdoors to learn and grow, deepening their connection to the land.
We are expanding our program in 2026 with the addition of a new outdoor classroom, allowing us to increase enrollment by 125%! Do you want to learn more about our programming? You can submit an application and schedule a tour or you can join us for our Open House on April 19, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Please RSVP.
Olivia Kaiser
Swallowtail Forest School Director, Louisville Nature Center
Guest Contributor
Support your Local Record Store this Saturday!
ear X-tacy sign on display at the Frazier, November 5, 2024. Credit: Clay Cook.
Official flyer for Record Store Day on April 18, 2026.
Louisville’s music scene is one with a long history, built upon the solid foundation of locally owned brick-and-mortar stores both past and present. ear X-tacy is probably the most well-known of these stores, having an impact so widespread within and outside of the city that, despite it having closed in 2011, you can still see the legacy it left behind. Bumper stickers and even the original ear X-tacy storefront sign (which is on display here at the Frazier!) are enduring relics that tell the tale of this beloved record store, encouraging viewers to seek other shops still in commission who hope to uphold the music scene’s roots embedded in brick-and-mortar record stores.
All that is to say, if you’re someone who either collects vinyl or just has a general fascination with the preservation of physical media, there’s a special event happening this weekend that just might be for you. Record Store Day is an event that happens once every year, where collectors and casual music fans alike have the opportunity to access special and rare editions of vinyl, CD, and promotional product releases from some of music’s most iconic artists. This year features special releases from artists such as David Bowie, the Misfits, the Rolling Stones, and Taylor Swift. There are even some Kentucky-based artists participating like Tyler Childers and—the band with an album release I personally hope to snag on Record Store Day—the Gits, led by Louisvillian frontwoman and powerhouse Mia Zapata.
If you want to know what locally owned record stores are officially participating in Record Store Day, click the link here to be directed to the event’s official site where you can look up stores participating by city, state, zip code, or store name. Whatever store you end up choosing to go to, I wish you good luck and happy hunting. Thank you for supporting your local record store!
Tori Kennedy
Manager of Youth & Family Programs
