Someone pinch me: is this really happening? We are rolling out two incredible programs for May with people who encapsulate everything that is cool about Kentucky. One was born and raised in Kentucky; the other fell in love with it after attending the Kentucky Derby in 2001, and not long after began calling it home.

I’m talking about poet laureate Silas House and award-winning humanitarian and author Chef Edward Lee.

I’ll start with New York Times bestselling author Silas House and our program on May 30. He will share life lessons of being born in Lily, Laurel County, Kentucky, and growing up in a working-class family. He was taught to always be proud of being country, being Appalachian, and being a Kentuckian. He’s also the first openly gay person to serve as Kentucky’s poet laureate. There are lessons with that, too, and being a person of faith.

Come listen and learn about how we all have many identities—and how limiting an individual to just one deprives us all. Carmichael’s will join us to sell the many novels of Silas House, and he will stay after his talk to sign them for you. Click here to buy your tickets now.

Now here’s my colleague, Leslie Anderson, who is organizing Chef Ed Lee’s program on May 22.

We couldn’t have selected two better guests to represent the talent, culture, and spirit of Kentucky. Chef Edward Lee is a Louisville legend whose local restaurants are at the top of every must-visit foodie bucket list. Chef Lee’s award-winning 2019 book Buttermilk Graffiti explores the unconventional intersections between food and culture in a road trip across the US. In his just-released follow-up, Bourbon Land, Lee brings his reader to the heart of Kentucky with essays, history, recipes, and more. It’s sure to interest any Bourbon lover, their mother, father, friend, and neighbor! As the official starting point of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®, the Frazier Museum is honored to host Edward Lee for an unforgettable night.

At this exclusive cocktail party and book signing, you will get the chance to meet Chef Lee in person, taste recipes from his new book, and enjoy beverages and tastings by Maker’s Mark. Take home a signed copy of Bourbon Land and exclusive Maker’s Mark swag. Click here for more details or to purchase tickets.

Thanks Leslie. And thank you to Silas and Ed for saying yes to the Frazier. And thank you both for being such great ambassadors for Kentucky. Someone pinch me: this is really happening!

Rachel Platt
VP of Mission

Leslie Anderson
Partnership Manager
Frazier History Museum

This Week in the Museum

From the Collections: Kentucky Derby 100 Necktie, 1974

We have reached that time of year once again! In a few short weeks, we will celebrate the Kentucky Derby. This year, of course, marks a very special anniversary for it: 150 years!

The Kentucky Derby has Meriwether Lewis Clark Jr. to thank for its inception. After visiting England and attending the English Derby at Epsom, he set about to find investors for the Louisville Jockey Club and established the Kentucky Derby. Clark imaged the Derby as a grand event with high society and fashionable people. And this is a concept that prevails today—from the infield to the box seats and even house parties. One shows up to the Kentucky Derby (or a Derby party) dressed and ready for the event: ladies with their hats; men in the suits and ties.

From the collections is a very special tie from the one hundredth Kentucky Derby, which took place May 4, 1974.

Are you ready for Derby? What will you wear?

Tish Boyer
Registrar & Manager of Collections Engagement

Museum Shop: Sip, Shop, and Soak Up Derby!

Spring has sprung in Kentucky, and that can only mean one thing: Derby fever! Swing by our Museum Shop for a fab selection of fascinators, all at a steal for just $20 each to mark our 20th anniversary. Oh, and while you’re here, join our Mint Julep class—only $20 including, museum admission. Sip, shop, and soak up the Derby spirit with us!

Sippin’ with Stephen: Chocolate Mint Juleps with Louisville Tourism and Bourbon & Biscuits

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

The countdown to Kentucky Derby 150 is on and Sippin’ with Stephen is here to assist you with your Derby party menu. An annual April tradition on Sippin’ with Stephen is to present a twist on the traditional Kentucky Derby cocktail, the mint julep: in 2021, Peggy Noe Stevens showed viewers how to make the classic variety; in 2022, Stacey Yates from Louisville Tourism and Jessica Dillree from Bourbon & Biscuits introduced mint julep kisses; and in 2023, they prepared strawberry mint juleps. This year, Stacey and Jessica return to whip up chocolate mint juleps and mint julep sundaes!

Recipe for Chocolate Mint Julep

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. Kentucky Bourbon

• 1/2 oz. simple syrup

• 1/2 oz. crème de cacao

• 3 mint leaves, whole

• 3–4 dashes chocolate bitters

• Crushed ice, filling julep cup 2/3 of the way

Instructions:

Muddle 2 of the mint leaves. Take the third mint leaf, spank it to release the aroma, then use it for garnish. Stir the drink, then enjoy!

Recipe for Mint Julep Sundae

• 2 scoops mint chocolate chip ice cream

• Chocolate sauce to taste

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream

• 2 tbsp. sugar

• 2 tbsp. Kentucky Bourbon

Ingredients (Bourbon whipped cream):

• In a medium bowl, whip cream until soft peaks start to form. Add sugar gradually while whipping until stiff peaks form. Fold in Bourbon. Chill until ready to serve.

Stephen Yates
Community & Corporate Sales Manager

Gallopalooza Horse History Buff Now on Display Outside Frazier

The Gallopalooza horses are back this year in time for Kentucky Derby 150 and the 20th anniversary of Gallopalooza. The Frazier is also celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, and as part of that celebration we sponsored a Gallopalooza horse of our own: say hello to History Buff, who now resides in front of the Frazier! Our horse was painted by artist Victor Sweatt, who captured so much of what we offer inside our doors. We are where the world meets Kentucky, and History Buff reflects the people, places, and things that make us who we are. Come get your picture taken with History Buff just like Andy did. See who you recognize!

Rachel Platt
VP of Mission

Mac Brown on Receiving the 2024 Owsley Brown Frazier Impact Award

He is uninterested in recognition, uncomfortable with praise, and unwilling to pander. Nevertheless, Mac Brown was unquestionably the only clear choice to be the first recipient of the Owsley Brown Frazier Impact Award.

When we asked Mac to write about the honor, received at our Night at the Museum: Celebrating 20 Years of the Frazier gala, I knew he would be uneasy writing about himself. I also knew he would write glowingly about our founder, his cousin, Owsley Brown Frazier—and that is exactly what happened.

And while I appreciate humility and wish there was more of it in our world today, I couldn’t let Mac completely off the hook. Mac Brown is invested in this Commonwealth of Kentucky in time, talent, and treasure. Serving on boards at the Frazier, the Kentucky Historical Society, the Filson, Bellarmine University, or Stock Yards Bank, his effort is always 100%. It’s evident why so many organizations have asked him to serve on their boards.

To that I say: wait your turn, other organizations. Mac Brown remains chairman of the board here at the Frazier History Museum, and we still have important work to do for the Commonwealth!—Andy Treinen, President & CEO

This year, the Frazier History Museum, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary, has introduced a community award. The award is bestowed on an individual who has demonstrated key attributes of our founder, Owsley Frazier. This award is given to an individual who has made an important impact on the museum and recognizes them for their visionary leadership, their service to the community and state, and supports furthering the growth of education and/or cultural preservation. These criteria represent the essence of who Owsley was and some of his finest qualities.

Owsley Brown Frazier was rightfully described as a successful businessman, a philanthropist, and a true citizen. His extensive involvement in business, civic, and charitable organizations over the years gained him a reputation as a concerned citizen who put his money and his muscle to work on behalf of many good causes.

A true leader, who was pragmatic, straightforward, and usually focused on the matter at hand, Owsley was a champion for diversity before diversity was popular and an individual from whom many sought his advice. He served on many boards, including Greater Louisville, Inc.; Kentucky Economic Development Corporation, and Louisville Housing Development Corporation. Additionally, he also served on the boards of the Cathedral Heritage Foundation, Jewish Hospital Healthcare Services, and Frazier Rehab Center. Over a forty-year period, Owsley’s public service record raised more than $500 million, primarily for educational institutions in Kentucky.

When Owsley retired from Brown-Forman, he immediately began laying the groundwork to open the Frazier History Museum in 2004. Owsley received honors from many organizations in recognition of his support. Some of these organizations include the University of Louisville and Bellarmine University, Louisville Black Achievers, and Louisville Rotary Club, to name a few.

Being the recipient of the first Owsley Brown Frazier Impact Award is truly an honor, and I am humbled by the committee’s selection. Thank you for selecting me for this tribute. I pledge to continually earn your trust. The Frazier has been blessed with a number of leaders who are as deserving as I, and I look forward to sharing this award as time moves on.

J. McCauley “Mac” Brown
Board Chairman, Frazier History Museum
Guest Contributor

Enjoy a selection of photos captured at our 20th anniversary gala!

Highlights of 120: Estill County: Mountain Mushroom Festival

The Mountain Mushroom Festival—one of musician Senora May’s favorite things about Estill County—will take place this weekend in Irvine, Kentucky. So, to expand on one of the stories we’ve written for our new exhibit 120: Cool KY Counties, we’ve asked festival chairman Francine Bonny to shed some light on the beloved annual tradition. If you’re looking to escape the Kentucky Derby Marathon road closures in Louisville on Saturday, you ought to pack the car and head to Irvine for some savory ’shrooms!—Simon Meiners, Communications & Research Specialist

Hunting for morel (morchella) mushrooms, or “dry land fish,” has been a longstanding spring tradition in Estill County. The Mountain Mushroom Festival will celebrate it again April 27–28 in Irvine.

Mushroom hunters, sometimes known as “shroomers,” enjoy the activity of hunting for morel mushrooms. To them, it is enticing because of the thrill of the chase, searching in their “secret” spots, being out in nature, bragging rights, and the enjoyment of eating the mushrooms.

Since 1991, the folklife tradition has been presented in a variety of ways at the festival, which is held in Irvine the last full weekend of April. The educational components have informed visitors about the tradition of mushroom hunting through educational display panels, narrative stage of mushroom hunter interviews, a natural habitat terrarium for displaying the native morels, and cooking demonstrations on the narrative stage using morels, shiitakes, and oyster mushrooms; and signage.

Mushroom hunters have also shared the insider’s perspective by selling their mushrooms at the mushroom market, entered the contest for the largest and most mushrooms, and hosted the mushroom market where they talked to people and answered questions. A mushroom hunter serves as the chairman of the mushroom market and hunting contest and serves on the Mountain Mushroom Festival committee.

Activities and events use the mushroom theme such as the Fungus 5K/2K, Morey Morel Mascot, Mushroom Cook-Off, Parade, Window Decorating Contest, shiitake log inoculation demonstrations, and sale of festival t-shirts. Many other arts and crafts and heritage activities round out the two days of the festival.

Through the presentation to the public at the Mountain Mushroom Festival, the Appalachian folklife tradition of morel mushroom hunting has had a major impact on the community. It has built public awareness and appreciation of mushroom hunting of local citizens who are unaware of the spring tradition as well as urban and other visitors from outside of the community.

Francine Bonny
Chairman, Mountain Mushroom Festival
Guest Contributor

20th Anniversary Photo: New Hire Brian West, 2007

In 2007, the Frazier hired a mustachioed actor named Brian West. Over the course of sixteen-and-a-half years, Brian has become a tour de force at the museum, using his history knowledge and acting chops to educate and entertain thousands of schoolchildren and museum visitors. He’s written and staged costumed performances as fiddler Cato Watts, bear hunter Holt Collier, baseball player Jackie Robinson, sailmaker James Forten, stillhand Nearest Green, alderman Russell P. Lee, freedom seeker Thornton Blackburn, and explorer York, to name a few. Thank you, Brian, for bringing history to life!

Simon Meiners
Communications & Research Specialist

Teaching Artist Brian West Bids a Fond Farewell to the Frazier

After sixteen years, this week will be my last week as a Frazier employee.

I have turned in my resignation letter, submitted my last paid time off request, and made plans for life after the Frazier.

This is an amicable parting. Though my colleagues at the museum will be sad to see me go (and I, to say goodbye to them), they have been nothing but supportive of my choice to face the new challenges ahead in my career.

And that goes into the heart of the matter. Without my colleagues here at the museum, I would never have had the opportunity to choose a time to leave in the first place.

If not for Barrett Cooper, I would still be working a factory job. If not for Tony Dingman, I would never have learned how to succinctly craft an historic interpretation, suitable for an audience totaling anywhere from one to one hundred. If not for Kelly Moore, Melinda Beck, Eric Frantz, and Vic Leon Reibel, I would never have witnessed the real meaning of commitment to your craft. If not for the confidence of Jodi Lewis, I would never have taken my last step into full-time employment within the white-collar world.

Yet those thanks only measure up to half of what I owe to the Frazier itself, only half of my story.

The steadfast love and support shown to me by colleagues such as Donna Beckner, Ron Butler, Alias Broner, Nicole Clay, Bill Evans, Jerry Everett (R.I.P.), Heather Gotlib, Megan Schanie, Mick Sullivan, and countless others can never truly be repaid. Also, in recent years, the camaraderie I have been fortunate enough to experience alongside Tish Boyer, Zach Bramel, Amanda Briede, Nick Cook, and Casey Harden I doubt will be matched elsewhere.

I am certain too that I will be hard pressed to find elsewhere the degree of professionalism and poise exemplified by the Frazier staff. No one will be as meticulous with proper citations and sourcing for media purposes as Simon Meiners. No one will contain the degree of sangfroid towards planning large-scale fundraisers as that which dwells within Hayley Harlow Rankin.

No one will match that rare combination of customer service and poise as Heidi Janes has for guest services and the museum shop. No one will offer the best amenities to the best clients in Kentuckiana like Erine Sato and her team always strive to do in events. No one will work harder for a group sale, and smile while doing it, than Stephen Yates does.

Lastly, I will miss the leadership of two special individuals: Rachel Platt, our VP of mission, and Andy Treinen, our president and CEO. Formerly creatures of the media world, the two have shepherded the museum through unprecedented times with aplomb and gusto. During Covid, Andy led us through the gauntlet of the Spread and the Shutdown, making the museum more impactful within the worlds of the hospitality industry and the museum field, disciplines which often intersect here at the Frazier.

Finally, there is Rachel herself. Kind, yet formidable, generous, yet exacting, Rachel transformed the Frazier from a local history museum to an anchor for the community, bridging the divide between downtown and the rest of the Metro. Rachel was an anchor to me as well, many a time. In addition, she affectionately, and sometimes subtly (and a few times NOT so subtly), taught me how to become a more polished professional and a better writer.

I know she at times jokes about how she will ever complete the myriad tasks she has to fulfill, the litany of deadlines she constantly must meet. Still, I am confident that so long as she is calling the shots, she will never fail to meet her expectations. The Frazier will remain in good hands. I will miss her guidance.

This was originally meant to be an exit interview, and if not for some wonky audio equipment provided by some jabroni (me), I would have shared a nice conversation I had with my colleague Amanda Briede about my time at the Frazier.

Instead, this last contribution to Frazier Weekly as an employee stands as testament to the overall goodwill and generosity bestowed upon me by the museum and its staff for over sixteen years.

My hope is that I someday will be able to have the same impact on others, eventually.

Thank you!

Brian West
Teaching Artist

Bridging the Divide

In Case You Missed It: Chandler & Robinson: Breaking Baseball’s Color Barrier (Mar. 26)

I just saw a picture of Rachel Robinson receiving a bouquet at Citi Field, as the New York Mets honored her late husband on Jackie Robinson Day. She is 101 years old. I couldn’t help but smile and say a little prayer for all the Robinsons endured during that tumultuous time of integrating baseball.

We recently hosted a program about it with Ben Chandler and other special guests. His grandfather, Happy Chandler, was baseball commissioner at the time and gave the necessary approval to Robinson’s contract with the Brooklyn Dodgers.

Here’s a link to that program. Oh, the history lessons you will learn.

Rachel Platt
VP of Mission

Quilt Artist and Author Linda LaPinta Wins Emily Toth Award!

We wanted to give a shoutout to author Linda LaPinta who took part in a program at the Frazier in January. That program included Linda as well as quilt artists MJ Kinman and Joe Mallard, who were both featured in her book Kentucky Quilts and Quiltmakers: Three Centuries of Creativity, Community, and Commerce.

Recently, that book won the Popular Culture Association’s Emily Toth Award for best single work by one or more authors in Women’s Studies.

Congrats!

Rachel Platt
VP of Mission