You Make Preservation Possible!
Support Our Annual Fund During Preservation Month!
Every day, the Blue Grass Trust hears from someone who wants to do the right thing for a historic place. A homeowner trying to repair original windows. A congregation caring for a landmark church. A neighborhood working to protect the character of their block. Often, they simply don’t know where to begin.
That’s where the Blue Grass Trust steps in. Through our preservation help desk, consulting services, tax credit guidance, and educational programs, we help people make informed decisions that preserve the places that define Central Kentucky.
Much of this work happens quietly, one phone call, one site visit, and one conversation at a time. But the impact is lasting. Because of our supporters, historic homes are repaired rather than replaced, community landmarks continue to serve new generations, and neighborhoods retain the character that makes them special.
As we celebrate National Historic Preservation Month and approach the end of our fiscal year, we invite you to support this work with a gift to the Annual Fund. Your generosity ensures that when the next call for help comes, the Blue Grass Trust will be here to answer it.
EDUCATION
Upcoming June 2026 deTour
Hotel Thoroughbred
This June, deTours heads to Paris, Kentucky for a closer look at one of the region's most exciting recent adaptive reuse projects: Hotel Thoroughbred, housed in the historic 1891 Hinton Building on Main Street!
A longtime landmark of downtown Paris standing directly across from Secretariat Park, the Hinton Building has been thoughtfully reimagined as a 19-room boutique hotel and event center, and a love letter to Bourbon County itself. Paris's motto, "Horses, History, Hospitality," runs through every detail, from an entry wall built from original Claiborne Farm paddock fencing to the silver julep cups presented to Penny Chenery for Secretariat's Triple Crown, now on display in the lobby. The historic grand staircase has been transformed into a three-story "walking gallery" of photographs from the Keeneland Library archives, including tributes to Bourbon County natives and legendary Black jockeys Isaac Burns Murphy and Isaac Lewis. Throughout the building, the work of local craftspeople anchors the design in the community it celebrates: Bourbon Millwork, Quillin Leather, potter Dennis Varney, and many others.
Adaptive reuse done well is one of preservation's most powerful tools, and Hotel Thoroughbred is a beautiful example of what happens when a historic building is entrusted to people who understand its value. Join us in June for a behind-the-scenes look at this remarkable project!
HOTEL THOROUGHBRED
530 Main Street, Paris, KY
Wednesday, June 3
6 PM
Recap: Mid-Century Modern Bike Tour
Featuring the Homes of Richard B. Isenhour
What a way to kick off Preservation Month and Bike Month! On Friday, May 8, about 25 cyclists joined us under sunny spring skies for a one-hour guided ride through Lexington's largest concentration of mid-century modern homes designed by Richard B. Isenhour. The low-traffic residential loop made for a relaxed, friendly outing and a beautiful introduction to one of Central Kentucky's most distinctive architectural legacies. The event went so well that we're already looking forward to planning another bike-and-preservation ride soon!
Recap: May 2026 deTour
White Hall in Richmond, KY
Our in-person deTours returned on April 1st with a visit to the remarkable St. Hubert's Episcopal Church! Completed in 1969 and modeled after a traditional English country church, this picturesque stone structure was built of native Kentucky limestone and locally grown timber. Highlights included the massive oak doors carved by Kentucky musician and craftsman John Jacob Niles, featuring the Eighty-fourth Psalm framed by ivy and tobacco leaves, and a freestanding bell tower housing an 1862 antique bell rescued from being melted down during World War I.
A true highlight of the evening was a dulcimer performance by Ron Pen, Professor Emeritus and Director Emeritus of the John Jacob Niles Center for American Music at the University of Kentucky, who brought the spirit of Niles to life through his music. Guests also enjoyed exploring the beautiful grounds and historic cemetery of the church. It was wonderful to gather in person again and we look forward to seeing you at our May deTour!
ADVOCACY
From Mic to Main Street:
Preserving through Podcasting
Mark your calendars! Erica Friis, Lead of Visitor Experience, will present at the next KMHA Learn@Lunch on Tuesday, May 19 at 1 PM with a virtual session titled, "Preserving Through Podcasting: Making Historic Preservation Accessible Through Digital Storytelling."
Historic preservation processes, particularly National Register nominations, often remain opaque to the public despite their importance in protecting community heritage. Drawing from research conducted for her Master of Historic Preservation thesis at the University of Kentucky, Erica will explore how podcasting and digital storytelling can bridge the gap between technical preservation work and community understanding. Attendees will learn practical strategies for translating complex preservation concepts into accessible, engaging content. Discover how digital audio platforms can demystify preservation processes and build public support for heritage protection, and walk away with ideas for creating lasting educational resources that extend preservation's reach beyond traditional institutional boundaries.
Protecting Affordable Housing on Rose and Maxwell: Upcoming Events
Blue Grass Trust is continuing to partner with Aylesford Action to oppose the loss of historic housing on Rose and Maxwell. Although developer Core Spaces failed in their effort to rezone this block last fall, they are still intending to purchase the buildings this summer and will likely demolish them soon after.
Join us for two events this spring and help us raise awareness about this serious threat to the fabric of the Aylesford neighborhood.
On May 16 at 9 AM, Aylesford Action will be hosting an informational meeting at 221 Stone Ave. We'll discuss our advocacy strategy and identify community-oriented approaches to over-development. And mark your calendars: we are also organizing a neighborhood block party near the project area on June 13. More information on that event will be forthcoming.
DIRECT SERVICES
Out and About in Central Kentucky
The Blue Grass Trust was honored to connect recently with members of the Capt. John McKinley Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution for a presentation on the vital role of historic preservation in our community. Community Outreach Manager Jackson Osborne shared an overview of BGT's work to protect, promote, and celebrate Central Kentucky's historic places, highlighting our preservation resource programming, advocacy efforts, and deTours. He emphasized that preservation is not only about safeguarding buildings, but also about strengthening community identity and ensuring the stories of the past remain visible and meaningful. The conversation also underscored the importance of partnerships in championing historic preservation across the region.
On the Road: A Visit to the Flemingsburg Rotary Club
Executive Director Dr. Jon Coleman recently traveled to Flemingsburg, Kentucky at the invitation of Dr. Glen Womack to address the local Rotary Club on the work of the Blue Grass Trust and its preservation initiatives across the region. He was joined by board member Phillip Tibbs, his wife Trudy, and Advisory Council member Janie Fergus.
Sharing our mission with community groups is one of the most rewarding parts of what we do. If you know of an organization, club, or gathering that would like to host a presentation from the Blue Grass Trust, please reach out. We would love to connect!
