Back to School, Tom Owen on Louisville Motor Speedway, American Soldiers from Revolution to Present, and More
Kids pose in the Frazier’s I Too Am a Kentuckian exhibition.
It’s been a fun and busy summer for the Frazier education team!
Games were played, friends were met, and staff pets were campaigned for and elected Frazier animal mayor during a full eight weeks of summer camp.
Summer field trip groups completed gallery missions and saw live presentations during themed visits, including Lewis and Clark, Cool Kentucky, and Time Travelers.
And families visiting with the Cultural Pass were treated to a wide range of hand-on exhibitions, scavenger hunts, and a musical storytelling presentation about the longest painting in the world and its connection to Louisville. (Don’t forget, there is still one chance left to visit using the pass on Sunday, August 9!)
As children head back to school, we pivot to programming with lots of engaging offerings ahead. This year we are thrilled to offer students and educators access to not one, not two, not three, but four exhibitions to honor 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence with our America250 exhibitions. Educators can learn about our full range of educational programming by exploring our 2026–27 School Programs Guide.
If you teach Kentucky history, the nineteenth century, or the Underground Railroad, be sure to save the date for a very special teacher training planned for the evening of September 14. We are excited to welcome back renowned archaeologist, historian, and author Karolyn Smardz Frost to share her expertise. Planning is in the works and reservations will be available soon.
Lastly, we are thrilled to kick off our 2026–27 homeschool season of programs on August 28 with America250 Homeschool Day. Families will investigate America250 exhibits, view a live presentation titled Early America Through Music, enjoy a selection of craft and activity tables, and more. Signups are now open!
Be sure to keep reading to learn more about an artifact from the I Too Am a Kentuckian exhibition, a new Kentucky Wide podcast episode on Christopher Columbus Graham, free children’s books from Elizabethtown tourism, and more!
As always, feel free to reach out to the education team with any questions at education@fraziermuseum.org.
Megan Schanie
Sr. Manager of Educational Programs
Frazier Kentucky History Museum
This Week in the Museum
Remnants with Tom Owen: A Century of Motor Sports in Louisville
In July 1926—one hundred years ago—locals had the chance to take in the spectacle of professional automobile racing. Louisville Motor Speedway is long gone, but one remnant holds the story of the excitement that came and went near Dixie Highway and Johnsontown Road.
Tom Owen is a community treasure. Simply put, no one has the knowledge, excitement, and goodwill Tom Owen has when it comes to the stories of Louisville and the surrounding area. We’re excited to partner with Tom and the University of Louisville Libraries on Remnants.
Co-produced by the Frazier and the U of L Libraries’ Archives and Special Collections, each installment of Remnants looks into the past through local sites thanks to the knowledge of Louisville’s historian Tom Owen.
Mick Sullivan
Curator of Guest Experience
Curator’s Corner: Newport Rolling Mill Artifacts
Newport Rolling Mill artifacts in I Too Am a Kentuckian, July 30, 2026.
This week I am excited to feature a few objects that are on display in the “Liberty” section of our newest exhibition, I Too Am a Kentuckian. This section describes the freedoms that are guaranteed to us by the First Amendment and focuses on Kentuckians throughout history who have exercised those freedoms. The workers of the Newport Rolling Mill and the Andrew Steel Plant in Newport, Kentucky, are some of the Kentuckians representing the freedom of assembly.
From 1921 to 1928, the workers at these plants went on strike. Steel was the dominant industry in Newport, and the strike involved one of every five workers in the city. Workers went on strike to gain union recognition for the unskilled workers who labored at the plants during World War I. In the exhibition, we have a few items on display from the Newport Rolling Mill, including a steel sample, an advertisement, and a few scrip coins that were used at the company store. These items were newly acquired especially for this exhibition.
Though the company changed owners and names over time, steel was produced in Newport until the early 2000s. Growing up in Covington about a block from the Licking River, I could hear the loud bangs of the steel mill from my bedroom window every night.
We are all so proud of I Too Am a Kentuckian. I hope that you will come to see these and other impactful objects from our Commonwealth’s history on display in the exhibition.
Amanda Briede
Sr. Curator of Exhibitions
Cool Kentucky Shop: Abraham Lincoln Candle
Abraham Lincoln candle sold in the Frazier’s Cool Kentucky Shop.
We’re big fans of Abe Lincoln—and this candle is a fitting tribute to Kentucky’s most famous son. Light it up and enjoy cozy campfire vibes without spending sixteen hours chopping wood for the cabin.
Heading back to school? It also makes the perfect bribe . . . we mean gift . . . for your favorite history teacher! Grab one now at the Cool Kentucky Shop.
August 16 Program to Feature Soldiers from American Revolution and Modern Day
We are prepping for our next exhibit that aligns with America250, Revolutionary Threads. It opens on Sunday, August 16. And at 1 p.m. that day, we have a special program to discuss that exhibit and I Too Am a Kentuckian.
We will be joined by special guests who created the military uniforms and other clothing seen in Revolutionary Threads, ancestors of Patriot-soldiers who fought in the American Revolution.
They’re also members of Lexington’s Transylvania Chapter NSDAR. Their ancestors included Generals, regular soldiers, scouts, spies, as well as a Black Freeman, who enlisted and fought with the famous Rhode Island Black Regiment.
We also have modern day soldiers who will join us, including Brigadier General Rob Givens and Colonel Amy McGrath, both of whom are featured in our I Too Am a Kentuckian exhibition. They’ll discuss their military service and how Kentucky helped shape them into the people they are today.
The program is free with the cost of admission, but you will need to RSVP. Click here to purchase your ticket.
See you soon!
Rachel Platt
VP of Mission
Kentuckiana Jones! New Kentucky Wide Podcast Celebrates Christopher Columbus Graham
Kentucky certainly has its fair share of interesting personalities, but perhaps only one person in all of history could have a claim at being Kentucky’s own Indiana Jones. The newest episode of our podcast Kentucky Wide looks at the 100-year life of Dr. Christopher Columbus Graham. One of those people who seems to be everywhere, Dr. Graham once ran the Free Museum of Kentucky and his tireless drive prompted him to lead a huge archeology project at the age of ninety-three. No wonder his 100th birthday was a big deal.
Susan Reed
Stories in Mind/Snapshot Sr. Program Facilitator
Brown-Forman Theatre to Host One-of-a-Kind Bourbon and Bluegrass Program
Hey all, there are now exactly ten days until we celebrate America’s 250th with Bourbon, bluegrass, and history with Bernie Lubbers and his band. There are a very limited number of tickets still available for what will be an intimate concert, tasting, and storytelling experience celebrating the music that shaped a culture.
To set the mood and create an intimate setting for all in attendance, we have decided to host the experience inside our newly renovated Brown-Forman Theatre. Think MTV Unplugged with bluegrass music, American whiskey stories, and Bourbon—as every guest will get the chance to literally taste history.
We’ll also sample and sell Frazier barrel selections before and after the show, so don’t miss this opportunity to secure your seats today.
Andy Treinen
President & CEO
On the Trail with Abby: Old Pogue Distillery in Mason 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.
Exterior of Old Pogue Distillery in Maysville, Mason County, Kentucky.
Located just west of Maysville, the Old Pogue Distillery in Mason County is the second-oldest distillery in Kentucky and a charming and authentic stop on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®. The Pogue family has produced Bourbon and rye whiskies for six generations, calling back to the years following the Civil War. The original Pogue distillery, Kentucky registered distillery No. 3, was established in 1876. The Pogue family still uses those original, time-honored recipes today in small batches.
You can visit Old Pogue’s tasting room in downtown Maysville Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tours to the historic distillery itself require appointments, which can be scheduled at OldPogue.com.
Abby Flanders
Administrative Chief of Engagement
Visit the Frazier at LouCity’s Fill the Fam this Saturday!
As a resident of Campbell Street, I live in the shadow of Lynn Family Stadium—and I love it! Every season, purple-clad soccer fans pass my apartment, eager to root for LouCity or Racing Louisville. When I’m in bed reading, and I hear a crescendo of cheering, I refresh my Twitter feed to learn who scored the goal. This Saturday, though, I won’t be in bed—I’ll be at the Fam! That’s right: the Frazier is tabling at Saturday’s “Fill the Fam” match, thanks to our partners at LouCity and Racing Louisville. Best of all, Frazier Weekly readers can get discounted admission to this match and others! Click here to learn more details.—Simon Meiners, Communications & Research Specialist
A highlight of Louisville summer is coming up on Saturday, August 8, at 8 p.m., as Louisville City FC hosts San Antonio FC for “Fill the Fam,” the annual push to sell out Lynn Family Stadium.
This is the fifth season for the event. At this year’s game, fans can:
· Snag an exclusive t-shirt giveaway to the first 2,500 fans
· Take in a pregame flyby from Bowman Field–based Smoke on Aviation
· Watch Zambelli fireworks on the field during player walkout
· Enjoy a postgame fireworks show after the final whistle
· Get an autograph from LouCity players at a postgame meet-and-greet in the premium club
· Get in on the action with inflatables, lawn games, and mini-pitch soccer in the Fan Zone
· Enjoy a $3 happy hour featuring beer, Pepsi products, and Fireball when gates open at 6:30 p.m.
Fans in attendance have two jobs: wear purple—the game is a “purple out”—and bring the energy. Over the years, a packed Lynn Family Stadium has built an electric atmosphere for Fill the Fam games.
LouCity averages 13,764 fans for Fill the Fam, with a Lynn Family Stadium record 14,673 fans in the building in 2022. On the field, LouCity has a perfect 4-0-0 record on Fill the Fam, including a thumping 4-1 win over the Charleston Battery before 13,611 fans last season.
This year, the game itself has high stakes, as LouCity hosts Western Conference foe San Antonio FC in a rematch of the 2022 USL Championship Final.
The two clubs are among the most decorated in league history. LouCity and San Antonio have combined to win three league championships and three regular-season titles.
This season, both are contenders for more trophies. LouCity is battling for position near the top of the Eastern Conference, while San Antonio is near the top of the Western Conference and overall league standings.
Tickets are available at LouCity.com/FilltheFam, via SeatGeek or by calling (502) LOU-CITY.
The Family Ticket Pack is the best value, featuring tickets and a concession voucher for just $25 per person.
Jeff Milby
Club Journalist, Louisville City and Racing Louisville FC
Guest Contributor
History All Around Us
Elizabethtown Tourism Offering Free Copies of Betty Visits the David May House
A copy of Betty Visits the David May House.
We are adding a children’s book to our Snead Shelf at the Frazier on the first floor. It’s called Betty Visits the David May House. It’s written by Krysta Souleyrette, one of our friends at Elizabethtown Tourism. David May’s former home now houses Elizabethtown Tourism, and Krysta thought a children’s book would be a wonderful way to celebrate the home and its rich history. Keep reading to learn more.—Rachel Platt, VP of Mission
The new children’s book Betty Visits the David May House follows Betty, a curious young girl from Elizabethtown, Kentucky, as she explores the historic David May House in downtown Elizabethtown. Through Betty’s eyes, young readers discover the history of the home and the stories that make it such a special part of our community.
As the Marketing Director for Elizabethtown Tourism, I am always looking for creative ways to share our community’s history and inspire people to connect with the places that make Elizabethtown unique. The David May House, which now serves as Elizabethtown Tourism’s visitor center, provided the perfect opportunity to do just that. Originally built in 1886, the home was carefully restored after being purchased by a local development group. Throughout the restoration, many meaningful details were preserved or thoughtfully repurposed. For example, a historic cherry tree that had fallen on the property was transformed into beautiful custom tables and a bathroom vanity. Another fascinating piece of the home’s history is its connection to David May, who founded the Elizabethtown Electric Light Company and helped bring electricity to the city, making the home’s original light switches a lasting reminder of that legacy.
The inspiration for writing this book came while I was searching for a children’s book to share with my niece and nephew during a trip. I realized how powerful storytelling can be in introducing children to local history and encouraging curiosity about their own communities. My hope is that Betty Visits the David May House helps young readers develop an appreciation for history while creating lasting memories with their families. The book is available free of charge at Elizabethtown Tourism, and we are also happy to mail copies to anyone who requests one. Contact us at ksouleyrette@touretown.com or (270) 765-2175.
Krysta Souleyrette
Director of Marketing, Elizabethtown Tourism
Guest Contributor
WHAS11’s Frazier Weekly–Inspired Story on Louisville Brecks Wins an Emmy
The Louisville Brecks football team, 1919. Provided by Mary Pat Sexton.
Don’t you love it when an interesting piece of history gets the attention it deserves and it leads to an Emmy award?
Here’s how it played out: on November 24, 2025, Frazier Weekly featured a story about the Louisville Brecks, one of the first teams in the NFL.
I had never heard of the Brecks until Mary Pat Sexton reached out to tell us the history. Her grandfather played for the team and was a captain in the early 1920s.
She wondered who else had never heard of them. After reading her story in Frazier Weekly, my former colleague Doug Proffitt from WHAS-TV called and asked for Mary Pat’s contact information.
It led to an amazing piece from Doug and photographer Phillip Murrell. The piece included not only Mary Pat, but historian Tom Owen and famed sports broadcaster Van Vance. Click here to see the incredible story—which recently won an Emmy award.
Thank you, Mary Pat, for bringing to light a fascinating piece of Louisville history!
And congrats to Doug and Phillip.
Rachel Platt
VP of Mission
