The Frazier History Museum is always looking to expand our footprint, to tell the stories of Kentucky and to find objects to help us achieve that goal. So, when an invitation was extended to us to look for artifacts at the former home of A. B. “Happy” Chandler, we hopped in the car and headed to Versailles.

The US Senator and former Kentucky Governor was ninety-two years old when he died in Versailles, Woodford County, in 1991.

Earlier this year, Happy’s grandson, Ben Chandler, joined us for a program at the Frazier. That program didn’t center on his grandfather’s time as Governor, but on his tenure as baseball commissioner. Chandler gave the necessary commissioner approval for Jackie Robinson’s contract, effectively breaking baseball’s color barrier.

At the Chandler home, we hoped to find objects related to baseball, and of course politics. We found both and so much more. I was accompanied by my colleagues, senior director of engagement Casey Harden and registrar and manager of collections engagement Tish Boyer. We got a history lesson in that basement through articles, pictures, letters, gifts, personal belongings, and clothing—everything to help tell a fuller story of Kentucky and its people.

We’re calling these items “Frazier Finds” and hope to make more trips like this one whenever possible to expand our footprint, to explore even more ways to tell these meaningful stories. We’ll be sharing more of these “finds” with you in the coming weeks and months. We recently were invited to the home of Tori Murden McClure, the first woman and first American to row solo across the Atlantic. What a journey we had in her attic!

Please feel free to reach out to us if you have a find for the Frazier. Here is a link to our collections web page; scroll down to the bottom and you will see the appropriate form to fill out.

In today’s issue of Frazier Weekly, striking gold with Muhammad Ali at the Olympics, navigating extra content at our museum through Frazier+, meet our new colleague Abby Flanders, and playwright Larry Muhammad shares his new work at Actors Theatre, Who Killed Alberta Jones?

Rachel Platt
VP of Mission
Frazier History Museum

This Week in the Museum

From the Collections: Miniature Book with Olympic Creed in Seven Languages, 1976

These past weeks, most of us have joined the world in watching the summer Olympic Games. Once every four years, many of us get excited about swimming, gymnastics, wrestling, track and field, and many other competitions. Though practiced in ancient times, the modern era of Olympic Games took place in Greece in 1896. Paris was the city chosen that second Games in 1900, which also saw the first women competitors. Paris hosted a second time in 1924, where the first Olympic village which is now the custom. This makes 2024 the third time that Paris has hosted the summer games.

In honor of this worldwide event, we wanted to share a unique and, dare I say, strange piece from our collection: a miniature Olympic book. This book is supposedly the smallest book printed, was printed in Mainz Germany, and contains the Olympic creed in seven different languages. It was given to Harvey Sloane during his first term as Mayor of Louisville in July 1977. Mayor Sloane received the book from Dr. Joseph Hofmann, who was the first mayor of Mainz, Germany, which is a sister city of Louisville.

Tish Boyer
Registrar & Manager of Collections Engagement

Louisville Legend Muhammad Ali’s 1960 and 1996 Olympic Moments

There are so many “golden” moments at this year’s Olympics, like our “Golden Girls” US women’s gymnastics team. They defy gravity. A golden story that resonates in Louisville of course is that of Muhammad Ali who won gold in 1960. The mystery surrounding what happened to that medal lives on, although Ali did receive a replacement medal in 1996 when the world stood still as he lit the torch in Atlanta. That iconic moment and torch is actually worked into the architecture of the Ali Center, so make sure you notice it the next time you visit. Susan Reed from our Stories in Mind team is sharing Ali’s story with residents she visits at local long-term care facilities. Keep reading for more golden stories.—Rachel Platt, VP of Mission

Muhammad Ali, only eighteen and still known as Cassius Clay, had qualified for the Rome 1960 Olympic Games. Only one thing stood in his way: his fear of flying. Ali initially chose to give up his spot due to his fear of flying but agreed to go if he could travel by ship. During a walk in Central Park with his trainer, he was convinced that if he wanted to be the heavyweight champion of the world, he would need to go to Rome and win. Ali reluctantly agreed to fly, but he wore a parachute for the entire flight!

Ali’s performance in Rome was electrifying. His unorthodox boxing style coupled with his artistry made him a favorite with the spectators and fellow athletes. His first bout was stopped in the second round by the referee who feared that Ali would harm his opponent. Ali won his second bout 5-0. The semi-finals were a unanimous decision, leaving only one bout to win the gold. Facing a left-handed boxer, the first two rounds were even, with Ali seemingly not knowing how to handle the southpaw style. But in the third and final round, Ali showed the world the fullness of his physical prowess, winning the round decisively and securing the gold medal.

“I didn’t take that medal off for forty-eight hours,” Ali later said. “I even wore it to bed.” Upon returning to Louisville after the Games, Ali made his professional debut in October 1960 and went on to win several world titles and gain fans worldwide.

Over thirty years later, Ali was mostly in seclusion due to his battle with Parkinson’s. The Olympic Organizing Committee wanted Ali to return to the Olympic Games and chose him to light the torch for the Atlanta 1996 Olympic Games. But would Ali agree to come? The answer was “yes.” The plans were executed in secrecy; not even the television announcers knew what was going to happen. As Ali emerged from the darkness to light the torch, the surprised crowd of 85,000 gasped. President Clinton, who was in the crowd, noted that the sight of Ali resulted in the “loudest hush” he had ever heard. Standing with presence and dignity, Ali received the love of the people. As Ali lit the torch, the hush became a roar, with the crowd chanting, “Ali, Ali, Ali.” An iconic man creating another iconic Olympic moment.

Susan Reed
Stories in Mind Facilitator

Museum Shop: Becoming Muhammad Ali

Before he became a global icon as Muhammad Ali, he was Cassius Clay, a young boy growing up in Louisville. Becoming Muhammad Ali tells the inspiring story of his journey to becoming a world-famous figure. This beloved book is perfect for nine- to eleven-year-olds and can be found in the Museum Shop.

20th Anniversary Photo: Fencing at the Frazier, 2005

On July 28, Lexington, Kentucky, native Lee Kiefer won a gold medal in women’s foil fencing at the 2024 Olympic Games. With fencing top of mind in Kentucky, I thought I’d share this photograph in Frazier Weekly. Back in 2005, when the Frazier was still an arms museum that staged historical sword fights, the museum offered a Father’s Day special called Dueling with Dad. Participants got to learn the history of fencing and receive instruction from Louisville Fencing Center vice president Dana Barrette.

Simon Meiners
Communications & Research Specialist

Frazier+ Bonus Content Featured in Flashback Exhibition

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

When you visit our Flashback: Louisville Media Through the Years exhibition, you’ll see and hear important news reports from many eras of Louisville—but there’s more than meets the eye. Scanning the Frazier+ QR codes with a smart phone will show you even more about some of the important and unsung figures from Louisville’s rich media history.

For example, Martha Holmes Waxman worked as a photographer with the Courier Journal and Louisville Times when many of the men staff members were sent overseas during World War II. Her talent was obvious, and it led the Louisville native to a long career shooting for LIFE magazine.

In addition to great stories like Martha’s, you’ll find Frazier+ videos and additional content for objects and people all around the museum.

Mick Sullivan
Curator of Guest Experience

Introducing Administrative Chief of Engagement Abby Flanders

On a map of the United States, the bootheel of Missouri and the western arm of Kentucky reach across the Midwest to form what looks like a handshake. However, I moved from Missouri to Kentucky in 2020 at the peak of COVID. We weren’t doing much handshaking at that time.

Louisville tops the list of largest cities where I have lived. Moving in, I felt a sticky sense of dread, potential regret for becoming a small fish in a big pond. This fear was quickly erased by the warmth and oddly small-town feeling that Louisville provides.

Though I’ve been gaining in my years as a Kentuckian, I originally hail from Springfield, Missouri (as does Brad Pitt, Chappell Roan, cashew chicken, and the world’s largest fork). After receiving a BS in biological sciences at the University of Missouri-Columbia with a minor in English, I received my MA in science writing from Johns Hopkins University.

What do English, biology, science writing, and a Kentucky history museum have in common? Where these seemingly diverse areas converge is within the importance of telling a good story. As a child who quickly grew bored of fiction books, I gravitated towards biographies and encyclopedias; truth is stranger than fiction. Attending a STEM-focused school for K–12, I never managed to feel engaged in social studies or history until I became an adult.

This is part of what calls me to museums and specifically to the Frazier, a place where the world meets Kentucky. This is where diverse stories come to life, where Kentuckians and visitors from all over the world engage in our history and culture. I feel honored to be part of a mission that engages and sparks curiosity in places it may not have existed before.

After a stint in the IT and recruiting spheres, I am excited to announce what feels like, at least to me, a triumphant return to Museum Row. Having previously worked at the Kentucky Science Center, my heart was calling me back. There’s no place I’d rather be than the Frazier History Museum, I place I leaned on while learning about my new Kentucky home.

What I could never have expected behind the display cases, frames, and placards was the most welcoming, well-rounded staff I have ever encountered. Bourbon may be Kentucky’s spirit, but the spirit of Kentucky is exemplified not only within Frazier’s walls, but through its people, and even beyond them.

In my new position as administrative chief of engagement, I’m looking forward to propelling the mission of the Frazier History Museum by offering support to our amazing employees, board members, and guests. I hope to spark curiosity and joy here, wherever possible, and maybe have some fun while we’re at it. I’d like to end with a huge thank you to all of my new coworkers for their warm welcomes and willingness to help me aboard. I would not be here without you.

Cheers!

Abby Flanders
Administrative Chief of Engagement

Highlights of 120: Christian County: Batter Capital of the World

Did you know every McDonald’s biscuit made east of the Mississippi has flour from Hopkinsville, Kentucky? That’s right: Hoptown is the Batter Capital of the World, an honorary title it received August 10, 2021. In each issue of Frazier Weekly, we bring you a text story or video featured in our 120: Cool KY Counties exhibit, which opened March 15. Today, we bring you the entry for Christian County.—Simon Meiners, Communications & Research Specialist

Hopkinsville, Kentucky, was declared the “Batter Capital of the World” in 2021. The wheat grown in Christian County is a red winter wheat, ideal for baking. Over 173 years old, Hopkinsville Milling Company is the oldest industry in the town. Siemer Milling opened in 1995, followed by Continental Mills in 1998. This grew Hopkinsville’s reputation as a hub for food-mix manufacturing. Hopkinsville produces globally recognizable products such as Red Lobster Cheddar Bay biscuit mix, Cracker Barrel Biscuit mix, Ghirardelli Brownie mix, SunFlower corn meal, and Krusteaz mixes. All McDonald’s biscuits east of the Mississippi also use flour from Hopkinsville.

Frazier, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kentuckiana Partner to Provide Free Museum Entry for Matches

Did you ever notice that sometimes our worlds collide in the most advantageous of ways? Recently my job as president here at the Frazier and my work in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program meandered onto a parallel path.

After pondering multiple meaningless new year resolutions for 2024, I decided to join the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kentuckiana program on New Year’s Day. I applied, passed the background check, and after a carefully managed matching process, met Bryson on March 12. It has been wonderful! Like me, Bryson is a big sports fan, so we’ve been expanding each other’s exposure to new experiences.

In four months, we have played pickleball, basketball, frisby golf, golf, gone fishing twice (that’s his passion), taken a nature tour, and eaten a whole lot of ice cream. I’m looking forward to seeing his first football game Tuesday night.

Through all of this, I realized there aren’t a lot of inexpensive or free indoor opportunities for mentors to take their Littles. So, in working with the great folks at BBBSKY, we created one here at the Frazier History Museum. It’s pretty simple: if a Big comes to the museum with their Little any time this year, admission is free.

It’s pretty simple, and I’m proud that we can be a part of it!

If you’re interested, here is a bit more about Big Brothers Big Sisters along with a quote from both organizations.

About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kentuckiana

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kentuckiana is a nonprofit organization that has been creating and supporting one-to-one mentoring relationships in our community since 1967. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kentuckiana is dedicated to empowering the potential of youth throughout the ten counties we serve across Kentucky (Jefferson, Shelby, Oldham, Bullitt, Hardin, Grayson, and Nelson) and Southern Indiana (Clark, Floyd, and Harrison). For more information, visit bbbsky.org.

“We are thrilled to partner with the Frazier History Museum to bring our Matches this incredible opportunity,” Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kentuckiana CEO Gary Friedman said. “Experiences like these help our Littles expand their horizons and gain new perspectives, while also strengthening the bonds with their Bigs.”

“The Frazier History Museum is dedicated to making history accessible and engaging for all members of our community,” Frazier History Museum president and CEO Andy Treinen said. “We are delighted to welcome BBBSKY’s Bigs and Littles to explore our exhibits and participate in our programs. This partnership aligns perfectly with our mission to ignite the human spirit with thoughtfully crafted stories to spark curiosity about who we are and our connection to the future.”

Andy Treinen
President & CEO

History All Around Us

Caufield's Creepfest: A Day of Frights and Delights

As we at the Frazier History Museum celebrate our twentieth anniversary, we salute our neighbors up the block at Caufield’s Novelty: they’ve been open 104 years! In 1920, Irish immigrant and photographer Keran S. Caufield opened the shop for magic tricks, practical jokes, and toys—and the rest is history. This Saturday, Caufield’s will host its inaugural Caufield’s Creepfest. We’ve asked owner Janine Caufield to share the details.—Simon Meiners, Communications & Research Specialist

It’s never too early to start thinking about Halloween or preparing for this most wonderfully wicked time of year. We are thrilled to announce the first annual Caufield’s Creepfest, a day filled with spine-chilling excitement and eerie entertainment!

Join us at Caufield’s Novelty, located at 1006 West Main Street in Louisville, Kentucky, this Saturday, August 10, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., as we transform our second floor into a haunted haven for all things creepy and macabre. This event is not just about the frights—it's about bringing together our community in celebration of all things spooky and fun.

Event Highlights

• Over Forty Vendors: Explore a vast array of oddities and horror-themed treasures, from eerie crafts to ghoulish goodies.

• Spooky Delights: Enjoy delectable treats that are as delicious as they are frightful.

• Pet Costume Contest: Dress up your furry friends and compete for spooky prizes at 4 p.m.

• Adult Costume Contest: Unleash your inner monster and vie for the top spot at 5 p.m.

• Extended Store Hours: Browse our extensive selection of Halloween decorations, costumes, and horror memorabilia on the first floor.

• Photo Ops with Beetlejuice: Snap a pic with the ghost with the most in our special photo area.

• Door Prizes: Win eerie surprises throughout the day.

Mark your calendars and prepare for a day of ghastly fun and frightful delights at Caufield’s Creepfest. We can’t wait to scare up some fun with you! So come on out to Caufield’s Novelty—serving the unusual since 1920. See you there . . . if you dare!

Janine Caufield
Owner, Caufield’s Novelty
Guest Contributor

Bridging the Divide

Join Us August 24 for Women’s Equality Day Program at Central High School

Women’s Equality Day is celebrated each year in the United States on August 26. The day is to commemorate the adoption of the Nineteenth Amendment, granting women the right to vote. The Office for Women will hold its annual program this year on August 24 at Central High School. Information to register is pictured above. I’m fortunate enough to moderate a panel discussion as part of the program, centering on issues that are driving women to the polls this November. We hope you’ll join us. And remember to vote!

Rachel Platt
VP of Mission

Actors Theatre to Stage Who Killed Alberta Jones? August 8–10

It’s an unsolved murder case that continues to hang over the city of Louisville. Who killed Alberta Jones? She was an African American attorney and civil rights icon who was murdered in 1965. A new play written by Larry Muhammad deals less with her murder and more with who she was and how she did the difficult work in the face of threat and danger. You can purchase tickets to see the play Who Killed Alberta Jones? by clicking here. It will be performed at Actors Theatre, August 8–10. I asked Larry Muhammad to write a few words about his play.—Rachel Platt, VP of Mission

In some ways, the play is a tribute to Black women in the Civil Rights movement. Men get most of the credit, but women like Rosa Parks, Fannie Lou Hamer, and Alberta Jones shouldered a lot of the load.

And it’s a testament to their bravery because in the 1960s, when Who Killed Alberta Jones? takes place, being a rights activist was risking your life. The Birmingham church bombing happened in 1963, the same year that Medgar Evers was killed in the driveway of his home. Malcolm X was gunned down in February 1965. Alberta was drowned that August.

It’s hard to accept that after interviewing and polygraphing hundreds of people, collecting and analyzing all kinds of physical evidence, and following up dozens of leads, the police came up with nothing. But that’s how it went back then, and sometimes how it goes even now.

The play deals a bit with the investigation and questions raised but isn’t trying to solve the case. Most of all, it brings Alberta vividly to life onstage, protesting Jim Crow, registering people to vote, fighting racism in the courtroom, but also fun times hanging out with her girlfriends and interacting with her client, the young Muhammad Ali.

Researching and writing it was a labor of love and I couldn’t be happier that Actors Theatre, Redline Performing Arts, and Parks Alliance of Louisville are putting on the show. Tickets are available online.

Larry Muhammad
Award-Winning Playwright
Guest Contributor