Kentucky Wide Podcast Season Two, Kentucky the Gemini, Last Call for Jackson Purchase, and More
June 1 is a big day for us at the Frazier! It’s our first Cultural Pass day, the first official day of our fun and popular Summer Camps, and of course it’s Kentucky’s birthday. In honor of our beloved Commonwealth’s 234th anniversary, we’re rolling out season two of our podcast Kentucky Wide.
In the weeks ahead, we’ll serve up stories that connect Kentucky to the ideals, the people, and the artifacts of the American Revolution. Though we may have been part of Virginia 250 years ago, Kentucky has seen its fair share of interesting people and moments tied to the founding of America and the ideals it embodied.
Today, we release episode one—offering a snapshot of the four hours back in 1915 when the Liberty Bell stopped in Louisville. The lead up to the Liberty Bell tour is fascinating, as are the stories of the people who saw it as it crossed the continent. You’ll also get a glimpse at technological debuts at a World’s Fair, a new perspective on parts of our fair city, and a mysterious girl who escaped the Louisville Industrial Reform School.
As the year marches on, we’ll connect Aaron Burr to Kentucky, visit the Old Talbott Tavern, learn about the Kentucky connection to the steps in the Washington Monument, consider the impact of Big Bone Lick, and much more.
Find episode one below or wherever you listen to podcasts. Better yet, subscribe! We’re preparing incredible content for this season.
In today’s Frazier Weekly, our new collections manager Marcy introduces herself. She also reminds us that Kentucky—which became a state June 1, 1792—is a Gemini! Plus, we’ve got Kentucky-Opoly, a Bowling Green native’s Space Force uniform, and a can’t-miss BOGO deal on Friday’s Jackson Purchase Bourbon program.
Thanks for reading!
Mick Sullivan
Curator of Guest Experience
Frazier Kentucky History Museum
This Week in the Museum
Introducing Collections Manager & Registrar Marcy Werner
Hey all! It’s me, Marcy, your new Collections Manager and Registrar, reporting for duty. I’ve been here a full three weeks and, thanks to my background and experiences, can hit the ground running!
Before landing this dream job, I spent six years in this same role at the Kentucky Derby Museum and seven years as a photo archivist in the U of L Archives and Special Collections. Working with photos and horse trophies was great, but I know I will never tire of the diverse and growing collections of the Frazier. I mean, I just cataloged a Loretta Lynn dress the other day! And a gorgeous Hascal Haile guitar! And when I walk through the museum on my breaks, I learn so much about my adopted home state’s history and its reach and importance in this country’s story. The Frazier’s exhibitions make me proud to say “I too am a Kentuckian.”
While I’m originally from a tiny suburb of Chicago, I spent my grade school years in Lexington, my summers camping, fishing, and skiing on Dale Hollow Lake, and my college life at UK and U of L. And if you ask which team I root for, I will diplomatically say . . . go Cubbies!
When I’m not at the Frazier, I’m in my studio making jewelry, or painting, or reading. I volunteer with the Louisville Story Program. And sometimes, I’m hiking one of Louisville’s fabulous parks with my purebred mutt, Skid Vicious.
Marcy Werner
Collections Manager & Registrar
Gemini-ted we Stand: Objects at Frazier that Illustrate Kentucky’s Zodiac
Tree stump that bears the inscription “D. Boone killed a bar 1803.” On loan from the Filson Historical Society.
Coal miner’s helmet, c. 1920s. Part of the Frazier Kentucky History Museum’s collections.
Canary cage, c. 1900. On loan from the Kentucky Historical Society.
Now that you’ve met me, the Frazier’s new collections manager, let’s get to the business at hand: a happy birthday wish to Kentucky! Y’all know Kentucky was granted statehood on June 1, 1792, so that makes the state a Gemini.
According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, a Gemini is adventurous and resourceful. That sounds like the history of Kentucky and its people to me—and one that the Frazier interprets throughout the museum. The legend of Daniel Boone’s adventures, illustrated by the tree stump carved with “D. Boone” in its side, has inspired many kids to seek their own backyard adventures. Tori Murden McClure’s American Pearl rowboat awes visitors, especially when they get “the full story” from one of the free daily tours with our fabulous guides. These two artifacts may have centuries between them, but there is a kindred thread that binds them. Adventurousness is the shining trait that formed and illustrates Kentucky’s history and continuing story.
If a Gemini is resource-full, then yes, Kentucky’s land is just that. Coal, limestone, and the rivers have all given rise to successful, and sometimes controversial, industries that helped form our state. The miner’s hat, along with the canary cage, in our Commonwealth exhibition point to the conditions and dangers of men risking their lives for their families in order to pull rich coal from the ground. And we all know about the limestone and the Bourbon! Even if you’re a teetotaler, one cannot help but admire what Bourbon has done for Kentucky. There is a lot of space dedicated to its story and process that will increase your pride, I promise.
As the famous Kentucky-born song goes: “Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you”—to the state that provides boundless inspiration with its history, natural beauty, and resources. You make a good Gemini!
Marcy Werner
Collections Manager & Registrar
Cool Kentucky Shop: Kentucky-Opoly
A Kentucky-Opoly game sold in the Frazier’s Cool Kentucky Shop.
Celebrate Kentucky’s 234th birthday with Kentucky-Opoly, the Bluegrass State’s playful twist on a classic game. Travel past Lake Cumberland, Whiskey Row, and local favorites while collecting properties and bragging rights. To know our state is to love her and celebrate her—and this game brings that spirit to game night. Find it in the Cool Kentucky Shop.
Curator’s Corner: One Month Until I Too Opens!
Uniform that belongs to General B. Chance Saltzman, Chief of Space Operations, US Space Force. On loan from the National Museum of the US Air Force.
The opening of our newest exhibition I Too Am a Kentuckian is just over one month away. My team, the Exhibitions and Collections Department, is in full swing dressing mannequins, building interactives, and installing graphics. Objects have come in from all over the state, including Warren, Jessamine, Mercer, Franklin, McCracken, and Madison Counties. This is an exhibition that we are so excited about and can’t wait to share with you. It includes some of the most inspiring Kentuckians I have come across in my years of researching our Commonwealth’s history. The exhibition includes Kentuckians who have served our nation both in politics and in the military. It includes Kentuckians who have worked towards civil rights and workers’ rights. And Kentuckians who are artists, musicians, lawyers, writers, teachers, journalists, farmers, and much more. Some names you will recognize, and others you probably won’t, but every Kentuckian featured in the exhibition inspires me to make my community and Kentucky a better place.
I am including a sneak peek of an object that will be on display in the exhibition that I just went to pick up last week: a uniform that belongs to General B. Chance Saltzman, the Chief of Space Operations in the United States Space Force. He happened to be making an appearance at a reception in his hometown of Bowling Green, so we were lucky to be able to meet up with his team to pick up the uniform.
The exhibition opens on July 4 and will remain open for an entire year as part of the celebration of the United States’ 250th birthday. I hope you will include a trip to the Frazier to learn about these inspiring Kentuckians as part of your celebration!
Amanda Briede
Sr. Curator of Exhibitions
Special BOGO Deal for Friday Night’s Jackson Purchase Bourbon Program!
Jackson Purchase Bourbon flyer.
Barbecue, bananas, and Bourbon! And yes, all three of those go together with our upcoming program on June 5, Opening the West: Jackson Purchase Bourbon with Master Distiller Craig Beam.
Here’s another “b” for you: a bargain!
If you buy a ticket to the program, you get another one for free—so bring a buddy. When you checkout, just enter BOGO in the promo code. This deal ends tomorrow at midnight, so act fast!
Jackson Purchase Distillery is about as far west as you can go in Kentucky, the westernmost tip of Kentucky.
Craig Beam, a seventh-generation Master Distiller for Jackson Purchase, will talk about how the climate in that region is impacting their product in a good way. WAVE Chief Meteorologist Kevin Harned, a good friend of Craig’s, will also weigh in on the weather and the Bourbon!
We know Western Kentucky is also known for its barbecue, so you’ll be treated to some of that too. And because that region was once called the Banana Capital of the World, the Old-Fashioned Welcome Cocktail being served at our program will have a subtle surprise.
In addition to the wonderful storytelling, you’ll be led through a tasting of three distinct expressions of Jackson Purchase and you’ll also have a chance to buy a bottle from the barrel personally selected by the Frazier team.
This program is on a Friday night, so it’s the perfect way to start your weekend.
I bought tickets for my hubby and our two sons as an early Father’s Day gift!
Rachel Platt
VP of Mission
Frazier Offering Bourbon Through Bluegrass Twice a Week!
Bernie Lubbers and Steve Cooley lead a Bourbon Through Bluegrass experience at the Frazier.
Looking for a uniquely Kentucky night out? Bourbon Through Bluegrass brings together Bourbon, live Bluegrass, and storytelling in one immersive experience at the Frazier.
Set inside the Frazier’s Speakeasy, Bourbon expert and musician Bernie Lubbers along with master musician Steve Cooley guide guests through an evening of Bourbon lore, with tastings and live music. It’s part concert, part tasting, and uniquely Kentucky.
The Frazier’s Bourbon Through Bluegrass experience is offered now through July 3: Thursday, 6–7:30 p.m., and Fridays, 2–3:30 p.m. Admission is $60.
Frazier Offers Free Admission for Cultural Passholders, May 30–August 9!
Visitors explore the Frazier, November 5, 2024. Credit: Clay Cook.
We’re gearing up for Cultural Pass days! The official program starts May 30 and lasts through August 9.
At the Frazier, our Cultural Pass days are Sunday and Monday, so our first day will be Sunday, May 31. Passholders under eighteen get in FREE and can bring a guardian who also receives free admission!
This is a great opportunity to come see our exhibitions on Kentucky history, counties, and pop culture—not to mention our America250 exhibitions Pursuit of Happiness and I Too Am a Kentuckian, opening July 4!
Learn more at fundforthearts.org/culturalpass.
Simon Meiners
Communications & Research Specialist
Elect a Pet Mayor at Summer Camp Week Two: Wild Lives, June 8–12!
Credit: Sarah Jemerson.
Did you know Rabbit Hash in Boone County, Kentucky, elects a dog mayor every four years? We didn't want to miss out on all the fun, so as part of our Wild Lives summer camp we’re creating a new position at the museum: Frazier Mayor! Campers will create campaign posters for staff pets running for the position. The posters will go on display around the Frazier, and museum visitors will be able to vote via QR code for their preferred candidate! We’ll announce the winner at the end of the week.
Animal lovers will have two chances to experience this incredible camp. During the first rotation, running June 8–12, we will also have visits from the Animal Care Society and WAGS to round out a wonderfully wild week of camp. During the second offering, running July 13–17, campers will enjoy visits from the Animal Care Society, the REptile Project, and Enchanted Forest Wildlife Rescue.
We have a long “history” of unique and engaging camps. Click here to see all our exciting themes this summer and sign up for Wild Lives and more! Add a sibling in the same week and get $10 off the additional booking.
Have questions? We’d love to hear from you at education@fraziermuseum.org.
Nicole Clay & Sarah Jemerson
Education Team Members
Sign Up your Kiddos for Influencers-Themed Summer Camp, June 22–26!
From Heralds to Hashtags summer camp flyer.
Later this month, from June 22 to 26, we’ll offer a special camp called From Hashtags to Heralds: History’s Greatest Influencers!
Campers will get to learn about select influencers in history. But they’ll also learn a bit about how to be a museum influencer! I’m excited to have the opportunity to teach lessons to our Camp Frazier kiddos for the very first time.
If you think your kids would enjoy that, sign up! We still have spots available.
Simon Meiners
Communications & Research Specialist
