What an honor for the Stories in Mind team at the Frazier: a Hall of Fame induction!

But first, let me share what the program is and the impact it makes on the senior community and our staff. Each week, we bring stories about Kentucky’s rich history to area senior care campuses and foster relationships with the residents, their families, and the staff. Our mission is to alleviate the feelings of loneliness, depression, and isolation.

It has been such an incredible few years working with Stories in Mind. When we started, this was such a new program and none of us really knew how to get started—so we just put ourselves out there, starting with one campus. Now we visit fifteen each week. The facilitators—Susan, Jason, Jennifer, and Amanda—have developed such wonderful friendships, trust, and a safe place for creativity for the residents. I could not be prouder of their dedication, empathy, and genuine care for our senior community.

The first campus we began engagements with was Signature HealthCare of East Louisville. So, it is very fitting to announce that the Stories in Mind team was inducted into the Signature HealthCare Hall of Fame for Volunteerism. Words cannot express how honored we are for this recognition. One of the residents, who is a regular attendee at the engagements, was also inducted into the Hall of Fame. The evening was filled with laughter, (happy) tears, and socialization.

The Stories in Mind team is extremely honored and wants to share their feelings about the award and the program.

“I am extremely honored, and even more so humbled, to receive this award from the incredible staff and our cherished residents at Signature East.”—Jason Berkowitz

“It was a lovely ceremony, and an honor to be included.”—Amanda Dunn

“Signature East was our first campus! They have been supportive of us from the beginning. It has great meaning to be recognized by them.”—Susan Reed

“I have learned so much from those who have shared their own stories with me. It is fulfilling to know that we have inspired each other to keep learning and growing.”—Jennifer Jones

On behalf of the Stories in Mind team and the Frazier Museum, I want to say thank you to the residents and their families, and the staff of Signature HealthCare. You did not know us, but regardless, you welcomed us into your home with friendship and amazing hospitality. Words cannot express how forever grateful we are to each of you.

In today’s Frazier Weekly, we’ve got ten reasons to attend Thursday’s Lights on Main Preview Party! Allison Ogle spotlights I Would Rather Be Reading, Mary Dowling’s Haley Hicky appears on Sippin’ with Stephen, and Leslie Anderson pays tribute to Maker’s Mark’s Margie Samuels. Chenoa Buster announces a new exhibit on banking executive V. Joseph Shipman, Megan Schanie previews the college basketball season, and Rachel Platt highlights Gov. Beshear’s New Kentucky Home initiative. Last, Abby Flanders traces the Kentucky roots of the dress Chappell Roan wore on SNL.

Thank you for reading!

Kevin Bradley
Stories in Mind Administrator
Frazier History Museum

This Week in the Museum

Top 10 Reasons to Attend Thursday’s Lights on Main Preview Party!

Be among the first to experience the holiday magic at Lights on Main, presented by I Would Rather Be Reading and the Frazier History Museum! On view through January 6, this dazzling winter wonderland showcases 100 uniquely themed Christmas trees, each beautifully decorated by local businesses. A team of judges will tour the exhibition today to identify this year’s award-winning trees, recognized in categories like Most Lou Spirit, Best Company Branding, Most Festive, Most Spirited, and Most Unique. Winners will be announced at Thursday night’s Lights on Main Preview Party!

Need a reason to attend? We’ve got ten:

1. Get a Sneak Peek. Be the first to see nearly 100 decorated trees! It’s the perfect way to kick off the season.

2. Spirited Sips ’n Samples. Try exclusive sips like Hop Atomic beer, Monk’s Road Bourbon and gin, and O. H. Ingram Bourbon aged right on the Mississippi River.

3. Sliders, Slices, and Snacks. The Misfit Lou will serve their sliders, Bearno’s is on deck with hot slices of pizza, and RK Bluegrass will offer more savory options.

4. Sweet Treats. Indulge in a little something sweet from the Peach Cobbler Factory.

5. Fuel Up. Get a boost with a complimentary Alani Energy Drink to keep your holiday spirit going strong.

6. Strike a Pose. Snap some festive shots at the Pose 502 photo booth.

7. Shopportunity. Don’t miss the Frazier’s Museum Shop, a curated selection of quirKY Kentucky gifts.

8. Music for the Mood. Get into the holiday spirit with live music from Mrs. Claus and the Stocking Stuffers.

9. Support Local. Every sip, bite, and tree supports I Would Rather Be Reading and the Frazier History Museum.

10. Spread the Cheer. Get your tickets here!

Mindy Johnson
VP of Operations

Frazier Partners with Literacy Nonprofit I Would Rather Be Reading

I Would Rather Be Reading is thrilled to partner with the iconic Frazier History Museum for the second year in a row to host our fifth annual Lights on Main fundraiser. With the Frazier’s support, our Christmas tree spectacular has reached new heights. Partnering with the Frazier and moving the event indoors has transformed Lights on Main from a weather-dependent outdoor wonderland into an elegant, yet accessible, festive museum exhibition, elevating the entire experience.

This partnership is a natural fit, as both IWRBR and the Frazier share a mission of providing equitable access to educational opportunities. Half of the proceeds benefit the Frazier’s Field Trip Fund, directly supporting children’s access to enriching experiences, while the other half supports literacy at IWRBR’s Educate & Elevate after school programs. We’re proud to collaborate with such a renowned institution and look forward to growing this event to benefit even more families each year.

Allison Ogle
CDO & Co-founder, I Would Rather be Reading
Guest Contributor

Sippin’ with Stephen: Mary Dowling Winter Wheat with Haley Hicky

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.

This month’s guest on Sippin’ with Stephen is a familiar face and Frazier alum, Haley Hicky. Haley is the Senior Brand Ambassador for Mary Dowling. In today’s episode, we discuss the offerings from this brand as well as some history as to who Mary Dowling was and her place in Bourbon history. We then review their latest expression: Mary Dowling Winter Wheat.

Cheers!

Stephen Yates
Community & Corporate Sales Manager

Countdown to Christmas: Andy’s Staff Pick in the Museum Shop

It’s week two in our Museum Shop staff picks, and the Pres’ is weighing in!

Rachel Platt got the series started last week with her selection of our Reclaimed Kentucky Hardwood cutting boards. This week, I’m leaning into fashion. And not just any fashion, we’re talking high class, super comfy, Kentucky-centric, Bourbon fashion.

Sure, I had to try them on first and when I did these “Bourbon Goes In, Wisdom Comes Out” pajama bottoms fit like a glove. Toss in a complimenting Christmas-themed Bourbon tee and this wardrobe is ready for nearly any holiday party. Look out, Lights on Main Preview Party, I’ll see you Thursday night!

If you haven’t visited our Museum Shop, perhaps I’ll see you Thursday night, as well. If not, make sure your holiday shopping plans include a trip to the Frazier where you’ll find unique, quirky, and Kentucky-centric items, along with over ninety different brands of Bourbon!

You can visit the Museum Shop for free. Another staff pick is coming your way next Monday, and each week in Frazier Weekly leading up to Christmas.

Andy Treinen
President & CEO

Margie Samuels: The Heart of Maker’s Mark and an Iconic Matriarch

During the holiday season, as we reflect on family, togetherness, and the people who shape our traditions, we often think of the matriarchs who serve as the glue holding our families together. For the Maker’s Mark family, Margaret “Margie” Mattingly Samuels is exactly that—a guiding force and a creative pioneer whose influence is felt in every bottle of Maker’s Bourbon that bears the signature red wax.

As a woman who loves Bourbon and takes pride in the rich history of Kentucky’s native spirit, Margie is an icon. Her degree in chemistry from U of L in 1933 is a testament to her intellect and her ability to build the Maker’s brand, recognized around the world today, evinces her savvy and ingenuity.

Margie was at the fore, experimenting with wheat as a flavoring grain, famously baking several loaves of bread with different grains until the family settled on the flavor profile that would become a hallmark of Maker’s Mark. But Margie’s contributions extended far beyond the recipe. To Margie, the flavor of their new Bourbon deserved an equally distinct look. She envisioned every detail, from the iconic red wax topper and signature bottle shape to the brand’s name and hand-lettered label. Each bottle she dipped—starting with her first home test batch using a kitchen fryer—would later become instantly recognizable on shelves worldwide. Her son, Bill Samuels Jr., recalls coming home one day to find his photo studio thrown out to make room for Margie’s “wax test kitchen” in the basement. In the moment he was frustrated, but he later saw her incredible vision as monumental.

Margie remains the heart of Maker’s Mark—a visionary who left a legacy of creativity, resilience, and family spirit that resonates in every bottle. This holiday season, as we celebrate family, we remember Margie, whose mark on the world of Bourbon endures, as does her influence as an inspiring matriarch who brought together family, community, and tradition in an unforgettable way.

Join us December 4 to dip you own wax ornament and raise a glass to Margie! We’re hosting Spirit of the Season: A Very Merry Night with Maker’s Mark. Each guest gets a welcome cocktail (a Maker’s Mark Gold Rush), a Maker’s Mark honey tasting, a Maker’s Mark swag screen printing, a wax dipping, light appetizers, a guided tasting of three Maker’s Mark Bourbons, and more. Margie’s grandson Rob Samuels will speak about the legacy of his family in the Bourbon industry.

Leslie Anderson
Membership & Partnership Manager

Curator’s Corner: Chenoa Buster on V. Joseph Shipman Exhibit

This fall I have been working on a special project with my intern, Chenoa Buster. She has spent this semester curating a small exhibit about V. Joseph Shipman. This exhibit is based on a small archival collection that belonged to Shipman and was generously gifted to us by his family. We will work on installing this exhibit early this week, so you will likely see it the next time you visit!—Amanda Briede, Sr. Curator of Exhibitions

Hi all!

I’m Chenoa Buster, a curatorial intern at the Frazier History Museum this semester. I’m currently pursuing an accelerated BA/MA in Art History at the University of Louisville, with a focus on Curatorial and Critical Studies. My internship with the Frazier has been an incredible opportunity to put my passion for exhibition installation into practice.

Working under Senior Curator Amanda Briede, I’ve had the privilege of curating an exhibit dedicated to V. Joseph Shipman. Shipman, an African American leader, was president and CEO of one of Louisville’s first minority-owned banks. He was a pillar of his community. Throughout this project, I learned valuable skills in handling historical objects and displaying them with intention and respect. I also spent time exploring Shipman’s story through archival materials provided by his family, crafting a narrative that brings his legacy to life.

V. Joseph Shipman made a lasting impact, and I’m thrilled that we’re able to share his story. Additionally, I researched other Black-owned businesses in Louisville’s history, and we’ll soon install an addition highlighting their importance to our community. I hope visitors find these stories as inspiring as I do and feel encouraged to explore Louisville’s diverse history.

This internship has been an invaluable experience, and I’m deeply grateful to the Frazier team for this opportunity.

Chenoa Buster
Curatorial Intern

Megan Schanie Previews 2024–25 College Basketball Season

’Tis the season!

No, not that one. Kentucky basketball lovers know I’m talking about that very magical time of year when the college season begins. Whether you bleed blue or are a die-hard Cardinal fan (me!)—you’re excited to see what’s in store over the months ahead.

Depending on where you’re located in the state, the sun has begun to set as early as 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. The days feel shorter, the air is getting a chill, and you begin to bundle up before you head outside. But that also signals something new and fantastic will be there to fill your time.

Each college basketball season unfolds like a long, drawn-out story that won’t end until early April. There are somewhat similar beginnings for both U of L and UK men’s basketball this year. In several twists of decisions and fate, both teams will begin the year starting from scratch: new coaches, new staff, and practically brand-new rosters.

As a lifelong U of L fan, I’m excited to see what Coach Kelsey and his players can accomplish. The “ReviVILLE” began with promising away games in the Bahamas and several exhibitions at home. They stumbled against a strong Tennessee team at the KFC Yum! Center, exposing many areas that need growth. But I don’t question that they are hard at work to make that happen. And it was fun to see the crowd back in full force—loud and noisy, towels swinging at the “White Out.” So, here’s to hoping we have lots to cheer for going forward.

And even I will begrudgingly admit that Mark Pope has built an impressive UK team of experienced players for this year. I’m also a longtime Duke fan, growing up with newspaper clippings of Bobby Hurley and Grant Hill on my childhood bedroom walls. So, I wasn’t going to miss that recent matchup. UK was adaptable and aggressive in their 77-72 win over powerhouse Duke, who arguably has the best freshman in the country. UK fans have a lot to be excited about.

With women’s college basketball finally getting its rightful turn at the table with fast growing attention from fans and media, the Commonwealth can be proud that both the U of L and UK women’s teams sit comfortably in the AP Top 25. Coach Walz can always be counted on to lead a competitive team and this year’s U of L group includes many promising freshmen, as well as experienced leaders such as Olivia Cochran. And I’d already been following Coach Kenny Brooks and guard Georgia Amoore during their time at Virgina Tech because they are flat out fun to watch. They are both new to the UK program, and I’m hoping to go watch them in person at Rupp Arena this season. That’s saying a lot coming from a U of L fan.

By the time this article runs on Monday, we will know who pulled off the interstate battle taking place between the women’s teams on November 16.

Happy cheering!

Megan Schanie
Sr. Manager of Educational Programs

Bridging the Divide

Governor Beshear Announces New Kentucky Home Initiative

There’s a new initiative underway in the Commonwealth, and I want to make sure you’ve heard of it: New Kentucky Home.

It’s a new strategic initiative out of Frankfort and Governor Andy Beshear to leave a bit of the “old” behind and focus on the new, and the reintroduction of Kentucky to the world, as the news release says to showcase the state’s vibrant economy, natural beauty, cultural richness, and welcoming communities.

As part of the rollout, the Governor has unveiled new graphics, marketing materials, a hashtag, and a new website for the Cabinet for Economic Development, newkentuckyhome.ky.gov.

New Kentucky Home will build on the Team Kentucky brand, offering a messaging strategy that speaks to all 120 counties and their unique offerings.

The Frazier History Museum is very familiar with what our counties offer. Come visit the Frazier and spend some time at our 120: Cool KY Counties exhibit.

For old and new—both the state and the Frazier have you covered.

Rachel Platt
VP of Mission

Chappell Roan’s SNL Outfit Designed by Kentuckian Gunnar Deatherage

Project Runway alum and Louisville native Gunnar Deatherage has a knack for all things fabulous. Designer to Kentucky stars such as Steve Wilson, co-founder of 21c Museum Hotels, and our Frazier partner Josh Miller of the (Un)Known Project, Deatherage describes himself as a Swiss Army knife. His skills range from set design to fashion design, event planning, art direction, and just about everything in between. One glance at his custom designs and you can see why!

Deatherage is in the spotlight again, this time for dressing Chappell Roan in her SNL debut.

For this dynamic look, Gunnar worked alongside Roan’s style team while taking inspiration from photos of Casino de Paris Jazz Age dancers. In an Instagram post, Deatherage stated the look took over 500 hours of hard work. This is Deatherage’s second look for Roan, a rising pop star. I’m biting my nails in anticipation of what’s next.

On his TikTok account, Deatherage posts inspirational videos encouraging aspiring fashion lovers to shoot for the stars. He sure has! Though Deatherage has turned in Louisville for Los Angeles, you can see his custom green 150th Derby suit for Steve Wilson here in Kentucky at the Kentucky Derby Museum.

Live from Main Street, it’s Frazier Weekly!

Abby Flanders
Administrative Chief of Engagement