Best in Kentucky Awards, Jackson Purchase Bourbon with Craig Beam, 1860s Civil War Maternity Dress, and More
Did you know that Kentucky Living magazine has opened the poll to vote for the Best in Kentucky? And guess what: the Frazier Kentucky History Museum made the list—again!
Last year, readers from around the state cast enough votes to crown the Frazier the Best Museum in Kentucky. Let’s go for two in a row!
The Frazier is a place where everyone should see themselves in Kentucky history. We’re here to shape the future by inspiring, engaging, and educating the public—connecting Kentucky’s past with its present. We do this with thought-provoking exhibitions, interactive experiences, and diverse programs.
This past year, we have featured exhibitions on love and marriage in Kentucky and Latinx art in Kentucky. Our newest exhibition, Louisville to Liberty: The Blackburns’ Journey, celebrates a Kentucky couple who escaped slavery through the Underground Railroad and found freedom in Toronto, Canada.
Looking ahead, the Frazier has something for everyone! Our family-friendly exhibition Pursuit of Happiness is now open, and our next exhibition I Too am a Kentuckian opens July 4. A partnership program called The Legacy of York takes place June 16 at George Rogers Clark Park. Most exciting, we will soon take our touchscreen 120: Cool KY Counties exhibit on the road throughout the state! Look for upcoming dates.
Needless to say, if you vote for us, you’re voting for a winner!!
Voting opened on May 1 and closes May 31. You can vote once per day, per email address. Check out Kentucky Living magazine for more details.
In today’s Frazier Weekly, Rachel announces our program on Jackson Purchase Bourbon featuring master distiller Craig Beam. To celebrate Mother’s Day, Amanda spotlights a Civil War–era maternity dress and Mick highlights Sacagawea, who gave birth to a son at Fort Mandan during Lewis and Clark’s stay there.
From one mom to another, happy Mother’s Day!
Casey Harden
Sr. Director of Engagement
Frazier Kentucky History Museum
This Week in the Museum
Master Distiller Craig Beam Takes us West for new Bourbon Program on June 5!
Opening the West: Jackson Purchase Bourbon Featuring Craig Beam flyer.
Get ready to head west for our next Bourbon program. Okay, not the wild west—but certainly as far west as you can go in Kentucky. Yes, the program will be held at the Frazier, but the distillery is in Hickman, Kentucky, the westernmost tip of our Commonwealth.
We’re talking about Jackson Purchase Distillery and Bourbon. The name is derived from the geographic region in which it’s located, acquired in 1818 through a land deal negotiated by General Andrew Jackson and Kentucky Governor Isaac Shelby.
Mark your calendars for our June 5 program Opening the West: Jackson Purchase Bourbon Featuring Master Distiller Craig Beam. You know the name! Craig is the son of legendary distiller Parker Beam and the grandson of Earl Beam. All three are in the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame.
Craig will talk about his new venture and how both the climate and water in that region blend with plenty of Kentucky tradition. WAVE Chief Meteorologist Kevin Harned will add some insight into the story, as well. And since Craig and Kevin are longtime friends, my guess is there will be some inside stories, too.
Craig will lead the audience through three distinct expressions of Jackson Purchase, which is winning rave reviews. You’ll also be treated to some Western Kentucky–inspired food, with more details on that to come.
Purchase your ticket as we explore the new frontier in the west for Kentucky Bourbon. You’ll never find a better tour guide than Craig Beam. You can also buy a bottle of Jackson Purchase Bourbon Private Selection ahead of time and pick it up that evening. Let’s head west together!
Rachel Platt
VP of Mission
Curator’s Corner: Civil War–Era Maternity Dress, 1860s
Maternity dress made during the Civil War era, 1860s.
Every year, in the issue of Frazier Weekly that goes out before Mother’s Day, we share an object from our collection to celebrate mothers. My mom is an avid Frazier Weekly reader, so I wanted to pick an object that I thought she would especially like. (Hi, Mom!) She is a lover of fashion, so I knew I wanted to focus on a piece of clothing. That is when I realized we have the perfect piece on display in The Commonwealth: Divided We Fall: a Civil War–era maternity dress.
We don’t know anything about the woman who wore this dress, but its design is ingenious. The seams in the front of the dress are designed to be let out, allowing the dress to expand throughout the pregnancy. Other maternity dresses of the time utilized different solutions to allow for the expanding waistline. Dresses called wrappers had large waists and used adjustable belts that allowed the dress to be cinched in as needed.
Pregnancy and childbirth were a dangerous undertaking that often ended tragically, many times resulting in the death of the woman or her baby. Many women concealed their pregnancies, and it was rarely discussed in public. Maternity dresses from this time are quite rare. Most women could not afford to have a dress that they only wore while pregnant and would alter the dress so it would fit them after giving birth.
The next time you visit the Frazier, be sure to stop by The Commonwealth to see this unique and beautiful dress in person. Happy Mother’s Day to my mom and all the other mothers out there!
Amanda Briede
Sr. Curator of Exhibitions
Sacagawea Dollar Honors Mother and Baby on Famous Expedition
Sacagawea dollar coin minted in 2005.
History is full of important mothers. However, only one particular mother is depicted as such on an American dollar. Because of all the trials, tribulations, and amazing accomplishments of the Lewis and Clark expedition of 1804–06, it is easy to forget that Sacagawea made the incredible journey with a baby.
On February 18, 1805, not long after meeting the Corps of Discovery at Fort Mandan, Sacagawea gave birth to Jean Baptiste Charbonneau, better known by his nickname, Pompey. Mother and baby made the rest of the journey to the Pacific Ocean and back with the Expedition’s men.
So when the Sacagawea Dollar was introduced in 2000, it was important for artist Glenda Goodacre to show her with a child. However, there was a problem: There are no known images of Sacagawea from her lifetime. So Goodacre asked Randy’L He-dow Teto, a Shoshone woman like Sacagawea, to stand in as a model for the coin. Today, Randy’L works in public information for the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes in southeastern Idaho. She also has the rare distinction of being able to go to a bank and withdraw a coin with her own face on it.
Learn all about Lewis and Clark’s Corps of Discovery expedition—including their time with Sacagawea—in the Lewis and Clark Experience at the Frazier.
Happy Mother’s Day to continental travelers, numismatist moms, and explorers alike!
Mick Sullivan
Curator of Guest Experience
Cool Kentucky Shop: Mother’s Day Gifts
Alanis Harris models Mother’s Day gifts sold in the Cool Kentucky Shop, April 29, 2026.
Our team member Alanis has selected a few gifts for Mom, perfect for celebrating the season with something thoughtful and unique. A standout pick is the Morse code bracelet, which subtly spells out “mother.” The beaded pouch is perfect for a mom in your life—and especially nice with a gift card tucked inside! These items, along with other great finds, are available in the Cool Kentucky Shop.
BOGO 50% Off Party Tickets for Next Week’s Gala!
2026 Night at the Frazier BOGO 50% Party Tickets flyer.
The countdown is on—Night at the Frazier is just around the corner on May 15! To celebrate, we’re offering a final ticket promotion: Buy One, Get One 50% Off Party Tickets—the perfect excuse to grab a friend and join us for an unforgettable night.
Starting at 8 p.m., the Frazier Kentucky History Museum comes alive with our Red, White & Bluegrass celebration. Come dressed in your take on elevated Americana—think patriotic colors with a little sparkle—and get ready to explore the galleries like never before.
· Music & Dancing. Dance the night away with high-energy hits from V-Groove, following a bluegrass set from the Bottled in Bond Boys. Make sure to stop by the Kentucky-oke Lounge and Bourbon Pull table for more fun!
· Food & Drink. Enjoy curated culinary offerings from Mayan Cafe, Michaelis Events, Mussel & Burger Bar, and Bearno’s, plus a popcorn station and more. Sip your way through the evening with featured pours from Horse Soldier Bourbon, Dark Arts Whiskey House, Larrikin Bourbon Co., and additional distillery partners.
Don’t miss the action! Early bidding for our silent auction opens Monday, May 11—get a preview of packages and start bidding. From Bourbon to local experiences, there’s something for everyone!
👉 Purchase tickets and view event details here.
Grab your tickets, plan your outfit, and join us as we celebrate Kentucky culture, community, and history—only at Night at the Frazier.
Hayley Harlow
Sr. Manager of Fundraising
Frazier Curates a “Cool Kentucky” Experience at 2026 Thurby
Frazier staff table at the 120 activation at Churchill Downs’s Thurby, April 30, 2026.
Sculptor Ed Hamilton is honored in the Winner’s Circle during Thurby at Churchill Downs, April 30, 2026.
Olympic track runner Yared Nuguse is honored in the Winner’s Circle during Thurby at Churchill Downs, April 30, 2026.
How “cool” was Thurby?
If you made it to the track for Thurby Thursday, we hope you noticed how the Frazier Kentucky History Museum added the “cool” factor to the day!
For a second year in a row, we partnered with Churchill Downs to feature components from our Cool Kentucky exhibition at the track.
Our team shared our 120: Cool KY Counties activation that has an interesting story and song from each county. Some of the musicians featured in those counties also entertained the crowds at Thurby, like the Kentucky Gentlemen and Layla Spring.
Two iconic Kentuckians, sculptor Ed Hamilton and Olympic medal winner Yared Nuguse, received special recognition in the Winner’s Circle.
The Frazier Kentucky History Museum loves to spotlight what makes our Commonwealth so unique and so cool—and what a venue like Churchill Downs to be able to do it.
If you missed us at the track, just head to the museum at 829 West Main Street to experience Cool Kentucky for yourself!
Rachel Platt
VP of Mission
Highlights of 120: Perry County: “Hero of Lake Erie” Oliver Hazard Perry
Map of Kentucky with Perry County featured.
Portrait of Oliver Hazard Perry, 1818.
In 2026, as we celebrate America250, we’re adding dozens of America250-themed entries to our 120: Cool KY Counties exhibit. These stories generally pertain to figures from the American Revolution and the early days of Kentucky. Learn more about Oliver Hazard Perry and other figures in our 120 exhibit.—Simon Meiners, Communications & Research Specialist
Born August 23, 1785, Oliver Hazard Perry was raised in Newport, Rhode Island. His family included several Navy men. Following in his relatives’ footsteps, he joined the United States Navy at the young age of thirteen. Perry’s notable wartime experiences occurred during the Quasi-War between the United States and France, as well as he Haitian Revolution. Perry is also known for his contributions to the War of 1812, when he commanded other naval officers to take control of the Great Lakes. The Battle of Lake Erie, fought on September 10, 1813, was Perry’s pivotal battle. The British severely weakened his ship, the SS Lawrence, yet Perry refused to back down. The battle resulted in an American victory, which allowed for further American invasions upon British-controlled areas. Kentucky’s Perry County is named after this man, who was venerated as “the Hero of Lake Erie.” He died of yellow fever aboard the USS Nonsuch near Trinidad in 1819.
Introducing Event Coordinator Lindsay Usher
I’m so excited to officially join the events team at the Frazier Kentucky History Museum!
As a proud Louisville native (a graduate of duPont Manual High School and the University of Louisville), I have always called this city home. Now, being part of a place that celebrates its history in such a dynamic way feels especially meaningful. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to plan and produce events across the country, including time at the Kentucky Expo Center. But no matter where I go, something always brings me back home to Louisville.
At my core, I’m a builder. I love working with power tools in my workshop. But even more than that, I enjoy building relationships, creating experiences, and bringing moments to life that people remember.
There’s something special about being here at the Frazier. I love seeing guests connect with Kentucky’s history and knowing we get to play a small role in that every day.
With a last name like Usher, it feels fitting that I get to usher in new experiences—and I couldn’t ask for a better place or team to do it with. I’m so grateful for the warm welcome and excited to build something special together.
Interested in booking a site visit or learning more about our rental spaces? Contact me at lusher@fraziermuseum.org or (502) 753-1042!
Lindsay Usher
Event Coordinator
Frazier Kicks Off New Season of Bourbon Through Bluegrass Tasting Experiences Thursday
Bernie Lubbers and Steve Cooley lead a Bourbon Through Bluegrass tasting experience in the Frazier’s Speakeasy, 2025.
It’s opening weekend for this year’s Bourbon Through Bluegrass—and your first chance to experience this unforgettable blend of Kentucky Bourbon and live bluegrass music. Join Bourbon expert and musician Bernie Lubbers along with bluegrass music legend Steve Cooley for a ninety-minute program featuring storytelling, guided Bourbon tastings, and live music inspired by legends from Bill Monroe to Billy Strings.
From May 7 to July 31, the Frazier is offering Bourbon Through Bluegrass tasting experiences Thursday, 6–7:30 p.m., and Fridays, 2–3:30 p.m. Tickets are $109 (includes cocktail, tastings, and commemorative tumbler).
Be among the first to hear it, taste it, and feel it!
