What We Do

The Blue Grass Trust for Historic Preservation is a non-profit advocate for historic preservation that strives to protect, revitalize and promote the special historic places in our community in order to enhance the quality of life for future generations.

The Blue Grass Trust was founded in 1955 by a spirited group of Lexington citizens who were determined to save the John Wesley Hunt residence from demolition. This group raised funds to purchase and restore the property, now known as the Hunt-Morgan House, to its original 1814 appearance. Today, the house stands as a testimonial to the beginning of the Blue Grass Trust and the birth of the preservation movement in Central Kentucky.

Over the years, the Trust has helped save many other historic structures, including the Dudley House, Shakertown of Pleasant Hill, the Adam Rankin House, Henry Clay’s Law Office, Belle Brezing’s Row Houses, the Mary Todd Lincoln House, the Stilfield Log House and Benjamin Latrobe’s Pope Villa.

Today, the Trust continues to provide valuable leadership and inspiration to the preservation movement in Central Kentucky and throughout the state. As the region’s leading preservation organization, the Trust works diligently to fulfill its mission of education, service and advocacy.

Advocacy

The Blue Grass Trust for Historic Preservation serves as the region’s leading advocacy organization for all preservation related matters.  Founded in 1955, we are the 14th oldest preservation organization in the United States.  Since the time of its formation, the BGT has endeavored to promote the public recognition and preservation of buildings, structures, neighborhoods, districts, areas and objects which form the foundation of the Bluegrass Region’s historic fabric.

Recent BGT advocacy letters:

Blue Grass Trust's Response to the Proposed Boone Creek Adventures Development (December 16, 2011)

Blue Grass Trust's Response to the Proposed Update to Woodford County's Comprehensive Plan (November 2, 2011)

Blue Grass Trust's Response to the Proposed Subdivision of 617 West Short Street in Lexington, KY (December 5, 2011)

Blue Grass Trust's Support of a Conditional Use Permit for Helm Place (August 18, 2011)