Announcing Old Forester Exhibition, DEA Agent on Yellowstone Spinoff, Mammoth Cave Tour Guide Family, and More
Cheers!
For me, this time of year is special. As late August transitions into September, new back to school routines are taking hold. The ninth month of the year has always been my favorite—and not only because it’s my birthday month, although that doesn’t hurt.
September has become a concert-packed, spirit sipping, history-heavy celebration of America’s only native spirit. It’s Bourbon Heritage Month and the Frazier has a whole lot going on.
Outside of our daily tastings, tours, and ninety-nine bottles of Bourbon on the wall for sale, our Bourbon Limited Club is celebrating its one-year anniversary. To accommodate the growing interest, we’ve negotiated with our distiller partners to make a little bit more of this rare whisky available. (Tough job, but someone had to do it.)
So of course, we want to pass that good fortune along. We’re happy to announce that we will offer a very small number of additional Bourbon Limited memberships in advance of our next release this September. New members will also have access to the incredible award-winning Bourbons released in our first year. Sign up here to get yours. But don’t think about it too long—because these won’t last long.
Bourbon Limited Club first year offerings. Credit: Bourbon Limited Club.
The Frazier programs celebrating Bourbon Heritage Month begin this Wednesday with Yellowstone: The Enduring Phenomenon. The Yellowstone program and Moonshine, Hidden Barns, and the Law on September 19 are rich in content, ripe for storytelling, and downright delicious.
Also this week, you’ll hear from two employees new to the Frazier family, Give for Good Louisville is right around the corner, a great story on Mammoth Cave tour guides, and multiple reasons to schedule a visit to the museum and our gift shop in September.
I hope to see you here.
Andy Treinen
President & CEO
Frazier History Museum
This Week in the Museum
Curator’s Corner: Frazier to Open Old Forester Exhibition in November
Old Forester Holiday Decanters, 1950–69. Credit: Brown-Forman Archives.
Exhibition announcement! I am so pleased to be able to share with you our next temporary exhibition: Spirited Design: Old Forester’s Midcentury Decanters. The exhibition is being created in collaboration with the Brown-Forman Archives and is sponsored by the Brown-Forman Corporation. Celebrating the cutting-edge design of Old Forester’s holiday decanters of the 1950s and `60s, Spirited Design will feature vintage bottles, packaging, cocktail dresses, and more. The exhibition will open around Thanksgiving, just in time for the holiday season, and will remain on display for about a year. Stay tuned for more information and some sneak peaks as we get closer to the opening!
Amanda Briede
Sr. Curator of Exhibitions
From the Collections: Jim Beam Atomic Starburst Decanter, 1960s
Tracing their story back to the early eighteenth century, glass whiskey decanters have quite the history. It would be roughly a hundred years later in the mid-nineteenth century though that they became a household staple. These early decanters were most often made of cut glass and were designed to bring a little elegance and sophistication to the whiskey service. The nineteenth century saw the rise of the crystal decanter which was not only more elegant but allowed the beautiful amber color of the whiskey to be seen clearly.
However, it is the rise of collectable ceramic decanters from the mid-twentieth century we want to talk about today. After Prohibition, decanters didn’t really become popular again until the 1950s, often coming in the form of figural glass flasks. But it was the 1960s that ushered in the era of the collectable figure ceramic decanter. Leading the way was Jim Beam, who would market specialty decanters in various shapes, themes, and designs from the 1960s to the 1970s.
Jim Beam Atomic Starburst decanter made in the 1960s. Credit: Frazier History Museum.
From the collection, we want to look at a particularly interesting decanter. Here we have a Jim Beam Atomic Starburst Decanter from the 1960s. When purchased new, this decanter came with a six-year Bourbon. But the best part was when you were done with the Bourbon you could reuse the decanter as a coffee carafe! Yes, you could reuse it at home to serve coffee to your guests.
Research hasn’t really told us much about this decanter beyond what it is. But isn’t it an interesting idea: to be able to reuse your Bourbon decanter for something other than Bourbon? Was it possibly designed as a marketing ploy to convince wives of the value of a Jim Beam decanter? Or as a way to brighten your home? Either way, it’s an interesting thought.
Tish Boyer
Registrar & Manager of Collections Engagement
Frazier+ Video of the Week: Bourbon Barrels
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
The reach of Bourbon is tremendous and it touches so many aspects of history and industry. At the Frazier, some of the most frequently asked questions we hear are about the barrels. The answers are fascinating. So we made this informative video, and luckily we had some great footage made available to us from the Independent Stave Company—a leader in the cooperage industry. There’s more than meets the eye with a Bourbon barrel!
Mick Sullivan
Curator of Guest Experience
Museum Shop: Bottoms Up for Bourbon Heritage Month!
A staff member models Bourbon-patterned cotton pants in the Frazier’s Museum Shop. Credit: Frazier History Museum.
What should you wear for Bourbon Heritage Month? We can help you with that! You’ll flip over these soft cotton pants (bonus: they have pockets!) that feature our favorite Bourbons. They’re available online and in the Museum Shop.
DEA Agent J. Todd Scott on Writing for Yellowstone Spinoff
J. Todd Scott was born in rural Kentucky and attended college and law school in Virginia, where he set aside an early ambition to write to pursue a career as a federal agent. His assignments have taken him all over the world, but he has since authored several crime novels. According to the Wall Street Journal, “[Scott], a real-life DEA agent, gives you everything you could want in a West Texas crime saga: generational conflicts; the sights and smells of an exotic landscape; [and] the ghosts of monsters and loved ones past.” Scott will discuss his work on the Yellowstone TV spinoff at the Frazier’s Yellowstone: The Enduring Phenomenon program this Wednesday evening. You don’t want to miss it! Get tickets while they’re still available.—Simon Meiners, Communications & Research Specialist
I’ve been a federal agent with the DEA for more than twenty-eight years, working cases investigating international maritime smuggling and domestic meth labs and attacking Mexican cartels. However, a long simmering interest in writing—and a posting in West Texas—provided the backdrop for my first novel and the launch of the well-received Big Bend trilogy: The Far Empty, High White Sun, and This Side of Night. I shifted my literary landscape right here to my native Kentucky with the 2020 release of Lost River, a novel based on the opioid crisis that afforded me a chance to write about my roots and the people and landscape of my childhood. It’s release also coincided with my own reassignment back to Kentucky when I took over as the special agent in charge for the Louisville Field Division, managing DEA’s sprawling mission across three states: Kentucky, Tennessee, and West Virginia. But before that, as result of contacts forged in Hollywood while pursuing various film adaptations and TV series of my own books, a friend and producer approached me about working on the original Yellowstone series just after Kevin Costner signed on; I got to read Taylor Sheridan’s pilot script and loved it. Although that opportunity never quite came together, when Taylor and his team were looking for new writers for the proposed Yellowstone spinoff, 1883: Bass Reeves (what’s now called Lawmen: Bass Reeves), I got the call again, and this time wouldn’t—couldn’t—say no. Fortunately, they were gracious enough to accommodate my considerable DEA commitments, and that’s how this long-time federal law enforcement agent suddenly found himself writing about one of the greatest lawmen to ever live . . .
J. Todd Scott
Writer, Lawmen: Bass Reeves
Guest Contributor
History of Bransford Family Guides at Mammoth Cave, 1815–Present
Stories in Mind, Frazier’s Kentucky history outreach program that visits area nursing homes, researches unknown and untold Kentucky stories. The history and legacy of the Bransford family at Mammoth Cave is a fascinating story of how one Black family contributed to the formation of the park.
Materson “Mat” Bransford sits holding a basket for a studio portrait, undated. Credit: Item #991PC52.73, Pettus-Speiden Family Photograph Collection, Filson Historical Society / National Park Service.
Matt Bransford, grandson of Materson “Mat” Bransford, poses at Mammoth Cave, undated. Credit: National Park Service.
The Bransford family connection to Mammoth Cave begins in 1815 when Materson Bransford was born to an enslaved woman, Little Hannah, and her enslaver, Thomas Bransford. When Mat was twenty-three, his father and enslaver leased him to Mammoth Cave. Mat most likely started his tenure with Mammoth Cave as kitchen help, but he quickly became one of the most sought-after tour guides at the cave. He led the Tsar of Russia, General Custer, and Ralph Waldo Emerson through the underground passageways. He chose to remain as a guide even after gaining his freedom. He explained that the cave was part of him and he was part of the cave.
Mat Bransford and his wife, Parthenia, had four children born into slavery. Three were sold. The remaining son, Henry, followed Mat as a cave guide in the 1860s after gaining his freedom. He assisted with the discovery of both Cathedral’s Dome in 1907 and Bransford’s Dome. Henry was described as “the walking thesaurus of the cave” and was known for his melodic voice. Legend has it that a group of visitors capsized their boat while on Echo River. Henry sang throughout the night to calm them until rescuers arrived. His cousin William served as an ambassador to Chicago’s World Fair in 1893 to safeguard the Mammoth Cave exhibit and to boost tourism for the park. He handed out decorated bags that contained crystal stalagmites taken from the cave. Henry also served as a lead guide at the park, which meant he supervised both White and Black guides.
A third generation of the Bransford family carried the tradition of being tour guides when Louis and Matt, sons of Henry, began to work at Mammoth Cave. Matt estimated that he walked four-and-a-half times the Earth’s circumference during the thirty-two years he worked as a guide. Matt, along with his wife, Zemmie, opened up the Bransford Summer Resort for Black visitors. The two-story, fourteen-room hotel was the first lodging for Black visitors. This gave African Americans a fuller access to the wonders of the park. This property was sold in 1934, under imminent domain, to establish Mammoth Cave National Park. It was purchased by the government for $3,000, under fair market value. “They might not be as fertile as some of the other lands,” Matt stated at the time, “but they are ours according to the law and we are as proud of our farms as if they are worth millions.”
By 1930, eight members of the Bransford family were leading tours at Mammoth Cave. In 1940, five fourth-generation Bransfords were guiding: Clifton, Arthur, Eddie, Ellie, and George. But in 1941, when Mammoth Cave became a National Park, there were no Bransfords listed as guides. In fact, no Black guides were hired. One hundred years of Bransford guides had come to an end. David Bransford related that the Black guides were called in and told they would lose their jobs when the National Park Service took over. Clinton Bransford reported the same. But this did not keep the Bransfords from contributing to the park. Several family members joined the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) during the Depression under President Roosevelt’s New Deal. The family blazed trails throughout the park.
The story of the Bransfords and their contributions to Mammoth Cave might have ended there, but a fifth generation of the Bransford family began giving tours in 2004. Jerry Bransford is the first Bransford to guide visitors in over sixty years. He is committed to telling the story of his family and ensuring that the story is not forgotten. His dream was to have a permanent monument to the family placed at the park. In October 2022, an obelisk was erected on the grounds of the park. The obelisk is engraved with the names of each Bransford family member.
Susan Reed
Stories in Mind Facilitator
Owsley Brown Frazier Classic Sporting Clay Tournament is One Month Away!
On Friday, September 29, the Frazier will host the eighth annual Owsley Brown Frazier Classic Sporting Clay Tournament in honor of our founder, Owsley Brown Frazier.
Frazier Classic banner. Credit: Frazier History Museum.
This year’s event returns to The Sporting Club at the Farm in New Albany, Indiana, a beautiful outdoor venue with a sporting clay course.
A marksman takes aim at a target. Credit: Daniel Dempster.
Participants will spend the morning competing before enjoying a delicious catered lunch that features Bourbon and craft beer, alongside a silent auction of premium Kentucky Bourbons and exclusive Kentucky and Southern Indiana experiences. The tournament uses Lewis Class scoring, which allows competitors of all skill levels the opportunity to win awards.
Join an amazing community of people who know how to have a fun time ALL for a great cause! All proceeds support Frazier’s exhibitions, educational outreach, and programs.
Register now as an individual participant or with a team of four!
Thank you to our current sponsors, iAmmo, Republic Bank, Vaughn Petitt Legal Group, Kentucky Bourbon Trail, Lewis and Grant Auctions, Yellowstone, Bahe Farnsley Advisors, Oxford Rhine Real Estate, and T-Mobile.
For more information on becoming a sponsor, contact Haley Hicky at hhicky@fraziermuseum.org.
Give for Good Louisville is Two Weeks Away!
On September 14, the Frazier Museum will be a participating organization in one of the largest days of online giving in the region.
Give for Good Louisville graphic. Credit: Frazier History Museum.
This year, we are raising support for our educational programs and family days; Stories in Mind, our outreach program in long-term care facilities; and vital initiatives like the Kentucky Counties Project that aims to bridge connections across the rural-urban divide. And our goal is $10,000!
So, how can you help us get there?
Give: Donate here on September 14 to contribute to our fundraising goal.
Advocate: Become a fundraising champion to set your own goal and to tell your story about why the Frazier is important to you.
Share: Spread the word on social media! Give for Good Louisville is completely online, so sharing a link to the Frazier’s donation profile page is a huge help to gather support.
Every post, share, and gift makes a difference. Thank you for helping us impact our community and ensure we remain accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds.
See you on September 14!
Hayley Harlow Rankin
Sr. Manager of Fundraising
On this Date: Battle of Richmond, August 29–30, 1862
In the collections and exhibitions department, we had the pleasure of working with several interns over the summer. They had a wide range of skills and interests. One intern, Isaac Mounce, had a particular interest in military history. He did research on several important dates in Kentucky history. The following article is one he wrote about an important battle that occurred this week in Kentucky history. To see artifacts from Civil War soldiers in Kentucky, visit the Civil War gallery in the Frazier’s permanent exhibition The Commonwealth: Divided We Fall.—Amanda Briede, Sr. Curator of Exhibitions
Map of the Battle of Richmond, August 29–30, 1862. Credit: Steven Stanley, American Battlefield Trust.
General William Nelson, 1860–62. Credit: Library of Congress.
By the spring of 1862, the Union armies in Virginia had failed to capture Richmond, Virginia. However, the Union had greater military success in the Western theater in Tennessee. Following General Ulysses S. Grant’s capture of Forts Henry and Donelson on the Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers, the Union Army held the strategic and operational advantage to exploit and weaken the Confederacy. After retreating to Alabama and Mississippi, the Confederate Army attempted to counter the Union, resulting in their defeat at the Battle of Shiloh on April 6–7, 1862.
With the Union controlling New Orleans and General Don Carlos Buell controlling Memphis and the Memphis-Charleston railroad, the Confederates’ situation in the Western theater became desperate. While most historians and general readers enjoy studying the war in Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania, they sometimes ignore the Western theater. In this theater, the Confederacy’s survival depended on its railroads and rivers in Tennessee and Mississippi for supplies and troop transportation.
Kentucky also had strategic importance, serving as a border between the Union and Confederacy. As Abraham Lincoln wrote, “I think to lose Kentucky is nearly the same as to lose the whole game . . . I hope to have God on my side, but I must have Kentucky.” Despite remaining with the Union, Kentucky was a slave state with many Confederate sympathizers. Additionally, Kentucky had a significant industry and a supply of horses and mules. Finally, if Kentucky came under Confederate control, the Union would have been open to invasions into Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois via the Cumberland, Tennessee, and Ohio Rivers.
With Confederate raider John Hunt Morgan harassing Union positions, General Braxton Bragg, commander of the Army of Mississippi, and Major General E. Kirby Smith planned a two-pronged invasion of Kentucky. They aimed to end the Union’s string of victories and encourage Kentucky to join the Confederacy.
On August 14, Smith marched his Army of East Tennessee (12,000 men) from Knoxville, Tennessee, entering eastern Kentucky via the Cumberland Gap. On August 27, Bragg marched his army from Chattanooga, passing through Glasgow. Leaving around 9,000 troops to guard the Gap, Smith’s invasion soon led to the Battle of Richmond on August 29–30.
Realizing the threat of the Confederate invasion, the Union Army of Kentucky under Major General William Nelson scrambled to send two new Union brigades to Richmond to stop Smith. Under Brigadier Generals Mahlon Manson and Charles Cruft—plus cavalry commander Brigadier General James S. Jackson—6,850 inexperienced Union troops faced 6,500 Confederates from Brigadier General Patrick R. Cleburne’s infantry brigade and Colonel John S. Scott’s cavalry.
After hours of attacking and retreating on both sides, the Union line shattered on the evening of August 30 when Scott’s cavalry routed the panicking Union soldiers. The Union Army of Kentucky suffered 5,553 casualties, including 206 killed, 844 wounded, and 4,303 captured or missing. In contrast, Smith’s army suffered 451 losses, including seventy-eight killed, 372 wounded, and one missing. Other Union soldiers escaped to Lexington. Smith captured Frankfort on September 2, the only Federal state capital to fall during the entire war. However, these victories at Richmond and Frankfort amounted to nothing following the Battle of Perryville on October 8. Bragg’s army clashed with Buell’s around the cornfields of the small town of Perryville. While Bragg won the battlefield on a tactical level, Smith’s army united too late with Bragg’s, who believed they could not score another victory against Buell’s growing army. As a result, Bragg and Smith withdrew to Tennessee and Kentucky remained with the Union.
Isaac Mounce
Curatorial Intern
Bridging the Divide
Twenty-First Annual WorldFest to be Held this Weekend at Belvedere
We love our conversations at the Frazier titled Bridging the Divide because we are firm believers in bringing our community together whenever and wherever possible.
A wonderful example of bringing our community together is the twenty-first annual WorldFest that runs September 1–4 on the Belvedere.
Attendees enjoy WorldFest at the Belvedere, September 3, 2021. Credit: Alton Strupp, Courier Journal.
Nema Saho of Gambia hangs up items inside his vendor booth at WorldFest at the Belvedere, September 3, 2021. Credit: Alton Strupp, Courier Journal.
The event features seventy entertainment acts, a Global Village that represents more than twenty countries, free children’s activities, and more.
Make sure to check out the Parade of Cultures on Saturday, which celebrates the diverse cultures in Louisville. Residents will march down Fifth Street to the top of the Belvedere dressed in native attire to showcase our city’s cultural heritage and diversity.
WorldFest admission is free. To learn more, click here.
Rachel Platt
VP of Mission
