Interpretations
Find the schedule of upcoming interpretations.
15th Century Armored Foot Combat: Hand and a Half Sword - (15 minutes)
Our armored Interpreters demonstrate the use of the Hand and a Half sword using 15th century German and Italian fight manuals.
15th Century Armored Foot Combat: The Pollaxe - (15 minutes)
Our armored Interpreters demonstrate the use of the Pollaxe using 15th century German and Italian fight manuals.
18th Century Small Sword - (10 minutes)
Our Interpreters demonstrate small sword techniques from the fight manual of Domenico Angelo.
2nd Floor Highlights tour - (30 minutes)
Join us for a brief walk through The Frazier Collection.
3rd Floor Highlights Tour - (30 minutes)
Join us for a brief walk through the Royal Armouries galleries.
A Tour of Plate Armor - (30 minutes)
Join us for a brief tour highlighting the development and decline of plate armor in Europe, from the Medieval period through the Stuart Period, as illustrated by specific pieces in The Royal Armouries, U.S.A.
Agincourt Archer: 1415 - (10 minutes)
An archer in the army of Henry V of England gives his perspective of the campaign that led to the battle of Agincourt in France during the Hundred Years War.
Anne Bonney - (15 minutes)
The story of one of the most infamous of all female pirates to sail during the “Golden Age of Piracy” in the 18th century.
Annie Oakley - (10 minutes)
In her own words, the life and times of the world's most famous female sharpshooter.
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Arming the Knight and 15th Century Armored Foot Combat - (30 minutes)
Two of our Interpreters are armed in 15th century plate armor in the Italian and German Gothic styles. Our knights then engage in a demonstration of techniques with the hand and a half sword.
Arming the Knight: 1460-1480 - (20 minutes)
One of our knights is armed in 15th century-style plate armor.
Battle of Buena Vista: 1846 - (20 minutes)
An account of one of the bloodiest battles during the Mexican-American War, given by a soldier in the U.S. Army under the command of General Zachary Taylor in Mexico.
Battle of Trenton - (15 minutes)
A Continental Army soldier recounts the first significant victory for General Washington and his rag-tag army in the bitter cold of a New Jersey Christmas time.
Berengaria - (15 minutes)
The only queen of England never to set foot there describes her marriage to Richard I, "the Lionheart," and her honeymoon during the 3rd Crusade.
Big Nose Kate - (15 minutes)
The story of Katie Elder, the mistress of the infamous Doc Holliday and one of the few who witnessed the famous gunfight at the OK Corral.
Bite of History: Lunchtime Lecture Series - (1 hour)
Our series of noon-time lectures are free and open to the public on the third Thursday of each month at the Frazier Museum. Programs will feature prominent local and regional scholars, archivists, researchers, and writers offering a wide range of interesting views into historical culture. Although much of the museum's educational efforts are geared toward children and students, this particular series is designed specifically to engage Louisville's downtown professional population and other adults interested in lifelong learning.
Black Hawk War: 1832 - (15 minutes)
An Illinois militiaman recounts the Battle of Wisconsin Heights which led to the surrender of the great Indian leader, Black Hawk.
Border War: 1862 - (15 minutes)
A Kansas woman tells of the tense and bloody times on the Kansas-Missouri border that led to Quantrell’s Raid.*****
Boudica and the Legionary - (15 minutes)
The story of the tribal queen who led a rebellion against the Romans in Britain in 60 AD.
Buffalo Bill - (10 minutes)
Taken directly from Colonel William F. Cody’s autobiography, this tale tells of the first visit to England by "Buffalo Bill’s Wild West," and of the man who became a living legend and a symbol of the American West.
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Catherine the Great - (20 minutes)
The life, loves, and rise to power of one of Russia's greatest monarchs, who led her country into the "Age of Enlightenment."
Clara Barton - (15 minutes)
A battlefield nurse, she was referred to as “The Angel of the Battlefield” during the American Civil War and went on to establish the American Red Cross.*****
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CLOSED FOR CHRISTMAS DAY - (ALL DAY LONG)
CLOSED FOR CHRISTMAS EVE - (ALL DAY LONG)
CLOSED FOR EASTER - (ALL DAY LONG)
CLOSED FOR THANKSGIVING - (ALL DAY LONG)
Colonel Robert Gould Shaw - (15 minutes)
Taken directly from the letters of the young man who was to lead the first combat regiment of African-American soldiers, the famous 54th Massachusetts, during the American Civil War. This is his story leading up to the attack on Ft. Wagner, South Carolina.
Company Aytch - (15 minutes)
This account of the battle of Perryville, Kentucky, as written by Confederate veteran Sam Watkins of the 1st Tennessee, is taken from his memoirs about the American Civil War.
CSS Alabama vs. USS Kearsarge - (15 minutes)
During the American Civil War, these two ships battled each other off the coast of Cherbourg, France. An amazing story of Captain Raphael Semmes, who commanded the confederate raider Alabama.
Day in the Life: The Cowboy - (20 minutes)
A cowboy describes life in the 19th century American West. An interactive presentation aimed at children up to age twelve.
Day in the Life: The Frontier Woman - (20 minutes)
A pioneer woman describes life on the "western" frontier in
Day in the Life: The Middle Ages - (20 minutes)
A medieval archer describes life in the 15th century. An interactive presentation geared toward children 12 and younger.
Day in the Life: The Norman Knight - (20 minutes)
A knight in the army of William the Conqueror describes his arming methods and what life was like for a knight in the year 1066. An interactive presentation geared toward children 12 and younger.
Dolley Madison - (20 minutes)
One of the most dynamic First Ladies in American History recounts the attack on Washington by British troops during the War of 1812.
Elizabethan Sword Master - (20 minutes)
Our Interpreters demonstrate sword and buckler, rapier and dagger techniques taken directly from the 16th century manuals.
English Civil Wars: 1643 - (15 minutes)
A Royalist soldier describes the battles of Lansdowne Hill and Roundway Down.
George Rogers Clark - (15 minutes)
The man responsible for clearing the "west" of the British during the Revolutionary War tells of the pivotal fall of Fort Sackville, in today's Vincennes, Indiana. Sponsored by a grant from the Kentucky Colonels.
Holt Collier - (20 minutes)
The story of an ex-slave whose life as a hunter and guide in the Mississippi Delta eventually found him leading President Theodore Roosevelt on what became known as the “Teddy Bear Hunt” in 1902. A truly extraordinary story.
In Rehearsal: Pavia: The Landsknecht, 1525 - (20 minutes)
A Landsknecht "Doppelsoldner" tells us of the battle at the close of the Italian Wars, which led to the end of the Armored Knight.
In Rehearsal: Texas Ranger Captain Jack Hays, 1843 - (15 minutes)
Captain Hays tells how15 Rangers defeated 80 Comanches with the help of the Colt Patterson Revolver at the Battle of Walker Creek.
In Rehearsal: The Buffalo Soldier: Cuba, 1898 - (20 minutes)
A buffalo soldier tells of the taking of San Juan Hill in Cuba during the Spanish-American War, and the role played by black soldiers.
Jim Beckwourth - (15 minutes)
This tale documents the adventures of one of the most amazing characters to come out of the American West.
Joan of Arc - (15 minutes)
The story of “The Maid” in her own words, taken from various accounts of her trial in 1431.
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John Floyd, Kentucky Surveyor - (15 minutes)
The year 1781 was a turbulent and dangerous time for settlers of Kentucky. Colonel John Floyd tells of the difficulties and dangers that existed in what is now Jefferson County.
Juliette Gordon Low - (20 minutes)
The story of the Savannah woman who founded the Girl Scouts of America.
La Maupin, Mistress of the Sword: 1695 - (20 minutes)
The story of Julie D'Aubigny, opera singer and swordswoman, who was a legend in her own time.*****(contains mature themes)
Little Bighorn: 1876 - (10 minutes)
Sergeant Windolph's account of the battle of "Greasy Grass," which came to be known as "Custer's Last Stand."
Mastery of Arms: 15th Century Hand and a Half Sword Combat - (15 minutes)
Our Interpreters rehearse with the Hand and a Half sword using 15th century Italian and German fight manuals.
Mastery of Arms: 15th Century Pollaxe Combat - (15 minutes)
Our Interpreters rehearse with 15th century Pollaxes using German manuals.
Mastery of Arms: Elizabethan Sword Master - (20 minutes)
Our Interpreters practice sword and buckler, rapier and dagger techniques taken directly from the 16th century manuals.
Mastery of Arms: The 18th Century Small Sword - (10 minutes)
Our Interpreters rehearse small sword techniques from the fight manual of the 18th century fight master Domenico Angelo.
Mastery of Arms: The Single Stick - (15 minutes)
Our Interpreters practice techniques of Georgian combat, including the use of the single stick.
Mastery of Arms: The Transition Rapier - (20 minutes)
Our Interpreters practice techniques of the 17th century Transition Rapier.
Mastery of Arms: The Two Handed Sword - (20 minutes)
Our Interpreters rehearse techniques of the great sword from 15th century German manuals.
Meet a Character Docent - (30 minutes)
Meet one of our historic interpreters, in period costume, in a designated part of the Museum. Ask questions about a particular time period or event, or about the Museum itself. Look for signs near the elevators and staircases for locations.
Molly Pitcher - (15 Minutes)
The heroine of the Battle of Monmouth during the American Revolution wasn’t as lady-like as you might think.
MUSEUM CLOSES FOR DERBY - (Afternoon)
The Frazier Museum will close at 3:00pm in observance of Derby Day.
MUSEUM CLOSES FOR THUNDER - (after 2:00)
The Frazier Museum will close at 2:00pm due to Thunder Over Louisville.
Olaudah Equiano - (20 min)
The first ex-slave to publish his memoirs, Equiano describes his trials and travails as a ten-year-old boy sold into slavery in the mid-18th century.
Oregon Trail: 1848 - (15 minutes)
A pioneer woman heading west tells the story of what it was like to cross America in a covered wagon.
Patriots or Traitors? - (15 minutes)
Using contemporary speeches, this debate shows both sides of the argument that led to the American Revolution.
Presidential Love Letters - (30 minutes)
For St. Valentine's Day, our Interpreters read letters between the leaders of our country and their loved ones over the course of the last 200 years.
PREVIEW: Sic Semper Tyrannis: The Life of John Wilkes Booth - (45 minutes)
Three Interpreters portray various people in this compelling look at the assassin of Abraham Lincoln—who he was, what drove him to commit his notorious act, and the manhunt that ended at Garrett’s Farm. Approximately 40-45 minutes.
Rifleman Harris: 95th Rifles - (15 minutes)
In his own words, this is the story of a soldier in an elite unit of the British Army during the Peninsula Wars against the French Army of Napoleon I.
Roseanna McCoy - (20 minutes)
The "Juliet of the Mountains" tells the story of the famous Hatfield-McCoy feud.
Sarah Winchester: A Reluctant Heiress - (15 minutes)
The story of the eccentric heiress to the Winchester arms fortune and the owner of one of the most mysterious homes ever built.
Seminole Wars: 1835 - (15 minutes)
An account of Dade's Massacre which led to the 2nd Seminole War in Florida. Told by Ransom Clark, the one of only two survivors.
St. Julian - (15 minutes)
One of the most beloved legends of the 15th century is told by a 15th Century Huntsman.
Stamford Bridge: 1066 - (15 minutes)
A Viking describes the stunning defeat of the Norwegian Army at the hands of the Anglo-Saxons just two weeks before their own defeat at the battle of Hastings.
Storytelling: Brave Martha and the Dragon - (15 minutes)
A maid tells the legend of a young girl who saves her village from a horrible dragon. A wonderful story for the whole family!
Storytelling: St. George and the Dragon - (15 minutes)
A knight and a fair maiden tell the legend of the patron saint of England. A perfect story for the whole family.
The Charge of the Light Brigade: 1854 - (20 minutes)
An 11th Hussar tells of the "charge" at the Battle of Balaclava during the Crimean War.*****
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The Execution of Anne Boleyn - (15 minutes)
Taken from first-hand accounts, a lady-in-waiting to Henry the Eighth’s wife and queen, Anne Boleyn, describes the first execution of a member of the royal family of England.
The Geste of Robin Hood - (10 minutes)
Using an original ballad, a 14th century yeoman tells the story of this legendary outlaw.
The Great Debate: Lincoln and Douglas, 1858 - (30 min)
Two of our Interpreters recreate the "Ottawa" debate, the first of seven to be held by these two great, but very different, statesmen. (This project is supported by a grant from the Kentucky Humanites Council, Inc., and the Kentucky Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission.) Runs approx. 30 minutes.
The Hastings Knight: 1066 - (15 minutes)
A Norman knight recounts the events at the Battle of Hastings when England fell to William the Conqueror.
The Massacre of Glencoe: 1692 - (20 minutes)
A Highland woman of Clan MacDonald recounts the events that led up to that tragic morning.*****
The Middle Passage: 1699 - (20 min.)
Taken from the memoir of James Barbot, the part-owner and "supercargo" of the slave ship Albion-Frigate, this is an account of the harrowing "middle passage." It is also a frank look at the slave trade of the late 17th and early 18th centuries. *****
The Reno Gang - (15 minutes)
A citizen of Seymour, Indiana, tells the story of the first train robbery, which took place there in 1866, and of the Reno Gang who pulled it off.
The Spy of the Cumberland - (15 minutes)
Pauline Cushman, one of the boldest spies of the American Civil War, describes her exploits behind enemy lines.
The Suffragette - (15 minutes)
A member of the movement describes the harsh realities and human cost of the fight for the 19th Amendment, and tells the stories of those leaders who fought for the rights of women.
The Towton Bowman: 1461 - (15 minutes)
A Lancastrian archer tells of his part in the bloodiest battle ever fought on English soil.*****
The Uncrowned Queen of Iraq: 1921 - (15 minutes)
Gertrude Bell talks about the creation of a new country in the Middle East out of the ruins of the
The Whitechapel Murders - (35 minutes)
In the late summer and fall of 1888, London was terrorized by an unidentified killer, who came to be known as Jack the Ripper. The chilling story is recounted by an inspector, a streetwalker, a police surgeon, and various residents of London's Whitechapel district.***** (Runs 35-40 minutes.)
The Whitechapel Murders Exhibit - (1 Hour before showtime)
This exhibit will open 1 hour before showtime and will help the audience to become more closely acquainted with the background of the mystery explored in our special 35-minute interpretation, The Whitechapel Murders.
The Witchery of Archery - (10 minutes)
An exciting tale from the pages of Maurice Thompson's classic 1878 book on hunting with bow and arrow.
Trafalgar - (15 minutes)
An English Tar tells of the action of one of the greatest naval battles in history.
Two Handed Sword Combat - (15 minutes)
Our Interpreters demonstrate techniques for the "two-handed sword" using 15th century manuals.
Vlad Tepic - (15 minutes)
The story of the real "Count Dracula."
We Have a Dream: Words That Inspired A Generation - (20 min)
Our Interpreters read excerpts from the great speeches of President John F. Kennedy, Senator Robert Kennedy, and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Their words inspired
Wilhelm Tell - (10 minutes)
An account of the Swiss farmer-turned-national hero.
