Celebrating 70 Successful Yearsof Preservation in Central Kentucky
Support Our Annual Fund
During Preservation Month!
This year marks the 70th anniversary of the Blue Grass Trust for Historic Preservation—a powerful milestone made possible by our dedicated community of supporters. For seven decades, we've worked to protect Central Kentucky’s architectural heritage through education, advocacy, and direct service. As we reflect on our legacy and look to the future, we remain committed to empowering Kentuckians to preserve the stories and places that define our shared history.
Your continued support ensures we can carry this mission forward for the next 70 years. A gift to the BGT Annual Fund directly supports these efforts—and remember, your cumulative giving through June 30 also includes membership with benefits that honor your generosity. Learn more at bluegrasstrust.org/members, and thank you for being a part of the Blue Grass Trust’s enduring legacy.
EDUCATION
June 2025 deTour | FMA Pride of Place Walking Tour
Date: Wednesday, June 4th
Time: 6PM
Location: 224 E. Main Street, Lexington, KY 40507
Join us on June 4th for our Blue Grass Trust deTour featuring the Faulkner Morgan Archive’s newest addition to their Pride of Place Walking Tour! This special Pride Month edition of the deTour will begin outside The Bar Complex (224 E Main St, Lexington, KY 40507) and will conclude at the vibrant mural of Sweet Evening Breeze (169 N Limestone, Lexington, KY 40507).
Guests are welcome to park at the Blue Grass Trust offices at Hopemont (201 North Mill Street, Lexington, KY 40507), just a short walk from the starting point.
ADVOCACY
A Landmark Moment for Latrobe’s Pope Villa!
At our May deTour, the Blue Grass Trust proudly unveiled a transformational project for one of America’s architectural gems: Latrobe’s Pope Villa. In partnership with D.C.-based preservation developer Mitchell Park Companies, we’re launching a $3.4 million, three-year phased rehabilitation of this 1811 masterpiece by influential architect Benjamin Henry Latrobe, who designed innovative residences, churches, and part of the U.S. Capitol.
The project will preserve the Villa’s nationally significant design while introducing a thoughtful reuse plan—light-use offices in secondary spaces and public access to the historic primary rooms. Supported by private investment and a $748,467 Save America’s Treasures grant, this initiative secures a sustainable future for one of the nation’s rarest surviving residences.
“This is the culmination of a dream four decades in the making,” said Executive Director of the Blue Grass Trust, Dr. Jonathan Coleman. “We’re not just restoring a building—we’re proving how preservation can drive economic growth, community identity, and cultural pride.”
Click here to read the full press release on this exciting achievement for preservation in Central Kentucky!
DIRECT SERVICES
New! Introducing the Preservation Help Desk
Your First Stop for Preservation Guidance in Central Kentucky
Have a question about a historic property? The Preservation Help Desk is a new, free service from the Blue Grass Trust that connects you with the expert guidance and resources you need to get started. Whether you're exploring tax credit options, searching for qualified craftspeople, or trying to understand local preservation guidelines, we’re here to help.
From property research and architectural materials to repair guidance and regulatory basics, the Help Desk acts as your community resource for navigating preservation in Central Kentucky. Submit your question anytime through our online form, and a member of our team will follow up with information or help you find the right next step.
Out in the Community
Connecting Through Service and Sharing Our Mission
This spring, the Blue Grass Trust team has been hard at work both inside and outside the office. Volunteers gathered for a garden cleanup at Hopemont and helped prepare for upcoming events with letter-stuffing parties—thank you to everyone who rolled up their sleeves with us!
Meanwhile, Community Outreach Manager Jackson Osborne hit the road to share the Blue Grass Trust’s mission and history, speaking at a recent meeting of Altrusa International of Lexington. And Historic Preservation Manager Zak Leonard joined Board member Shea Brown at the University of Kentucky, where they gave feedback on student research that further explicated the Hunt family's reliance on enslaved labor in the early nineteenth century.
With a legacy of advocacy, education, and stewardship, we’re proud to share about how we help make preservation accessible to all—and we’re always eager to connect with new communities across the Bluegrass.
