Dreaming of Spring, New Field Trip Presentations, Sunshine Joe Mallard’s Quilts, and More
Today is Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Louisville is remembering his legacy of nonviolent activism and reflecting on the civil rights movement, its triumphs, and the work yet to be done. With concerts, organized acts of service, faith-based observances, parties, and more, there are many ways to honor Dr. King.
The Frazier History Museum is open today with stories of Kentuckians like Henry Bibb, who escaped slavery to establish the first Black newspaper in Canada, and John P. Parker, a formerly enslaved inventor and industrialist who helped nearly 1,000 others escape their own enslavement through the Underground Railroad from his iron foundry in Ripley, Ohio, near Maysville, Kentucky. If you are out and about today, check out this Courier Journal article that features MLK Day events all over town.
Wherever you go today, stay bundled up. With forecasted highs in the teens, this cold snap is hanging on. But to quote Anne Bradstreet: “If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant.” The school closings, impeded travel, bitter cold, and lingering ice on our roads and sidewalks have us all Dreaming of Spring—so much so that we at the Frazier have made that the theme for our upcoming Spring Break Camp!
2025 Spring Break Camp flyer.
From March 31 to April 4, coinciding with spring break for Louisville’s public schools, the Frazier will host Dreaming of Spring for students in grades 1 through 5. Each day of camp will have stories and activities related to the changing of the season. We will go outside to look for buds on trees, crocuses and daffodils rising early, and eggs patiently waiting for the perfect warm day to greet the world. We will learn about, and practice, spring traditions from around the world. And because the week of camp also includes April 1, we will get a healthy dose of well-mannered tomfoolery. Registration is open now. I hope you’ll join us.
In today’s Frazier Weekly, Megan Schanie shares new theatre offerings from the Frazier’s education team. On this Inauguration Day, Rachel Platt tells the story of “Sunshine” Joe Mallard sending his hand-stitched quilt to the Obama Presidential Center. And Stephen Yates brings us another episode of Sippin’ with Stephen featuring Oxmoor Bourbon.
Kent Klarer
Sr. Manager of Youth Programs & Education Advancement
Frazier History Museum
This Week in the Museum
Frazier’s Education Teams Debuts New Presentation Styles for Field Trips
Sarah Jemerson leads a Fights on Main: Kentucky History presentation.
Mick Sullivan leads a Kentucky Stories and Songs presentation.
Kent Klarer leads an Early America Through Music presentation.
Since the very first day we opened our doors for student visitors in 2004, Frazier educational programs have embedded the arts into learning. For many years we employed a team of trained actors who portrayed everyone from Civil War nurse Clara Barton to a Suffragette, a medieval archer, and James Forten from the American Revolution. Not to mention a wide range of swordfighting demonstrations and a chance to watch the “arming of a knight” in our tournament ring.
But as our mission shifted to focus on Kentucky history, and our actors moved onto other opportunities, we needed to figure out how to keep the artistic aspects of our field trip programs. Field trips have always included a 30-minute element in the theatre that relates to the theme of the visit. But what would that look like without actors on staff?
If we are good at one thing at the Frazier, though, it’s the ability to adapt and grow.
I’m pleased to announce that we have figured out a path forward utilizing the theatre space in new and creative ways! Lucky for us, our education team consists of smart and innovative people with music, art, and performance backgrounds. After many brainstorming sessions and trying things out, we have debuted three new presentations for students with more to come.
Mick Sullivan, Curator of Guest Experience, offers a terrific experience titled Kentucky Stories and Songs that covers several interesting people from Kentucky history with a singalong to bring it all home. Kent Klarer, Senior Manager of Youth Programs and Education Advancement, created a session titled Early America Through Music which melds perfectly with our Declaring your Independence field trip. And the most recent addition, Fights on Main: Kentucky History is presented by Sarah Jemerson, Education and Engagement Lead. She hilariously debates with herself over what’s better: boat or planes? Students are in for a wild ride and likely don’t even realize they are learning a wide range of Kentucky history along the way.
Special thanks to our education team for the fun but hard work in making this happen. I’m excited to see what we come up with next!
Learn more about Frazier field trips and school group visits at fraziermuseum.org/field-trips.
Megan Schanie
Sr. Manager of Educational Programs
Local Artist’s Quilt Accepted into Collection of Obama Presidential Center
Joe Mallard poses with his Obama Tie Quilt, 2024.
Joe Mallard prepares to mail his Obama Tie Quilt at Fed Ex, 2024.
It was just about a year ago that quilt artist Joe Mallard mentioned in a program on quilting at the Frazier that his dream was to have his Obama Tie Quilt at the Obama Presidential Center.
I am happy to report that dreams do come true!
The quilt that took him five years to complete, and documented history during Obama’s first term in office, has been officially accepted into the collection at the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago.
Joe Mallard received the official deed of gift from the Center just recently.
The Frazier History Museum was thrilled to help Joe navigate this journey and reached out to key community members who had contacts as well, like Nicole Yates, Andre Kimo Stone Guess, and Marilyn Jackson.
Once they saw Joe’s work, they knew it was his destiny, just as I did.
His story only added to the fate of this happening.
He was taught to stitch by his great-great grandmother, who had been born into slavery.
Joe never thought he would see an African American elected President in his lifetime, so when it happened he knew he had to be part of that tapestry of telling the story.
He began working on the quilt on June 18, 2008, his first ever quilt. He would officially ship it to the Obama Presidential Center on June 18, 2024, a day before his eighty-first birthday. See, destiny.
We have documented Joe’s journey with his quilt for the past year.
From left, Joe Mallard speaks with WAVE photojournalist Michael Flynn during a media availability at the Frazier, January 14, 2025.
From left, artist Elmer Lucille Allen poses with Joe Mallard in front of another quilt he made that is on display at the Frazier, January 14, 2025.
We invited the media to the Frazier last week so Joe could officially share his story.
I listened to his wisdom with each reporter, talking about how anyone can start a project, but it takes a special person to finish a project.
At eighty-one years old, you finished this project.
Joe, you are special!
If you’d like to watch our story on Joe Mallard that is featured in the museum’s 120: Cool KY Counties exhibition, click here. We are also lucky enough to have another of Joe’s quilts on display at the Frazier.
Rachel Platt
VP of Mission
Curator’s Corner: Sunshine Joe Mallard’s Let Freedom Ring Quilt
Let Freedom Ring, 2023. Stitchwork by “Sunshine” Joe Mallard. Quilted on long arm machine by Angelique Shah. On loan from Joe Mallard.
We are so excited that Kentuckian “Sunshine” Joe Mallard recently had his Obama Tie Quilt accepted into the permanent collection at the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago. Sunshine Joe also has a quilt on display at the National Quilt Museum in Paducah.
But did you know that the Frazier has one of Sunshine Joe’s quilts on display as well?
Joe’s quilt titled Let Freedom Ring is tucked into the Artistic Kentucky section of our Cool Kentucky exhibition. While beautiful in pictures, this quilt is one that you truly have to see in person to be able to fully appreciate. It is filled to the edges with intricate handstitched details. I notice something new every time I look at it! Luckily, there is a bench placed in front of the quilt, so it is easy to sit and take in all the beautiful details!
Please join us in celebrating Sunshine Joe Mallard and be sure to stop by and see his quilt the next time you visit the Frazier!
Amanda Briede
Sr. Curator of Exhibitions
Sippin’ with Stephen: Oxmoor Bourbon with Rosser Lomax
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 episode of Sippin’ with Stephen is a unique look into Kentucky Bourbon history as my guest is Rosser Lomax, General Manager of Oxmoor Bourbon Company. Rosser enlightens viewers to the Bourbon history that can be experienced on a regular basis at Oxmoor Bourbon Company. Located in Eastern Louisville, Oxmoor Bourbon allows guests to take a step back in time and experience firsthand the significance of their property in the bigger picture that is Kentucky Bourbon. We then taste their Small Batch Barrel Strength Bourbon. This is a fantastic experience. To find out more or to book a tour, go to oxmoorbourbon.com. Cheers!
Stephen Yates
Community & Corporate Sales Manager
Museum Shop: Yes Cocktails Hot Toddy Syrup
Yes Cocktails Hot Toddy Syrup sold in the Frazier’s Museum Shop.
Often called “Southern Cough Syrup,” the classic hot toddy is a soothing combination of hot water, spirits, and honey. While there are many variations, we believe the ultimate version starts with Kentucky Bourbon and Yes Cocktails Hot Toddy mix. Crafted in small batches with natural ingredients, it’s a staff favorite for a reason! It’s available in the Frazier’s Museum Shop.
Join Us for Personal Impact: Finding Common Ground on Guns
Personal Impact: Finding Common Ground on Guns flyer.
I was talking with Mike Campbell recently about our upcoming program on gun violence and his thoughts on where we are in this discussion.
Campbell was shot six times during the Standard Gravure shooting in 1989, incurring a total of ten entry and exit wounds. He was told he would never walk again. He did, and lobbied congress six times for changes in gun laws.
Mike will join us, along with his wife and other family members.
He had five young daughters at the time of the mass shooting.
His family will talk about the personal impact of gun violence, what has frustrated them, and where they see opportunity.
Our other panelists include Rose Smith, Whitney Austin, and Maryanne Elliott.
We want this to be a discussion on how we find common ground to make change. Click here to join us on January 30.
We have other special guests who will be in the audience to give insight into the conversation, like Senator Keturah Herron and Senator David Yates. Deputy Chief Emily McKinley from LMPD will join us to talk about their new gun lock giveaway program, as well as representatives from the Veterans Hospital who have a similar giveaway.
We will also have some community members who have initiatives to reduce gun violence.
And one of those is the ShPleL Theatre Company, promoting their production of ROOM 1214 in February at the Kentucky Center.
Keep reading to learn more about the power of this live performance.
Rachel Platt
VP of Mission
Creating Connections for Empathy Around Gun Violence
ROOM 1214 graphic. Credit: ShPIeL.
How can we empathize and strive to understand the many ways gun violence touches our communities? This can be difficult and painful, due to the many ways society, politics, and culture are embedded within this topic.
One way is through getting accurate information and hearing from those who have direct experience with these horrific events. Another way is through theatre, which provides the human element of live performance, creating visceral connections for empathy and resolve.
ShPIeL Performing Identity, a not-for-profit theatre company, is joining this important dialogue with the Frazier History Museum as they host a community discussion, Personal Impact: Finding Common Ground on Guns, on Thursday, January 30, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., with guests personally impacted by gun violence and gun advocacy. Through the combination of community dialogue and theatre, we can commit to learn and change the narrative for a hopeful future.
Through its production of ROOM 1214 by Michelle Kholos Brooks—fresh from its New York run—this play running February 13–23 at the Kentucky Center sensitively and powerfully shows the impact of the Parkland, Florida, shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.
ShPIeL’s ROOM 1214 is based on the real-life accounts of a Holocaust studies teacher at the Parkland school. As she returns to her classroom one last time, she is visited by the memories of her past students—young people who believed they were in a safe space, that they would have futures—and that were irrevocably changed by gun violence. This teacher is able to give them one final lesson; and the chance to give us, the viewers, a lesson: “Never Forget” MUST mean more than a slogan.
As we get closer to Valentine’s Day, a day of love, we are called to remember the acts of violence that occurred seven years ago in Parkland on February 14, 2018. ROOM 1214 asks where society’s priorities lie. Holocaust survivor and Nobel Prize laureate Elie Wiesel said it is indifference that must be fought. What we strive for is that this powerful combination of ShPIeL’s and the Frazier’s presentations will inspire us towards positive change and love.
ShPIeL produces Jewish, multicultural, and intersectional works to challenge and provide dialogues on social issues, including antisemitism, racism, and xenophobia. Through these community events—panels, productions, and post-show talkbacks—we as a community can learn from each other with all of our hearts, minds, and spirits.
For more information and to reserve your place in the Personal Impact discussion at the Frazier, click here. ROOM 1214 runs at the Kentucky Center’s MeX Theatre February 13–23. Tickets are on sale now through the Kentucky Center here. Please contact Holly Kissel at hollykissel24@gmail.com for further information regarding the production and group sales.
ShPIeL gratefully acknowledges and thanks the following for their support: the Marvin and Joyce Benjamin Endowment, a Central Kentucky Community Foundation Fund; the Kentucky Performing Arts Spaces For All Fund.
Holly Kissel
Administrative Assistant, ShPIeL Performing Identity
Guest Contributor
Bridging the Divide
Community Remembers Smoketown Restaurateur and Louisville Icon Shirley Mae Beard
Tributes have been pouring in for a beloved community icon who was known for serving up soul food and a side of history.
Shirley Mae Beard was eighty-four when she recently passed away.
Shirley Mae Beard works in the kitchen at Shirley Mae’s Café and Bar, c. 2010. Published in the October 20, 2010, issue of the Courier Journal. Credit: Kylene Lloyd, Courier Journal.
Pop singer Bruno Mars poses with Shirley Mae Beard at Shirley Mae’s Café and Bar in Louisville, Kentucky, May 3, 2024.
Her namesake restaurant in Smoketown, Shirley Mae’s Café and Bar, has been and continues to be a part of our community for over thirty years. It’s known for its fried chicken and cornbread.
Celebrities like Bruno Mars visited her place during the 150th Kentucky Derby last year.
But it wasn’t just the food as so many have said about Shirley Mae—it was her civil rights leadership and political activism, too.
We featured her in a 2022 issue of Frazier Weekly as she shared the history of Black jockeys.
We join the community in expressing our sympathy to her family.
Shirley Mae Beard will lie in repose at the Kentucky Derby Museum this Friday, January 24, from 5:30 to 8:30. Funeral services will be held the following day.
The Kentucky Derby Museum’s President and CEO Patrick Armstrong says they are honored to invite the community to the museum as part of her celebration of life. The museum recently expanded its exhibition sharing the history of Black Jockeys and has also added a first-of-its-kind traveling exhibition.
As former Mayor Greg Fischer said, “She was a force for good; I will miss her greatly.”
Rachel Platt
VP of Mission
Mark Brown on Traveling Exhibit Native Reflections: Visual Art by American Indians Living in Kentucky
Thunder by Cher Devereaux of Lexington, Kentucky. On display in the traveling exhibit Native Reflections.
I have to say, I love a good LISTSERV. I tend to follow a bunch of them and the Kentucky Visual and Performing Arts Teacher Discussion List that runs through UK always has good information to share. Something that recently caught my attention was an email about an exhibit of artwork created by American Indians living in the Commonwealth. The Frazier is always looking for new ways to learn and share about the American Indian experience in Kentucky and we cover it in our Commonwealth: Divided We Fall exhibit. The arts are also very important to us, and we immediately wanted to help push out this opportunity to view the exhibit in locations around the state. Mark Brown from the Kentucky Arts Council was kind enough to send an article and images for you to learn more.—Megan Schanie, Sr. Manager of Educational Programs
A wooden Navajo flute, a medicine wheel made with found objects, a serpentine walking stick, a quilt pieced in bold red, black, and white, and many more images portraying plants, animals, people, and landscapes are part of a new traveling art exhibit making appearances across Kentucky.
Native Reflections: Visual Art by American Indians Living in Kentucky is a collection of original artworks by Kentuckians who are Native American, American Indian, and Native Inspired. It includes artists who are enrolled in recognized tribes and nations, as well as some who are not enrolled, but have Native American identity through their family heritage and culture.
In the past and present, Native American communities continue to be part of the cultural landscape of the place we call Kentucky, with many different identities and backgrounds. Presented in partnership between the Kentucky Arts Council and Kentucky Native American Heritage Commission and Kentucky Heritage Council, the exhibit includes interpretive panels that explore questions like: Who are American Indians? and What does it mean to be a Native American person in Kentucky today?
“People have a preconceived notion on how Native American art should be defined,” Native American Heritage Commission coordinator Tressa Brown said. “We hope this exhibit will challenge the assumptions individuals have about the culture; their art does not need to fit into our idea of what represents the community.”
Venus Evans, commissioner at large of the Native American Heritage Commission, helped jury the art submissions. “We are seeing a shift into the present with this exhibit, and I want to see even more of that,” Evans said. “We are making art that represents who we are now, politicians and doctors and leaders.”
Artists are Amanda Sayles, Brigit Truex, Cher Devereaux, Darlene Campbell, Eugene King, Fred Nez Keams, Jacqueline Carruthers, Jannette Parent, Lawson Glasergreen, Linda Pierce, and Tiffany Pyette. The Frazier community and enthusiasts of history and art will enjoy this amazing collection. Many of the artworks are for sale and can be purchased directly from the artists.
The exhibit is on display now through January 29 at the Kenton County Public Library, Erlanger Branch. It will travel to Murray, Berea, Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, and John James Audubon State Park this year. A schedule of the exhibit and a video slideshow of the artworks are on the Kentucky Arts Council’s website.
Mark Brown
Folk and Traditional Arts Director, Kentucky Arts Council
Guest Contributor
