A Frankfort Treasure: The Liberty Hall Library & Archives - Tuesday, June 15, 7:00 p.m., Zoom via Paul Sawyier Public Library
In conjunction with the PSPL, Kate Hesseldenz and Vicky Middlewarth will speak about the Senator John Brown Library and Archives, a hidden treasure housed at Liberty Hall. This virtual presentation will introduce the Liberty Hall library that contains over 2,500 volumes and 350 manuscripts. The books include works of literature and nonfiction titles about religion, education, science, gardening, and cooking. The manuscript collection contains Brown family letters, journals, and poems by Robert Burns Wilson. Special focus will be on books owned by Brown family members, rare books, and volumes published in Frankfort. The program is free, but registration is required through the Paul Sawyier Public Library.
Looks at Books: Into the Bluegrass: Art & Artistry of Kentucky's Historic Icons - Thursday, June 17, 1:00 p.m.
In this Zoom talk, Mel Hankla, will explore Kentucky’s frontier “material culture,” a great array of physical objects including Kentucky long rifles, tools, cabinetry, silver, textiles, religious images, furnishings, and art. Hankla will tell the stories of these objects and introduce you to their makers and users. $10 or sign up for the series for $60. Purchase tickets. The book is also available for purchase.
Looks at Books: Black and White: Kentucky Prints and Printmakers - Thursday, July 15, 1:00 p.m.
Join Warren Payne, Louisville writer, editor, and art dealer, for this Zoom talk where he will discuss fine-art printmaking in Kentucky. The talk is based on the book Black and White: Kentucky Prints and Printmakers from the Collection of Warren and Julie Payne. The talk is $10 or sign up for the series for $60. Purchase tickets. The book is also available for purchase.
Kentucky Culture Symposium: The Big Picture - Saturday, August 14, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., Lexington
What is Kentucky culture? Is it Western? Kentucky began as the New West, settled by the offspring of Eastern colonial states. Our later generations settled the newer West, named the Old West. Is it Southern? It is often said that Kentucky, largely under Union control during the Civil War, became part of the South after the War. This symposium will introduce us to ourselves and our many reincarnations. We will explore through artifacts and artisans how religion, politics, science and the arts shaped Kentucky culture. The 2021 symposium will give you an overview- the big picture! Learn more about the symposium. Event held at Thomas Hunt Morgan House, owned and operated by the Blue Grass Trust for Historic Preservation, 210 N. Broadway, Lexington, KY 40507. $90 per person (includes lunch). Purchase Tickets!
Public Tours - Monday - Saturday at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
Guided tours start at Liberty Hall, 218 Wilkinson St. at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and last about an hour. $9 adults/$7 seniors/$4 youth (6-18)/Free for children 5 and under. Tickets must be pre-purchased. Purchase tickets by clicking here.
Slavery and the Liberty Hall Kitchen - Ongoing
This permanent exhibit illustrates how the enslaved people who worked in the kitchen combined hard labor and special skills to create meals for the Brown family. Staged to interpret preparation of a breakfast served to President James Monroe in 1819, the kitchen reflects the Browns’ upper-class lifestyle—and the enslaved women and men who made it possible. Images and interactive elements encourage visitors to explore the intersection of slavery and foodways in early 19th century Kentucky. Accessed through a guided tour.
Kentucky Made: Decorative Arts from the Liberty Hall Collection - Ongoing
Featuring some of the finest examples of Kentucky-made pieces from the Liberty Hall collection, this exhibit explores the social and cultural landscape of 19th-century Kentucky through the work of silversmiths, weavers, furniture makers, and painters. Some of the artists represented include: Asa Blanchard, Matthew Harris Jouett, Oliver Frazer and Paul Sawyier. Located on the 2nd floor of Liberty Hall; the exhibit is only viewed through a guided tour.