Last Call for Speakeasy, Kentucky’s Tobacco and Coal Laborers, Taylor Swift’s Oldham County–Born Jewelry Designer, and More
Happy Labor Day Monday!
Today is the first day of Bourbon Heritage Month celebrating America’s only native spirit and Kentucky tourism’s secret sauce. As the place Where the World Meets Kentucky, it is an important and lucrative story that our team shares with travelers from all around the world every day. For that, we celebrate!
2025 Michter’s Speakeasy at the Frazier graphic.
Thursday night we’ll kick off the celebration with the Michter’s Speakeasy at the Frazier.
Without going too deep in the details, this is a 1920s-era drum that you’ll definitely want to beat: We’ve got the Gatsby Gang jazz band with live music, dance lessons from Bravo Dance Studio, hair and makeup from Gibson Glam, and, of course, outstanding Michter’s spirits, the world’s most admired whiskey.
The featured cocktails are a Peach Tea Julep and a French 75. For you straight whiskey purists, there will be tastings of Michter’s Straight Bourbon and Barrel Strength Bourbon, Shenk’s Homestead Sour Mash Whiskey, and Bomberger’s Declaration Kentucky Straight Bourbon. There will be autographs and limited Michter’s sales to boot. Tickets are going fast, so secure yours today!
In today’s Frazier Weekly issue, Tish Boyer and Simon Meiners lean into Labor Day. You’ll meet our new Director of Development, Sandra Dodge, learn about an Oldham County native who designs jewelry for Taylor Swift, and get an early peak at the Frazier’s Give for Good Louisville efforts.
We sure would appreciate your support!
Andy Treinen
President & CEO
Frazier History Museum
This Week in the Museum
Sippin’ with Stephen: Speakeasy Preview with Michter’s Master of Maturation Andrea Wilson
As the official starting point of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®, the Frazier 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.—Simon Meiners, Communications & Research Specialist
This month’s guest on Sippin’ with Stephen is Andrea Wilson, Chief Operating Officer and Master of Maturation at Michter’s Distillery. Andrea and I promote the annual Michter’s Speakeasy at the Frazier, which is this Thursday, September 4. At that shindig, you’ll find Andrea pouring Michter’s expressions and helping curate signature cocktails that pay homage to the Roaring Twenties. Limited tickets are still available, so secure yours now! Grab your best glad rags, flapper dress, or pin stripe suit and join us for a night of fun, cocktails, and dancing.
Stephen Yates
Community & Corporate Sales Manager
Curator’s Corner: Flapper Gowns, Banjolin Added to Spirit of Kentucky® Exhibition
Banjolin or mandolin-banjo made in Louisville in the 1920s. This banjolin will soon be on display in the Speakeasy in the Frazier’s Spirit of Kentucky® exhibition!
Coming soon! In honor of the new Bourbon Through Bluegrass tasting experiences starring Bernie Lubbers, we are making some updates to our Speakeasy gallery! We have already installed cute new flapper dresses from the 1920s and even added some more women’s accessories. We are also in the process of adding some traditional bluegrass instruments from the same time period to help support the program. Be on the lookout for everything to be installed before Bernie’s first performance on September 8.
Amanda Briede
Sr. Curator of Exhibitions
From the Collections: Brown and Williamson Tobacco Factory Photos, 1940–44
Employees lay tobacco out at the Brown and Williamson Tobacco Factory in Louisville, 1940–44. Credit: Carl Herman Jones.
Employees make cigarettes at the Brown and Williamson Tobacco Factory in Louisville, 1940–44. Credit: Carl Herman Jones.
Employees assemble cigarette packs and cartons at the Brown and Williamson Tobacco Factory in Louisville, 1940–44. Credit: Carl Herman Jones.
Happy Labor Day, Frazier friends! I don’t know about you, but I look forward to that extra day in my weekend. Just in case you’re not sure why we have this holiday, just a little reminder. Labor Day is a celebration of economic and social accomplishments for American workers. Though movement on a holiday celebrating labor was in motion in 1885, it wasn’t until 1894 that Congress passed an act officially making the first Monday in September the national holiday we enjoy today. And I, for one, am grateful!
To celebrate Kentucky labor, I have chosen to share a few labor-related photographs from our collection. These images depict the Brown and Williamson Tobacco Factory. The company moved its headquarters from North Carolina to Louisville in 1927. The factory was located at Sixteenth and Hill Streets until it closed in 1982. In 1986, the building was demolished.
These photographs were taken by Carl Herman Jones. Carl was born in Warren County, Kentucky, but moved to Louisville as a child. A graduate of Male High School in 1928, he learned drafting at Ahrens Trade School here in town. Between 1940 and 1944, Carl and his wife both worked for Brown and Williamson Tobacco. But Carl’s real passion was photography. He was a self-taught photographer who took freelance jobs, put a sign up for his studio at his home, and even developed his images in a darkroom in his basement.
Pictured here are some great photographs that show what the factory floor looked like—from spreading out the tobacco leaves to processing cigarettes and packing cigarette cartons.
I hope you enjoy these images as much as we do. Happy Labor Day!
Tish Boyer
Registrar & Manager of Collections Engagement
Highlights of 120: Harlan County: Coal Miners Take a Stand
Map of Kentucky with Harlan County highlighted.
Coal was first discovered in Harlan County in 1750. In the centuries since, Harlan County coal has powered America and fueled the nation’s efforts in WWI and WWII. But the miners who dig that coal have historically faced exploitation, leading to periods of violence between workers and coal bosses, including the 1930s and the 1970s. On this Labor Day, we direct your attention to the Blackjewel coal miners protest of 2019, an action that drew widespread support from the community in Harlan County. Learn more in the following story, one of hundreds of stories featured in our 120: Cool KY Counties exhibit.—Simon Meiners, Communications & Research Specialist
Blackjewel coal miners protest, 2019. Credit: Chris Kenning, Courier Journal.
Blackjewel Coal filed for bankruptcy in 2019. Upon closing, the company withdrew wages that were already deposited into the miners’ accounts. Blackjewel refused to issue official layoffs. Miners went unpaid and were ineligible for public assistance. Hundreds of families were devastated.
The Harlan County community came together to assist the miners. County Judge Executive Dan Mosley began a relief effort and met with the miners. County officials started a database of immediate needs. Joyce Cheng, the owner of the local Chinese restaurant and an ultramarathoner, dressed like a coal miner and ran fifty miles around the county to collect donations.
Miners investigated a report from a local woman about a train loaded with coal. They discovered that the company intended to move $1.4 million in material. Determined that the train would not move until they received compensation, miners occupied the railway from July 29 until September 26. They eventually received their wages, but litigation is ongoing.
Museum Shop: Barrel Proof Bark Chips for Labor Day Grilling!
Barrel Proof Bark Chips sold in the Frazier’s Museum Shop and online.
Manning the grill this Labor Day? Fire up your flavor game with Barrel Proof Smoking Blocks! Made from authentic Bourbon barrels by a Kentucky Proud company, they’re top-notch from start to finish. The resealable bag locks in that rich aroma, while the blocks themselves bring a sweet, smoky flavor that takes grilling to the next level. Find them in the Museum Shop or online.
Oldham County Native Shahla Karimi Designs Jewelry for Taylor Swift
Shahla Karimi. Credit: Jesse Korman, Shahla Karimi Jewelry.
A case with Shahla Karimi Jewelry pieces on display in the Frazier’s Davis Jewelers’ Love & Marriage exhibition, August 27, 2025.
Congratulations to Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce on their engagement! Travis co-designed Taylor’s engagement ring with jeweler Kindred Lubeck.
But did you know Taylor often wears rings made by a Kentuckian?
At Super Bowl LVIII, as she embraced Travis, Taylor showed off two 14k gold ruby rings made by Shahla Karimi Jewelry.
In fact, Shahla is a Kentuckian—and some of her jewelry is on display here at the Frazier History Museum as part of our Davis Jewelers’ Love & Marriage exhibition!
Shahla was born in Louisville and spent her middle and high school years in Oldham County. She attended the University of Louisville where she enrolled pre-med with an interest in psychology. She later moved to New York.
In 2014, she launched Shahla Karimi Jewelry. Growing up in an Iranian family, she has been wearing jewelry since she was two weeks old. “Karimi finds inspiration for her pieces in psychology, architecture, relationships, and Louisville,” UofL Magazine contributor Mila Raque wrote in a 2024 feature. “But mostly she uncovers inspiration in recollections. Her brand captures the longing humans have to embrace and express their own memories.”
Shahla’s jewelry has been worn by stars such as Hailey Bieber, Reese Witherspoon, Zoe Saldana, Gigi Hadid, Carrie Underwood, and—yes—Taylor Swift.
Come see some Shahla Karimi Jewelry pieces on display in our Davis Jewelers’ Love & Marriage exhibition! On display are: a Cloud Offset Pear Ring (a Taylor Swift favorite!), a 3-Stone Emerald & Cut-Corner Triangle Ring, a 2-Stone Pear Ring with Lozenge, an Every Love Horizontal Better Half Band, and a JOON Baguette Eternity Band. The exhibition is open now through March 2026.
Simon Meiners
Communications & Research Specialist
Introducing the Frazier’s Director of Development Sandra Dodge!
Hi everyone, I’m thrilled (and honestly a little awed) to join the incredible team here at the Frazier History Museum as the new Director of Development.
Originally from California, I made Louisville home back in 2017—and let’s just say I haven’t stopped talking about it since. If I look familiar, it might be from Rotary meetings, the Woman’s Club, the League of Women Voters, the Louisville Forum, or the University Club at U of L . . . I tend to collect name tags like some people collect vintage Bourbon bottles.
Before landing in this vibrant city, I spent decades in Silicon Valley, where curiosity and collaboration were basically the air we breathed (along with the occasional wildfire smoke). My time there shaped how I think about building strong, adaptable communities—and I’m bringing that same energy here to the Frazier. My default setting is: “How can we make this better, together?”
It’s an honor to be part of a place that not only preserves history but actively shapes the future of our community. Louisville has welcomed me with open arms, and I hope to give back with just as much heart, humor, and hustle.
I look forward to the journey ahead—and I’m grateful to be here.
PS: Looking to connect? I’m all ears! Email me at sdodge@fraziermuseum.org.
Sandra Dodge
Director of Development
Mark your Calendars for Give for Good Louisville on September 18!
2025 Give for Good Louisville graphic.
We need you! On September 18, the Frazier History Museum will participate in Give for Good Louisville with the campaign Lifelong Learning: The History We Share. Our goal is to increase awareness of our mission to educate, inspire, and engage by connecting Kentucky’s past to its present to shape the future. As a subscriber to all things Frazier, you can make a difference! Bookmark our giving page today to share with your friends and family, give on September 18, and join us in making history accessible for all!
Hayley Harlow
Sr. Manager of Fundraising
On the Trail with Abby: Boundary Oak Distilling in Radcliff
On the Trail with Abby graphic
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 History Museum, the Official Starting Point of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®.
Exterior of Boundary Oak Distilling in Radcliff, Hardin County, Kentucky.
If you head south from Louisville, through verdant farmland and into the shadow of Kentucky’s famous knobs, you’ll find a distillery rooted in heritage and natural beauty: Boundary Oak Distilling in Radcliff, Hardin County.
This family-owned distillery takes its name from a one-hundred-foot-tall oak tree that once stood on the farm of Abraham Lincoln’s childhood home—symbolizing strength, endurance, and Kentucky roots. Today, that same spirit is bottled inside every drop of Boundary Oak’s craft Bourbon.
Unlike many larger operations on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®, Boundary Oak is proudly small-batch. Founder and Master Distiller Brent Goodin makes whiskey with an emphasis on authenticity, using water drawn from a limestone well on site. This pure Kentucky spring water, filtered through layers of stone, is as much a part of the recipe as the grains themselves. Much like the namesake Boundary Oak Tree, which survived for almost 200 years, Brent Goodin’s ancestry traces back to the region for as many years.
Boundary Oak’s offerings range from traditional Bourbon to more adventurous expressions, many of which include homages to saints and Lincoln himself. Many of their higher-end bottles feature unique metal adornment and wax seals. Their Bourbon spread includes bottles such as Lincoln, My Old Kentucky Home, War Eagle, St. Michael, and St. George Dragonslayer.
Guests are welcomed like family. No reservations are required—walk-ins are welcome all day, every day! A $15 tour and tasting includes a souvenir Bourbon glass and options of sips from their entire catalogue. The setting, tucked against rolling Kentucky hills, makes it easy to linger and appreciate the scenery.
Abby Flanders
Administrative Chief of Engagement
Bridging the Divide
Trailblazer Elmer Lucille Allen Gets her “Way”
Elmer Lucille Allen Way street sign on display in the Chickasaw neighborhood of Louisville, Kentucky, August 23, 2025. Credit: Clinton Bennett.
Elmer Lucille Allen poses beneath the street sign honoring her, August 23, 2025. Credit: Clinton Bennett
Talk about a birthday surprise! One of our favorite people in the world, Elmer Lucille Allen, had a street named after her in Louisville on her ninety-fourth birthday on August 23. It reads: “Elmer Lucille Allen Way.”
She is a trailblazer—and her story is told here at the Frazier in our Spirit of Kentucky® exhibition. In the 1960s, she became the first African American chemist at Brown-Forman. She retired in 1997.
And that’s just the beginning of her amazing story. It was after retiring that she devoted more time to her art, earning her masters of creative arts in her seventies.
Her motto in life is to keep on moving, and that she does.
The honorary street sign is at the corner of Winnrose Way and Fairland Place. Elmer Lucille says she passes by it most every day and it’s “unbelievable.”
Elmer Lucille Allen, that word, unbelievable, is exactly how we describe you.
Congratulations!
Rachel Platt
VP of Mission
