Dr. Zak Leonard

Dr. Zak Leonard is a historian and historic preservationist who trained at Cornell University (M.A. in historic preservation planning) and the University of Chicago (PhD in South Asian history). His recent master's thesis analyzed past efforts to identify, designate, and commemorate Underground Railroad sites throughout New York State and Canada. His first book, Ethical Empire? India Reformism and the Critique of Colonial Misgovernment, was published in 2023 (Cambridge University Press) and is now available in paperback.

At the Blue Grass Trust, Dr. Leonard oversees direct services (National Register nominations, historic tax credit consulting) and coordinates the organization’s advocacy efforts. He also produces educational content in the form of virtual tours (featured on Tour the Historic Bluegrass) and building histories for BGT’s social media accounts.