This morning we are one week removed from the horrific mass shooting that ended five beautiful lives, shattered thousands of others, and temporarily robbed our community of hope for a better tomorrow.

The first question for far too many communities impacted by senseless gun violence is always, how do we continue? But the question worth exploring further is, how do we not?

Giving up on sanity, stopping the search for solutions, and simply saying “here we go again” is not and never will be the answer. We mourn the tragic losses of Deana, Tommy, Jim, Juliana, and Joshua, and we condemn the gun violence that has become an epidemic in this country.

We also mourn the dozens of others who have lost their lives to gun violence in Louisville in 2023, including those who were killed Saturday night in Chickasaw Park.

The truth has a lot of competition these days, so we must start with education. And while we’re learning, let’s do our level best to love a little bit more than we hate.—Andy Treinen, President & CEO

Now the Frazier fits in your pocket!

We at the Frazier are always looking for new ways to tell stories. It’s our favorite thing to do—especially since Kentucky has so many incredible stories. By telling them, we aspire to mean more to more people.

That’s why I’m so excited to announce the release of our mobile app, Frazier+!

With Frazier+ (pronounced “Frazier Plus”), which you can find in the Apple and Google Play app stores, anyone with a mobile device can explore a wide selection of incredible, engaging, and educational videos on the people, places, and objects at the Frazier. There are currently over fifty video and audio segments, including our award-winning audio tour The Journey: Unsung Stories of the Underground Railroad.

We know this is going to make a difference for people inside the museum and out—whether you’re planning a visit, in a classroom, or at home.

If you visit the museum, you’ll notice QR labels placed around many of the objects on display. A quick scan will unlock short but info-packed segments we’ve produced on everything from inventor Garrett Morgan’s heroics and explorer Tori Murden’s bravery to gangster Al Capone’s local criminal activity and the connection between the Bourbon Act and Star Wars.

Although we’re debuting with forty-plus videos, the batch of available content is ever-growing—meaning, we will regularly add more. So if you’re visiting the Frazier in person and can’t catch a daily tour, or you’re at the Frazier after hours for a private function, Frazier+ has you covered. On the other hand, if you’re a teacher, a lifelong learner, or someone who can’t get to the museum easily, we are bringing the museum to you.

So go download Frazier+ and explore!

In the meantime, here are two videos two get you acquainted with the app: the first is a tutorial for users; the second is an example of the content you’ll find.

Look for more Frazier+ content in the weeks and months ahead!

Mick Sullivan
Curator of Guest Experience
Frazier History Museum

This Week in the Museum

Frazier, Corvette Museum to Partner May 20 for Kentucky Horsepower

It’s one of the first questions we get asked on most any given day at the Frazier: “Why do you have a Corvette in your lobby?”

And we usually respond with something like this: “Did you know all Corvettes built today are built in Kentucky?” Specifically, they’re built at the Bowling Green Assembly plant located about two hours south on I-65.

We think that’s pretty cool, and it’s why a Corvette is front and center in our Cool Kentucky exhibition.

And it’s why, on the heels of the Kentucky Derby, we’re celebrating that “other” kind of horsepower in the Bluegrass with the Chevrolet Corvette.

We are partnering with the National Corvette Museum on May 20 to showcase several Corvettes that will be driven up from Bowling Green and parked in front of the Frazier. Experts will be on hand to answer your questions, after which everyone can come inside the museum for two special programs. One program will focus on the history of the iconic sports car; the other will let you design your own.

Click here to learn more about our program on May 20 and purchase admission to the museum for that day in advance.

Get your motor runnin’ . . .

Rachel Platt
Director of Community Engagement

New Exhibit Features Melissa Forsythe’s 1980s Frank Olive Derby Hats

Making their debut in our gallery today are three beautiful hats worn in years past at the Kentucky Derby. Designed by famous New York milliner Frank Olive (1929–95), the hats belonged to Melissa Forsythe (1950–2022), a former news anchor for both WAVE and WHAS11. Beginning her career in 1972 at WAVE, Forsythe was one of Louisville’s first women street reporters—and by 1980 she was its first woman weekday anchor. After Mr. Olive’s entrance on the Louisville fashion scene during the 1980s, his custom creations appeared on live TV as Melissa Forsythe covered the Derby.

Each hat is unique in appearance, but one hat is especially unique not only for its more mushroom shape over the typical boater style, but also for the black lace overlay that adds drama to its otherwise breezy, cream-colored aesthetic.

This hat collection represents the stylish, and at times outlandish, fashion that high society has worn at Churchill Downs every first Saturday of May since 1875. Figures like Melissa Forsythe brought it to broadcast television. Upon her death, Forsythe had dozens of Derby hats from over the years, most of them personally from Frank Olive. She undoubtedly made a statement year after year!

As you anticipate the best two minutes in sports, come to the Frazier to see this new Derby hat display and other Derby-related artifacts in our Cool Kentucky exhibition, such as 2005 winner Giacomo’s rose garland, dazzling costumes host Anita Madden wore at her famous parties, and jockey silks Steve Cauthen wore while riding 1977 Triple Crown winner Affirmed.

Hayley Rankin
Manager of Collection Impact

Museum Shop: 2023 Woodford Reserve Kentucky Derby® Bottle

Do you have your 2023 Woodford Reserve Kentucky Derby® Bourbon yet? This year’s bottle honors the fiftieth anniversary of Secretariat’s 1973 Derby win, which still boasts the fastest time in Derby history. This bottle is a must-have—and it won’t last long! It’s now available in the Frazier’s Museum Shop.

Augusta Distillery’s River Proof Reserve 8-Year to be Next Bourbon Limited Pick

It’s that time again, and we’re so excited about our next Bourbon Limited expression: River Proof Reserve 8-Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey from Augusta Distillery in Augusta, Kentucky!

The River Proof Series is a “bottle-your-own” Bourbon experience offered only at the distillery, usually featuring a 4- to 5-year-old whiskey. But an exception has been made for members of Bourbon Limited, each of whom will receive an 8-year, cask-strength, single-barrel Bourbon shipped directly to their doors. These one-of-a-kind expressions—only three barrels of which exist—were hand-selected by the team at Augusta and are only available to the Bourbon Limited Members’ Club. This delicious Bourbon is the perfect celebratory bottle for all your Derby festivities. You can get a bottle by signing up for a free membership to Bourbon Limited.

Speaking of Derby, we had a fantastic time talking to members and meeting other guests last Thursday at Republic Bank BourbonVille®, a Kentucky Derby Festival event. Around 1,000 people showed up for great Bourbon, food, and tons of fun. We shared samples of Bourbon Limited’s River Proof Bourbon and people couldn’t stop raving about how great it is.

The product ships at the end of this month. We can’t wait to get it into members’ hands!

Haley Hicky
CMO & Unicorn Wrangler, Bourbon Limited

Early Bird Pricing for Summer Beer Fest Ends in One Week!

Last month, we announced the return of Summer Beer Fest at Frazier! Held on Main Street in front of the museum, the block party–style festival will feature more than 200 specialty beers, food, retail, live music, and a fun zone with games and activities. So don’t forget to purchase your tickets before Early Bird prices end on Tuesday, April 25!

• Early Bird, March 27–April 25: $80 (VIP), $50 (GA)

• General Sale, Starts April 26: $85 (VIP), $55 (GA)

Proceeds from ticket sales support the museum’s exhibitions and educational programs, including free or reduced admission for Title 1 students; the Bridging the Divide series; spring, summer, fall, and winter camps; guided tours, guest engagements, Stories in Mind, and Frazier Weekly.

We hope to see you there!

Simon Meiners
Communications & Research Specialist

Rebranded Summer Camp YOURstory Still Has a Few Open Spots!

You probably know that camps at the Frazier have an established history. We had our first camp graduate live the dream of many campers and come back as a teacher in summer 2021—and there are undoubtedly many more to come! Some of our campers come for variety and something fresh and new, and some love to come back for the themes they love year after year.

Chicks Rule! is a great example. I have photos in my archives of campers fresh from kindergarten through the years they’ve spent volunteering as high schoolers enjoying learning stories from history that aren’t featured in your textbook—from the nine-year-old girl who actually was a founder of modern paleontology to the Native American woman whose background knowledge on rocket science helped lead to the Mars rover. We always have great guests as well, such as the Louisville Ballet—not to mention one of our very own campers, an entrepreneur whose company is called Bath Wonderland!

We decided that 2023 was the year for a rebrand. Thinking back on the history of Chicks Rule! and its roots as HerStory camp, we thought, what better way to represent the vast spectrum of our campers and all the amazing ways they help make our camps an inclusive community than to name it YOURstory?

We know a lot of parents are worried that camps are sold out across the city, but that is not the case! Although we highly recommend moving fast—because this camp will sell out!—you should know you haven’t missed it yet. More information and registration can be found here.

Heather Gotlib
Manager of Youth & Family Programs

Lewis & Clark Lunch Series to Return with Biodiversity in your Backyard

Enjoy a summertime lunch and learn all about biodiversity in your backyard!

What better time to announce a presentation on biodiversity than in April! The month of April is Earth month, and we will be celebrating Earth Day this Saturday, April 22. We invite all of you to support a healthy ecosystem starting right in your own backyard—not just in April, but all year long!

Join us on Friday, June 9, 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m., to learn which plants and gardening choices can support the local environment. Discover ways you can support native plants, trees, birds, butterflies, bees, and more.

The program is presented by Dr. Kate Bulinski, associate professor of environmental studies and Farm Biodiversity Steward in Bellarmine University’s Department of Environmental Studies.

Doors will open at 11 a.m. and the program will begin at 11:30.

RSVP by purchasing your tickets today. Limited seating is available!

The cost of admission varies: $30 per person (general public), $25 (Individual–Family Level Members), $20 (Contributor–Kentucky’s Finest Members), or free (Lewis & Clark Members). Admission includes lunch and the presentation. Lewis & Clark members are welcome to bring a guest free of charge.

Become a member or upgrade your membership in order to unlock an additional discount! Call (502) 412-2263.

Amanda Egan
Membership & Database Administrator

Louisville Orchestra to Offer Free Concerts Sunday at Shelby Park and Big Four Bridge

The Louisville Orchestra is a historic institution in our city that is doing so many amazing things, and we are thrilled that we get to share their story with you. Our new Frazier+ app includes an interview with conductor Teddy Abrams on the formation of the Orchestra in the wake of the flood of 1937. In the year since we filmed the video, our Louisville Orchestra has welcomed their first cohort of the Louisville Orchestra Creators Corps—and one of the featured creators, Lisa Bielawa, is seeing an incredible project to fruition this weekend. Read on for details!—Heather Gotlib, Manager of Youth & Family Programs

As many Louisvillians may know, this year marks the tenth anniversary of the conversion of the Big Four Bridge to a pedestrian pathway connecting Louisville to Jeffersonville, Indiana. Over the decade, the bridge has become one of Louisville’s most frequented and iconic sites.

The Louisville Orchestra presents Creators Corps composer Lisa Bielawa’s Louisville Broadcast, a new forty-five-minute musical piece for unlimited participants that celebrates the Big Four Bridge and Shelby Park and the vitality of Louisville’s many musical communities. Two free performances will take place in the open air on Sunday, April 23, in Shelby Park (600 E. Oak St.), 11:30 a.m.–12:15 p.m., and at the Big Four Bridge (1101 River Rd.), 7–7:45 p.m., turning these sites into vast musical canvases. Bielawa will create the event specifically for Shelby Park and the Big Four Bridge, and listeners can walk freely among and between the performers.

Louisville Broadcast will feature hundreds of musicians, celebrating the diversity of Louisville’s musical life. A varied roster of over 500 professional, student, and amateur musicians from throughout Jefferson County will join together for the performances, including members of the LO, students, and parents from the Louisville Academy of Music, the Louisville Civic Orchestra, the University of Louisville Orchestra, VOICES of Kentuckiana choir, the Louisville Leopards, the Louisville Drumline Academy, and ensembles from several JCPS schools.

“The goal of Louisville Broadcast is to interpret and celebrate these important public spaces in Louisville, allowing listeners to draw their own meaning and experience from them,” Bielawa said. “I would like to see this event bring about new partnerships, new vitality, and new relationships between different generations, musical traditions, and identities; between arts or music lovers and non-arts-identified park-goers enjoying a surprise encounter with music as a “happening” in the middle of their familiar and beloved city. By inviting anyone in the city to contribute their words to be sung by the participating choirs, I can multiply the diversity of Louisvillian voices that speak through the piece. It is the sound of a city’s history, people, neighborhoods, and communities.”

We hope you will join us for one or both of these events! They are unique in the histories of both the city of Louisville and the Louisville Orchestra.

Jacob Gotlib
Creators Corps Program Manager, Louisville Orchestra
Guest Contributor

Bridging the Divide

Frazier to Offer Healing Music in Gateway Garden Through Friday

Last Monday’s horrific mass shooting, and the ongoing gun violence in our community, has brought so much sorrow and grief. Taking walks is one of my coping mechanisms, and certainly talking with family and friends is another. Do you have a coping mechanism? Susan Reed, with our Stories in Mind team, has a lot of expertise on the topic: her thesis for her master’s degree was on grief. She also leads grief sessions at Gilda’s Club. She wanted to share some strategies and invite you to a beautiful space at the Frazier for contemplation next week.—Rachel Platt, Director of Community Engagement

Louisville is hurting. We are struggling to make meaning out of what happened in our community last week. Communally, we are grieving with loss of life on a mass scale. We are grieving the loss of members of our community. We are also grieving the personal loss of family and friends.

This grief can leave us dealing with a range of emotions, including confusion, anger, and sorrow. The emotions are raw and intense. We feel unprepared to make meaning out of what happened. How do we, as a community, begin to heal?

The first step is to recognize that our emotions are normal responses to grief and the loss of someone or something that is important to us. Grief is a reminder that someone mattered to us. Allowing yourself the space and time to grieve is an important step in healing.

When we are in the process of grieving, it can seem meaningless to engage in daily activities; but maintaining a routine is important to recovery. Making time for adequate sleep and eating nourishing food is critical. Participating in activities that are personally peaceful and relaxing are helpful: listening to music, journaling, going for a walk, spending time with pets, and gardening are all healing.

Most importantly, stay close to your support system. Talk with others who understand and empathize with how you feel. Cry when you need to. Be aware that grief does not have a timeline and is unpredictable. Take comfort in the knowledge that there will be a decrease in the intensity and frequency over time. Be in touch with your own healing process. And reach out for additional help if needed.

Coming together is another way to begin the healing process. Gathering as a community is an important step toward healing, both personally and collectively. Gathering collectively to mourn and grieve helps to reestablish and strengthen community ties to one another.

The Frazier History Museum would like to offer an opportunity for reflection and connection. Emmy award–winning composer Gary Malkin has graciously offered his healing music to our community. Known for his movie scores, Gary has been focused on creating healing music for the past several years. The Frazier will play Gary’s music in the Gateway Garden—a linear courtyard adjacent to the museum—today through Friday, from 12 to 1 p.m. This space is open to the public, free of charge, during museum hours. We invite you to stop in and receive the healing power of Gary’s music.

While we are forever changed as a community, Louisville will emerge stronger and more united. We will be more connected to our community and to each other. We will be more understanding and tolerant of each other. Our relationships with each other will deepen. This is how we move forward.

Susan Reed
Stories in Mind Facilitator