The museum and museum shop will be closed all day Monday, August 21.

Good Monday morning!

I come to you this morning with more exciting news from the exhibitions and collections department. Just in time for her birthday, which is tomorrow, we have installed in Cool Kentucky several new items that belong to actress Jennifer Lawrence! The exhibition now features shoes she wore on the red carpet, a childhood Halloween costume, the pink comforter David Letterman gave her when she was chilly on the Late Show, and more. We are so thankful to her family for loaning us such incredible items to have on display.

This won’t be the first time that JLaw has had a presence here at the Frazier. Some of you may remember the incredible costumes and props used by Jennifer that were featured in The Hunger Games: The Exhibition, which the Frazier opened in 2017. While that exhibition was on display, we had the incredible pleasure of hosting Jennifer during a fundraiser for the Jennifer Lawrence Foundation. While here, she toured the museum, spoke with donors, and attended a special sleepover event with young fans.

We are so excited to be adding Jennifer to the new Entertaining Kentucky gallery in Cool Kentucky. Her items will join those of some other Kentuckians you may know, such as Jack Harlow and George Clooney. I hope the next time you visit the Frazier you’ll stop by to see objects from some of Kentucky’s biggest names in entertainment.

In today’s issue of Frazier Weekly, Stephen brings you a new episode of Sippin’ with Stephen featuring Yellowstone Select, Rachel talks about an upcoming program about moonshine, and Tish gets us in the spirit for the Kentucky State Fair.

Let’s make it a great week!

This Week in the Museum

Museum Shop: Happy Birthday Earrings

Here’s the perfect “happy birthday” accessory: earrings! They’re ideal to wear every day of your birthday week or gift to a pal. Pick up a pair in the museum shop or online.

Frazier to Offer Pop-up Camps for Students Today and Tomorrow

In light of the just-announced JCPS schedule changes, the Frazier History Museum is offering pop-up camps today and tomorrow for students in grades 1–5. Camps start at 8:45 a.m. and end with pickup between 3:30 and 4 p.m. The cost is $50 per day ($45 for Frazier members).

These camps are truly “pop-up” offerings! We are here to provide a fun place for your kids during this difficult situation.

There are only twenty spaces per day, and they will go fast—so sign up today!

From the Collections: Danville-Made Triple Tulip Quilt, 1860–64

It’s August, Frazier friends—and that means it’s time for the Kentucky State Fair. If you’re anything like me, your mind immediately starts singing the opening lines of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Our State Fair.” Hum along with me: “Our state fair is a great state fair / Don’t miss it—don’t even be late!” Now granted, they wrote their musical for Iowa, but surely the lyrics apply! Because our state fair is great, and it is almost here.

Quilt made by Mary Cunningham of Danville between 1860 and 1864. Credit: Frazier History Museum.

Today, we want to talk about a great state fair competition and tradition: the quilt show. Quilting and quilting bees or circles have been a staple of American life since the colonial period. Pictured is a beautiful example of a hand-quilted piece from Kentucky. This quilt is plain cotton weave with a triple tulip appliqué design. It was made by Mary Cunningham of Danville, Kentucky, between 1860 and 1864.

While practical for daily life, quilts often became an artistic outlet for women but weren’t see outside the home until the early nineteenth century with county fairs. The rise of the state fair started in 1841 when New York held its first state fair in Syracuse. At the onset of state fairs, most of the events centered around livestock and agriculture—but it didn’t take long for officials to apply categories for women, at which point quilting shows entered the arena.

Kentucky held its first official state fair in 1902 at no other place than Churchill Downs; later, the fair was moved to its current site in 1956. The quilting show and competition have been a vital part of the Kentucky State Fair and still take place today. So come down to the fair August 17–27 to see what the quilt makers are doing today.

Sippin’ with Stephen: Yellowstone Single Barrel with Stephen Fante

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 episode of Sippin’ with Stephen—or should I say Stephen with Stephen—features Stephen Fante, national brand manager for Yellowstone Bourbon! We preview Yellowstone: The Enduring Phenomenon, a program to be held here at the Frazier on Wednesday, August 30.

Fante will lead tastings and share stories about the brand, which dates to 1872, and its significant contribution to Yellowstone National Park. You’ll meet J. Todd Scott, Kentucky author and visionary writer on the Yellowstone series. But that’s not all! You’ll also hear from Roger Huff, co-founder of Gallant Fox Brewing, as he shares his craft and a special Yellowstone Bourbon aged brew made just for us.

Bottles of our Yellowstone Single Barrel Selection can be purchased in advance and at the program for $69 per bottle. But when they’re gone, they’re gone!

Secure your tickets now while they’re still available.

Stephen Yates
Community & Corporate Sales Manager

Join Us September 19 for Moonshine, Hidden Barns, and the Law

Moonshine, Hidden Barns, and the Law flyer. Credit: Frazier History Museum.

How much do you know about moonshining in Kentucky? And are you willing to try an authentic family recipe for moonshine with origins in the mountains of Eastern Kentucky? Now add an author and other legendary stories to the mix and we hope it’s enough for you to buy a ticket for the September 19 program. We hope to see you here!

Frazier+ Video of the Week: Kentucky Mesonet at WKU

Now the Frazier fits in your pocket! Curated by the museum’s education team, the mobile app Frazier+ provides engaging and educational Kentucky history content—free of charge. Users can explore the museum’s collection of videos, photos, and texts to either heighten their in-person experience or learn from the comfort of their couch or classroom. The free app is available for download for Android and iOS devices through the App Store and Google Play.—Simon Meiners, Communications & Research Specialist

Here in Kentucky, we’ve witnessed more than our fair share of powerful weather. In our Spirit of Kentucky® exhibition, you’ll find an example of one of the tools our Commonwealth uses to keep people safe. It also has a dramatic impact on the lives of farmers who use the information collected by the Mesonet to make crucial decisions about their crops.

For Frazier+, we’ve produced the following video on the Kentucky Mesonet—as well as several interviews with a lead Mesonet technician we collected in Bowling Green.

Black Jockeys Lounge to Host Frazier’s Black Americans in Bourbon Wednesday

Wednesday, August 16, prepare to embark on a unique journey that seamlessly weaves together history, culture, Bourbon, and horseracing. The renowned Black Jockeys Lounge and the esteemed Frazier History Museum have joined forces to present an unforgettable event that promises to transport you through time while tantalizing your taste buds.

Step into a world of rich narratives and hidden legacies as Frazier teaching artist Brian West, a prominent figure on the museum’s education team, takes center stage. Prepare to be captivated as West unravels the enthralling history of Black Americans in the Bourbon industry through his acclaimed series Black Americans in Bourbon. This immersive presentation will lead you through the ages, shedding light on the remarkable contributions and stories that have shaped the Bourbon landscape.

A notable addition to this remarkable event comes in the form of a special address by Calvin Davis, co-founder of PPAATH (Project to Protect African American Turf History). Davis will share a compelling narrative that sheds light on the legacy of Black American jockeys who blazed trails in the Kentucky Derby from 1875 to 1903. Through his words, history comes alive, revealing the courage and tenacity of those who paved the way for future generations.

Throughout the entire month of August, the Black Jockeys Lounge becomes a haven for history enthusiasts. A special highlight awaits as the Lounge proudly hosts the Black History in Racing exhibit, a treasure trove of insights and revelations from Churchill Downs. This exhibit offers a unique opportunity to walk through the annals of time, delving into the profound impact of Black individuals in the world of horseracing.

Food and beverage will be available for separate purchase. Doors open at 5:45 p.m. Tickets available on our website.

Shared Sundays: Nicole Clay to Recap Cabbage Patch Kids Scandal August 20

The Frazier has got a very deep bench of knowledgeable staff members! So we’re trying something called Shared Sundays. Each Sunday, a different staff member will lead special tours tailored to their interests. In each Monday’s issue of Frazier Weekly, look for a quick preview of the coming Sunday’s tours.—Simon Meiners, Communications & Research Specialist

Share a Sunday with me!

Hello everyone, I’m Nicole, a member of our amazing education team. I’m here to invite you to join me for a tour this Sunday. Fair warning: I’m a little bit rusty as I’ve been busy running our summer camps, leaving no time for leading tours. While I may be rusty, the stories I have to share are guaranteed to be a fun time.

On my tour, I will take you through some of my favorite stories in Cool Kentucky—from the adventurous Tori Murden McClure to the myth-busting tree trunk from Iroquois Park. One highlight of my tour involves a seemingly innocent doll found in the Inventing Kentucky gallery. The doll often deceives people when they first see it and make an assumption about its identity. If you’re an eighties or nineties kid, then this story is for you as the unassuming doll tells the story of greed that brought to life the hottest toy of that era: the Cabbage Patch Kid dolls.

If this sounds like a fun time, then join me for a tour this Sunday.

Summer Book Club to Wrap August 27 with Horse by Geraldine Brooks

Frazier Summer Book Club graphic. Credit: Frazier History Museum.

If you haven’t been able to come to one of our Frazier Summer Book Club discussions, you will have one more chance to do so! Meaning, this is your last chance to get a chance to win our door prizes. We will be giving away member guest passes, parking passes, and a gift certificate to the museum shop.

Our final summer discussion will take place on Sunday, August 27, at 1 p.m. We will discuss Horse by Geraldine Brooks. We only have a few left in stock, so make sure to stop by the museum shop to get your copy!

Members are welcome regardless of if you finish the book or even if you don’t get a chance to pick it up. (Just keep in mind that there will be spoilers!)

Our discussions always have a complementing experience as well. After this next discussion, we will be treated to a Stories in Mind experience! Kevin Bradley, the Stories in Mind administrator, will join us to talk about the program and guide members through a short engagement that would be similar to one used by our facilitators.

Stories in Mind is an outreach program that uses stories and objects from Kentucky history and the Frazier’s collection as the starting point for creative exploration. While facilitators draw off themes of bigger stories to create a voice for unsung narratives and heroes, Kevin will speak with the group about Oliver Lewis, the first jockey to win the Kentucky Derby.

See the Stories in Mind program featured by WDRB and the Courier Journal.

Find more information about our Summer Book Club here. Send your RSVP for our Summer Book Club to aegan@fraziermuseum.org no later than Tuesday, August 22.

Want to join our book club but not a member? Become a member today! As little as $20 will allow you access to our Summer Book Club and other member exclusive events throughout the year!* Did I mention that for the $20 Individual membership you would also get year-round access to the museum, a 10% discount in the museum shop**, and discounted parking!?

*Not all member exclusive invitations apply to the Individual and Family membership levels.

**Exclusions apply.

Come experience more!

Save the Date for Give for Good Louisville on September 14

Mark your calendars!

Give for Good Louisville, the biggest day of online giving in the region, is just one month away! Hosted by the Community Foundation of Louisville, this year Give for Good celebrates ten years of investing in local organizations—including the Frazier History Museum!

On September 14, the Frazier will be a proud participant in Give for Good to fundraise for the educational and outreach programs that serve our community and the presentation of Kentucky history and culture that makes our city not only a desirable destination, but a wonderful place to call home.

This year, our goal is higher than ever at $10,000—but with your help, we can do it! Look for more information soon on how you can be a Fundraising Champion to help us get there.

But wait, there’s more good news! Give for Good Louisville aligns with the launch of mobile donations at the Frazier. That’s right, we’ve gone mobile! Very soon, you will be able to scan a QR code or find us on Venmo to make donations through your phone as easily as possible.

Here at the Frazier, we always want to mean more to more people, and on September 14, you can personally help us increase our impact.

The Give for Good countdown is officially on!

Jennifer Lawrence Objects, Pop-Up Camps Today and Tomorrow, Yellowstone and Moonshine Programs, and More

Zach Bramel on Fall Break Camp, Corn Island Loans Native American Artifacts, Musical Kentucky: Logan–McCreary, and More

Moonshiners Program, Back-to-School Supplies, 1800 & 1900; Black Patch Tobacco Wars, 1904–09, and More