Contribute to the Blue Grass Trust's History Harvest!
Contribute to our History Harvest!
Help Us Complete the Story of the Blue Grass Trust
As we celebrate 70 years of making preservation possible, we're looking to fill in the chapters of our own history—and we need your help. The Blue Grass Trust History Harvest is an initiative to gather stories, photographs, documents, and artifacts that help tell the full story of the Blue Grass Trust’s impact in Central Kentucky.
Do you have old event photos, letters, memorabilia, or personal stories connected to the Blue Grass Trust? These pieces, big or small, can help us gain a more complete perspective of our history and the people who’ve shaped it.
If you have something to share, reach out to Executive Director Dr. Jonathan Coleman at jcoleman@bluegrasstrust.org. Together, we can preserve the legacy of the Blue Grass Trust for generations to come.
EDUCATION
Upcoming March 2025 Virtual deTour
Topic: Josephine Russell Clay
📅 Date: Wednesday, March 6th
⏰ Time: 6PM
Tune in online on March 6th for a special virtual deTour in collaboration with our friends at Ashland, The Henry Clay Estate! This program will highlight the incredible life of Josephine Russell Clay and the historic sites she is associated with in Lexington, KY.
A pioneering horsewoman, breeder, novelist, and poet, Josephine Clay played a key role in Kentucky’s Thoroughbred racing legacy, first alongside her husband John M. Clay and later as a trailblazer in her own right.
This virtual deTour will set the stage for our March 20th lecture at Hopemont, where author Jessica K. Whitehead will further explore Josephine’s impact. Following the program, Whitehead will sign copies of her recent book, The History of the Kentucky Derby in 75 Objects, published in collaboration with the Kentucky Derby Museum and University Press of Kentucky.
DON'T FORGET TO SAVE THE DATE FOR AUTHOR JESSICA K. WHITEHEAD'S IN-PERSON LECTURE AT HOPEMONT!
"The Ideal Horsewoman of Kentucky":
Josephine Clay and Trailblazing Women in Racing
Location: Hopemont | 201 N. Mill Street, Lexington, KY 40507
Date: March 20th
February 2025 deTour Recap: Vertner Woodson Tandy
Take a look back at our virtual February deTour that celebrated one of Lexington’s most acclaimed native sons: Vertner Woodson Tandy, a pioneering architect and trailblazer.
Born in 1885, Tandy became the first African American registered architect in New York State. His iconic designs, like Madam C.J. Walker’s Villa Lewaro, showcase his groundbreaking talent. Learn more about his journey from Lexington to his profound impact on architecture, civil rights, and community leadership by watching this deTour here!
ADVOCACY
Photo of Stone Tavern, 1940
Save the O'Neal-Graves Stone Tavern!
On the market for the first time in 65 years, the O'Neal-Graves Tavern is one of the only surviving buildings of its kind in Central Kentucky. A former stagecoach inn that served travellers in the mid-nineteenth century, its significant history is well-documented. The building is also listed on the National Register as a notable example of stone architecture. This designation does not impose any restrictions, but it does enable the owner to claim generous federal and state historic tax credits following a certified rehabilitation.
Consisting of two levels with separate entries and a finished attic, the building feasibly could be configured into at least two units. Historic features abound on the interior and will transport you back to the days of early Kentucky. The large lot also offers the possibility of a rear extension. As the parcel is currently zoned B-1, short-term rentals would be permitted. The Blue Grass Airport and the Keeneland Race Course are conveniently situated nearby.
Don't miss out on this rare investment opportunity! Any BGT supporters interested in an acquisition or potential development partnership may contact Dr. Zak Leonard at zleonard@bluegrasstrust.org.
DIRECT SERVICES
Date: Thursday, February 20th
Time: 6 PM
Location: Hopemont | 201 N. Mill Street, Lexington, KY
Our upcoming Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credits Workshop will be a valuable session for property owners and preservation enthusiasts interested in learning how to make the most of tax credits for historic properties.
Learn the ins and outs of the application process, eligibility requirements, and how these credits can support your preservation projects. Mark your calendar and join us for an informative evening!
This FREE workshop is presented in partnership with the Blue Grass Trust and the Kentucky Heritage Council. Complimentary parking is available in the parking lots of 201 North Mill Street and 210 North Broadway.
Featured Plaque Property
Samuel Oldham House | 245 S. Limestone, Lexington, KY
Our February 4 social media post (and BGT success story) profiled the 1835 Samuel Oldham House, a National Register-listed property that almost suffered demolition by neglect in the early 2000s. One of the earliest extant residences in Lexington built by a free Black person, it underwent a major transformation that is chronicled in the slideshow. Learn about the Oldham family, the house's later inhabitants, and our campaign to prevent its destruction!
