Announcing a New Virtual Tour and A Special Edition of Preservation Matters!
New Virtual Tour Announcement!
Early Log and Stone Buildings in Central Kentucky
The Blue Grass Trust is pleased to announce that a new virtual tour will be featured on our award-winning Tour the Historic Bluegrass website this summer. This survey, which will encompass Fayette and its surrounding counties, will examine approximately 20 existing and demolished log and stone buildings that were constructed prior to 1830. Key remnants of Kentucky's early history, these properties pose unique preservation challenges and often suffer from neglect. Many have not been documented since the early 1980s. This crucial study is made possible with support from the Kentucky Humanities Council, the National Trust for Historic Preservation's National Trust Preservation Fund, and America250KY. Over the next few months, we will be profiling a number of these tour stops on our social media pages in recognition of Lexington's 250th anniversary.
Preservation Matters: A Special 70th Anniversary Edition
In celebration of the Blue Grass Trust’s 70th anniversary, Preservation Matters is undergoing an exciting transformation this year. Rather than our usual biannual release, we are dedicating our efforts to producing a singular, special edition of Preservation Matters to commemorate this milestone year. This issue will be released in July 2025, packed with special announcements, historical highlights, and reflections on the past seven decades of preservation excellence.
Recently, the Preservation Matters committee convened to begin preparations for this commemorative edition. With big plans underway, we are eager to share stories of our most impactful projects, new initiatives, and the vision for our future. This special issue will showcase our ongoing commitment to making preservation possible throughout Central Kentucky and beyond.
EDUCATION
May 2025 deTour | Latrobe's Pope Villa
Date: Wednesday, May 7th
Time: 6PM
Location: 326 Grosvenor Ave, Lexington, KY 40508
Join us on Wednesday, May 7th, at 6 PM for an exclusive deTour of Latrobe's Pope Villa! Designed in 1811 by Benjamin Henry Latrobe, America’s first professional architect, the Pope Villa is a neoclassical masterpiece commissioned by Senator John Pope and his wife, Eliza. Acquired by the Blue Grass Trust for Historic Preservation in 1988 after a fire revealed much of the original structure, the villa has been the focus of ongoing stabilization and restoration efforts to preserve its architectural significance.
During the deTour, you’ll explore this remarkable landmark’s fascinating history and learn about the Blue Grass Trust’s dedicated preservation work. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to engage with one of America’s most treasured historic sites!
A Fun Visit to Happy Chandler's Cabin
April deTour Recap
Our April deTour took us to Happy Chandler’s Cabin, a charming and historic retreat nestled in the Kentucky countryside that once served as a beloved getaway for A.B. “Happy” Chandler, the two-time Governor of Kentucky, U.S. Senator, and Commissioner of Major League Baseball. Attendees enjoyed a rare glimpse into the rustic yet refined cabin, which features original architectural elements and personal memorabilia that paint a vivid picture of Chandler’s life and legacy. Guided by passionate storytellers, guests learned about Chandler’s profound impact on Kentucky’s political landscape and his pivotal role in integrating Major League Baseball by supporting Jackie Robinson’s entry into the league. We were thrilled to see so many faces join us for this special event!
Photographs of former Memorial African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church in Rochester (1972) and Israel A.M.E. Church in Albany (1976)
Identifying Underground Railroad Sites: Challenges and Opportunities
Speaker: Dr. Zak Leonard
Date: Thursday, April 17th
Time: 6:30 to 8:00PM
Location: Hopemont | 201 N. Mill Street, Lexington, KY
Co-organized by Lexington's Freedom Train
Join us for the third installment of the Lexington Freedom Train Lyceum, a program designed to enhance our understanding of the Underground Railroad and its operations in Kentucky and beyond. Drawing from his extensive survey of Underground Railroad-linked properties in Upstate New York, Dr. Zak Leonard, our historic preservation manager, will discuss how these sites have been identified and commemorated. His talk, which focuses on the designation of anti-slavery churches, will incorporate case studies from New York and Kentucky to determine whether a new, transregional methodology is required for the study of these important historic resources. Light refreshments will be provided.
ADVOCACY
Marty Gibson, President of Farmers National, presents check for Historic Tax Credits to Dr. Jonathan Coleman for the work at Hopemont.
Creative Funding Solutions for Preservation
How Syndication Makes Tax Credits Work for Nonprofits
This month, Executive Director Jonathan Coleman met with Marty Gibson of Farmers National and WealthSouth. They generously purchased the state historic tax credits we received for the recent rehabilitation of Hopemont, part of our Hopemont Reimagined initiative.
That's right, nonprofits that own historic properties can take advantage of historic tax credits, too! By partnering with a financial institution like Farmers and WealthSouth, nonprofits can transfer their historic tax credits for cash through a process known as syndication. This valuable tool helps fund critical preservation work, making restoration projects more accessible and achievable.
DIRECT SERVICES
Spring Cleaning at Hopemont
Tuesday, April 22nd
10:00AM
Hopemont | 201 North Mill Street, Lexington, KY 40507
Join the Blue Grass Trust and our wonderful Town & Country Garden Club - Hopemont as we give some much-needed love to the grounds of Hopemont! We’ll be:
Cleaning the siding of the house
Gathering leaves
Tidying up our garden and outdoor spaces
Volunteers are encouraged to bring their own gloves and garden tools if they have them—we’ll have a few extras to share as well.
Please RSVP by emailing josborne@bluegrasstrust.org so we can plan accordingly.
Featured Plaque Property
Matthew Walker House | 728 W. Short Street, Lexington, KY
Nestled in the Western Suburb Historic District, this rare, half-timbered building dates to the late eighteenth century and was originally situated on Inlot 17 (in the vicinity of 504 W. Short). When it was threatened by demolition in 1977, the Crutcher family deconstructed the building and reassembled it at its current location. From 1986 to 2018, it was the home of Bettye Lee Mastin, a veteran journalist and one of the region's leading architectural historians. Our April 8th social media post presents the full history of this remarkable plaque property.
In Loving Memory: Kent Pleasants
1958-2025
It is with heavy hearts that we mark the passing of Kent Pleasants, a dedicated leader, devoted supporter, and cherished member of the Blue Grass Trust. Kent’s unwavering commitment to our mission has left an indelible mark on our organization. He served multiple terms on the Board of Directors and was currently serving as Treasurer and chair of the Finance and Nominating Committees.
Kent was deeply passionate about preserving, revitalizing, and promoting the historic places that define our community. His efforts have significantly enhanced the quality of life for Kentuckians—both now and for generations to come. Through his advocacy, service, and educational work, Kent embodied the mission of the Blue Grass Trust, and we are committed to continuing that work in his honor. We invite you to learn more about the incredible legacy Kent leaves behind by reading his memorial, linked here.
