Good morning,

Grab your favorite red, white, and blue gear, get some relish for the dogs, and prepare to light up the sky for a Fourth of July that America has never seen before. This weekend our US of A is celebrating its semiquincentennial—better known as our 250th anniversary.

It’s true that it took twelve more years for our constitution to be ratified, but it was 1776 when the thirteen original American colonies declared independence from Great Britain, severing all political ties and becoming an independent sovereign government. It was an act of political dissent, and it set the foundation for what many feel is the greatest country in the world.

On Saturday, July 4, the city of Louisville is shooting for the stars in celebration, with activities all day and into the night! As a reader of this weekly publication, you won’t be surprised to learn that the Frazier Kentucky History Museum is smack dab in the middle of it.

On the Fourth, the Frazier will officially open its new exhibition, I Too Am a Kentuckian, highlighting the Commonwealth’s significant contribution to these United States. It is our hope that everyone sees themselves inside. So, every person who comes to the Frazier between 1 and 4 p.m. and says “I too am a Kentuckian” while checking in will get free admission to the museum. Our hours of operation that day are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Before that is a Dawn’s Early Light celebration at historic Locust Grove. including a 6:30 a.m. observance and breakfast. At 11 a.m., thousands will convene at Metro Hall in Louisville to see the cast from the Broadway show Hamilton perform songs and read the Declaration of Independence. The crowd will then be invited to the Frazier for a little AC break and exhibition opening. Simon Meiners will have tours at 1:30 p.m. and 2:30. Our curator, Amanda Briede, will be in the I Too galleries engaging guests at 2 and 3 p.m. Then, at 5 p.m., it’s off to Waterfront Park for the best Fourth of July celebration and fireworks show in decades.

Boom! Then it’s time for a long nap.

You will learn much more about I Too Am a Kentuckian below.

Also this week, we get a guest contribution on the Revolutionary War from former Frazier board member Chris Johnson. We have some great America250 gear from the Cool Kentucky Shop, and the history of Talbott Tavern, as heard on our podcast, Kentucky Wide.

Stay safe, y’all!

This Week in the Museum

Curator’s Corner: I Too Am a Kentuckian Opens Saturday

I am so incredibly excited that this week I finally get to share with you our newest exhibition, I Too Am a Kentuckian! The Exhibitions and Collections team has been working long hours and weekends to make sure that everything is perfect for the opening on the Fourth of July (shout out to Nick, Lucas, and Marcy)! We are all incredibly proud of how this exhibition turned out, from the interesting content to the dynamic graphics and the historic objects.

As you walk through the exhibition, you can expect to see and hear many different things. You will see twenty uniforms from Kentuckians who have fought in every branch of the military and in every major war. You will see tiny objects archaeologically excavated from Camp Nelson, the largest recruitment center in for African American Civil War troops in Kentucky. You will hear a sound installation of people from all over Kentucky saying, “I too am a Kentuckian.” Some voices you might recognize, like Governor Andy Beshear. You will hear protest songs by Kentuckians throughout the last one hundred. And much, much more.

A catchphrase I have been using to talk about this exhibition is “find the Kentuckian that inspires you.” And I truly believe that everyone who comes to see this exhibition will be able to learn about someone who makes them proud to be a Kentuckian and inspired to make positive change in their community. As you go through I Too Am a Kentuckian, you will learn about all kinds of Kentuckians, from politicians and war heroes to Civil Rights activists and artists, all of whom made a difference in their communities, their Commonwealth, or their country. I feel so lucky to be able to share many of the Kentuckians who inspire me in this exhibition, and I hope some of them will inspire you, too. Just to name a few:

· Tyler Childers, who uses his music to raise millions of dollars to help the people of Appalachia

· The plaintiffs of the Obergefell v. Hodges case, who went before the Supreme Court so that LGBTQ+ marriages could be legalized across the country

· The workers at Newport Rolling Mills, who stood up for better working conditions

· My friend Zoë Herold, who lobbies Congress on behalf of those with food allergies and disabilities

If you come to the opening event on the Fourth of July, I’ll be having special curator availability at 2 and 3 p.m. You can find me in the Liberty and Equality sections of the exhibition, where I’ll be available to chat about the curatorial process, the objects featured in the exhibition, and anything else you may have a question about. I’ll be interested to hear which Kentuckians YOU find most inspiring! I hope to see you there!

Brigadier General Rob Givens part of I Too

Celebrating folks who have made their mark on our beloved Commonwealth—that’s the essence of our I Too Am a Kentuckian exhibition, which opens this Saturday, July 4.‍

And a big portion of making an impact is through service, whether it be something as simple as voting as your civic duty, community leadership, or perhaps military service.‍

We have uniforms from Kentuckians representing each branch of the military as well as those who have served during each American conflict.‍

Some names you may not recognize, but others you might like Brigadier General Rob Givens. He is a highly decorated combat veteran with medals that include two Distinguished Flying Crosses for heroism and a Bronze Star (and seven air medals).‍

You may know him from his time on air during Thunder Over Louisville with his analysis of the air show. Givens was a pilot in the Air Force for twenty-seven years with 3,700 flying hours, primarily in an F-16 and an A-10.‍

He flew over one hundred combat sorties during Operation Desert Storm, Southern Watch, and Iraqi Freedom.‍

Givens also flew Right Wing for the United States Air Force Thunderbirds!‍

Givens was gracious enough to loan us his coveted Thunderbirds helmet and uniform for our exhibition, as well as other items, including a uniform he wore during Operation Enduring Freedom in response to the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.‍

If you come to our opening on July 4, you’ll find his items at the foot of the stairs in our Cool Kentucky exhibition, ushering you up those stairs to our new I Too Am a Kentuckian exhibition.‍

Thank you Rob Givens for the loan, and for your service.‍

You’ll be saluting all our veterans when you come to see for yourself.

How to Celebrate America’s 250th Birthday in Louisville

On July 4, 1776, the Second Continental Congress gathered in Philadelphia to adopt the Declaration of Independence from Great Britain.

Two years later, George Rogers Clark led a flotilla down the Ohio River and founded Louisville—a city that is today populated by over 600,000 people.

This Saturday, July 4, we mark the 250th anniversary of the Declaration.

And the half-a-million folks who call Louisville home are eager to celebrate!

Here’s how you can celebrate this very special Fourth of July in Louisville.

Begin the morning at Historic Locust Grove with Dawn's Early Light, featuring a multicultural ceremony, music, and a free community breakfast. Continue downtown with O Say Can You See! at Metro Hall, where patriotic performances include a reading of the Declaration of Independence and a special musical performances by select members of the Broadway Across America touring company of Hamilton.

Next, stop by the Frazier Kentucky History Museum for the grand opening of our new exhibition I Too Am a Kentuckian! We’re open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.—but you can get free admission from 1 to 4 p.m. if you show up at the front desk and say “I too am a Kentuckian”! I will lead guided tours at 1:30 and 2:30 p.m. and Amanda will offer a curator availability at 2 and 3 p.m. Sarah will offer a Pursuit of Happiness engagement for kids and families from 1 to 4 p.m.!

Finally, cap off the day at Waterfront Park Fourth of July, featuring family activities, food and beverage vendors, live music curated by Kentucky Performing Arts, and Louisville’s A250 Fireworks Show over the Ohio River.

See the full lineup here.

Happy Fourth of July!

Christian County Farm Dates to Revolutionary War Vet’s Land Grant

The celebration of America250 is a wonderful learning opportunity, and this next story provides just that. Chris Johnson, a wonderful supporter of the Frazier and former Board member, reached out with this personal story to share. It’s how her husband’s family in Christian County still enjoys a piece of land thanks to a family member who was rewarded for his military service in the Revolutionary War: 200 acres, thanks to a land grant dating back to 1813. Enjoy the story and the beautiful pictures.—Rachel Platt, VP of Mission

While most Americans will joyfully celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Revolutionary War this Fourth of July, our family will be among the few to quietly express gratitude for a rare lasting legacy from a young soldier who bravely fought for our freedom.

His name was Dilmus Johnson Jr., and he enlisted in the Virginia militia at age sixteen. He is also the fourth great-grandfather of my husband, John.

Dilmus served under several commands, became ill, and briefly returned home. But he rejoined his unit and was present when British Commander Cornwallis surrendered at Yorktown in 1781. He settled on land near family in Virginia, married, and had several children.

But twenty years later, Dilmus took advantage of a new program by the young government to reward soldiers and encourage westward settlement. Because Virginia owned the new Kentucky territory, Dilmus received 200 free acres at the West Fork of the Pond River in what is now Christian County in western Kentucky.

Johnsons have been living on the property ever since, including today.

The land grant legacy largely goes unnoticed—and underappreciated—yet it had a profound impact on the vast frontier and the American story.

Millions of acres were distributed in Kentucky, Ohio, and Tennessee, among other states. Very few remain in the hands of the original owners. Most were sold by veterans to land speculators.

The landscape from our front porch hasn’t changed much. Deer and other animals still roam freely. A small pond attracts waterfowl and fish. Caves with ancient Native American markings line the back boundary.

It’s a Disney World of outdoor adventure for our two grandsons.

John’s grandfather, Drew Johnson, plowed the farm with a single mule. He rested under an old tree in the middle of the field, where his son’s ashes are buried today. There’s still an old stable, a red barn for cows and pigs, a tobacco barn, and remnants of a smoke house where hundreds of country hams were cured.

Just a few weeks ago, my husband and I watched from the front porch as GPS technology powered air-conditioned tractors for the same job. A slight adjustment in settings could move the corn seedlings one-half inch.

And yes, the farm still pays for itself with its annual soybean or corn crops.

We built a retirement home on the property about ten years ago. Old barn wood was used in the new house for indoor trim and a dining table.

How fortunate we are to live this legacy.

Thank you, Dilmus, for your war service and the pioneer spirit that carried you to Kentucky.

Chris Johnson
Former Board Members, Frazier Kentucky History Museum
Guest Contributor

Cool Kentucky Shop: US of Tray

America-shaped ice tray sold in the Frazier’s Cool Kentucky Shop.

Keep your cool from sea to shining sea. This set of fifty state-shaped ice cubes lets you chill America one sip at a time. But we all know Kentucky is the coolest state! It’s available in the Cool Kentucky Shop.

Spend a Night in Bardstown’s Talbott Tavern in Latest Kentucky Wide Podcast

As we journey deeper into our celebration of America250, let us pause at the crossroads so we can stay a spell at the Old Talbott Tavern in Bardstown. In this week’s Kentucky Wide podcast, you will meet a veritable who’s who of movers and shakers—kings and queens, poets and presidents, each one leaving their mark at the Talbott Tavern.

And not just the living! Some choose to extend their stay, even after death. Locals whisper of hauntings. Visitors claim to have seen ghosts. In fact, some say the scourge of bankers himself, Jesse James, is one such restless spirit. Add a haunted doll to the mix and you have one of the most haunted places in Kentucky!

Intrigued? Can’t say I blame you. So do us a favor and check out this week’s podcast! And while you’re at it, check out our previous episodes and subscribe to Kentucky Wide to continue celebrating our state’s unique history and heritage!

Find Kentucky Wide anywhere you listen to podcasts.

On the Trail with Abby: The Bard Distillery in Muhlenberg County

Bourbon tourism is booming—and the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® is growing faster than ever! Each week, the Frazier’s Abby Flanders 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.

Exterior of the Bard Distillery in Muhlenberg County, Kentucky.

‍This week on the trail, we pop over to the historic coal-mining town of Graham, Muhlenberg County, Kentucky. The Bard Distillery peers over Graham, operating out of the town’s 1920s school site purchased by Thomas and Kim Bard in 2015.

Thomas is the fourth great grandson of William Bard, the founder of Bardstown and the surveyor who created the first map of Louisville nearly 250 years ago. Keeping it in the family, the school building was the centerpiece of the town and the place where several generations of the Bards attended school before it was abandoned in 2004.

As the Bard family celebrates their roots and revitalizes Graham, they also produce award-winning spirits like Cinder & Smoke Bourbon—also available in Founder’s Select and finished in Oloroso sherry casks. They are open seven days a week for tours and tastings! Raise a glass to the Bard distillery and family as we celebrate 250 years of our ancestors, family, and America.

History All Around Us

Paducahan Brent Leggs Named President and CEO of National Trust

A Kentuckian is now the President and CEO of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the largest historic preservation organization in the United States.‍

That is a big deal! Congratulations to Brent Leggs.‍

He has been with the National Trust for more than twenty years, most recently as its founding executive director of its African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund.‍

He hails from Paducah, Kentucky, and is a graduate of the University of Kentucky studying marketing and then attended its graduate program in historic preservation.‍

Click here to listen to his welcome message that is so important and powerful as America celebrates its 250th anniversary.

Rachel Platt
VP of Mission

I Too Am a Kentuckian Opening, July 4 Community Day, How to Celebrate America’s 250th Birthday in Louisville, and More

A Heartfelt Message from our President, 120: Cool KY Counties on the Road, Remnants with Tom Owen, and More