History Burgoo

Confessions of a Costumed Interpreter

Historic Locust Grove is a Regency style home built around 1792 in Louisville, Kentucky. Home to the Croghan family, this National Historic Landmark welcomed three presidents, the famed members of the Lewis and Clark expedition, and General George Rogers Clark. Owned by William Croghan (a surveyor and one of the wealthiest men in Kentucky) and his wife Lucy Clark Croghan (the sister of George
Rogers Clark and William Clark), Locust Grove was a major gathering place in Kentucky. Today, Historic Locust Grove hosts many events including: 18th Century Market Faire, Antique Fair, 18th Century Thunder Revolutionary War Encampment, patriotic picnics, lecture series, KJHS club, and an opportunity for visitors to tour the home and experience the magic of an 1800’s Christmas celebration.

On December 9-10, 2011 I participated in Candlelight Christmas at Locust Grove. Candlelight is a popular event at Locust Grove, during the second week of each December, where visitors connect with history through costumed interpreters (CI) like me! The house is decorated in Regency Style Christmas splendor while visitors participate through dancing, playing card games such as Whist, and conversing with the interpreters.

About three and a half years ago, my best friend introduced me to the world of costumed interpreting opportunities at Historic Locust Grove. To prepare for my CI role, I attend monthly meetings to learn from other interpreters and guest speakers. The group also learns current events of the early 1800’s, clothing styles, children’s activities, food preparation and presentation, day to day activities, and conversation points to use to engage visitors in enjoyable topics. Select members also participate in rehearsals of Regency period dances. Through the CI meetings I have made friends my age, and have met seasoned interpreters who have amazing storytelling talent and a passion for history.

When I began costumed interpreting I portrayed Eliza Croghan, the youngest daughter of William and Lucy Croghan of Locust Grove. However, she was only eight years old and I had recently turned 14 years old and grew six inches, which squashed the believability of me being a little girl. I was then given the character of Ann “Nany” Clark. Nany was the youngest daughter of Jonathan and Sarah Clark, the wealthiest family in Kentucky and the niece of George Rogers and William Clark.

To research my new character I discussed my “family” with the other interpreters, and researched and shared my new knowledge from the internet and meetings with local historians, on the CI blog. My favorite parts of the CI learning process are researching clothing styles and the dancing practices. Due to my recent growth spurt, a new dress was in order. I purchased authentic period fabric at the Jane Austen Festival (hosted annually at Locust Grove) and a friend sewed the dress for me in Regency style. To complete my transformation, my mom fixed my hair in “the latest Regency fashion,” and I wore my great-grandmother’s cameo necklace, which is almost a hundred years old, strung on a beautiful ribbon.

The final touches were placed around the grounds, the halls were “decked” with holly and greenery, the luminaries were lit, showing the way to the house, and the cold air urged the visitors toward the music and candlelight filled house. A large crowd of my family, friends, and members of my KJHS group arrived to enjoy an evening of history and treats from 1809. I spent most of the night dancing with short breaks to “introduce” myself to the guests. Both evenings went by so quickly and were full of music, dancing, and storytelling. Now, I can’t wait for next year!

Written by Clare Egan (KJHS Board Historian)

a.k.a. Nany Clark

For more information on Historic Locust Grove and costumed interpreting go to www.locustgrove.org or call (502)897-9845.

For more information on the Kentucky Junior Historical Society contact Cheryl Caskey at cheryl.caskey@ky.gov.

Behind the scenes at the opening of "The Makings of a Master: Kentucky Folk Art Apprenticeships"

        I’ve had some interesting assignments in the two and a half years I’ve been a volunteer at the Kentucky Historical Society. One of the most enjoyable was spending an evening with Bobby Osborne and the Rocky Top X-Press.

        Since I’m a bluegrass music fan it wasn’t a hard decision when the call came for volunteers to help with the September 15th opening of ”The Makings of a Master: Kentucky Folk Art Apprenticeships” exhibition and the concert to mark the Bill Monroe centennial.

     Bob Gates, director of the Kentucky Folklife Program, surprised me with the assignment of looking after the musicians -- showing them where the food and soft drinks were and making sure they could get in and out of the locked doors to their tour bus.

     What a nice group of guys!

     When I informed Bobby Osborne about the cold sweet tea in the “green room” (the education rooms off the main lobby), he told me how he had gone off tea while fighting as a Marine in Korea. He said he had gotten too many cups of lukewarm tea when what he really wanted was something cold. 

     Bobby passed on the food and tea, but other members of the band dug into the fried chicken box suppers.

     While waiting with the band members until time to go onstage, I spotted a small electronic device clipped to the neck of Joe Miller’s guitar. Miller explained that the digital readout allowed him to tune his guitar, even when the rest of the band was playing. Bobby Osborne Jr. also had one on his five-string bass.

     It was a great concert! One of the highlights was the appearance with Osborne and the X-Press by Cory May, a young musician from Kentucky.

     I had a chance to talk to Cory early in the evening. It’s easy to tell he’s very passionate about his music. His talent and long hours of practice were evident when he played both guitar and mandolin and sang with Osborne and his band.

     "The Makings of a Master: Kentucky Folk Art Apprenticeships" will be open at the Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History through December 10 and will then tour the state through 2014.

     The next concert in the Folklife series will be at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 20, and feature the Reel World String Band, Carla Gover and Jeri Katherine Howell. The exhibition and concert are free with admission to the Kentucky Historical Society.

     I’m looking forward to it!

-Jim Gill, KHS volunteer since 2009. Jim also blogs at Searchin' for Kinfolk.

All photos by the Kentucky Folklife Program.

Come visit the KHS Library for Thursday night programs!

In September, we started some new Thursday night programs to go along with our “Getting to Know the Library” session which is offered the first Thursday of each month at 5:30.  Now that October is here, we wanted to remind everyone of these opportunities to learn more about the library and research materials that are available.  Registration is not required for any of these programs, so you’re welcome to just show up at the Library at 5:30 on Thursdays.

 

Here’s the rundown on our programs:

•  1^st Thursday of each month, 5:30-6:30 – “Getting to Know the Library”

A Library staff member will lead interested patrons on a tour of the Martin F. Schmidt Research Library and answer questions about the resources we have available.

•  2^nd Thursday of each month, 5:30-6:30 – Fold3 Users Group

Interested in learning more about using Fold3 (which was formerly known as Footnote)?  Or are you a frequent user of Fold3 that can share your experiences and knowledge with others?  Beginners, experts, and everyone in between are welcome!

•  3^rd Thursday of each month, 5:30-6:30 – Ancestry and Heritage Quest Users Group

We’ve all heard of Ancestry.com, but what’s the best way to use it?  How do you navigate the thousands of databases they have available?  When do you have to leave the computer and go to the original records?  And what exactly is Heritage Quest?  How can it help with genealogy research?  Both of these sites can be valuable to both beginning and advanced researchers, so come to our Users Group to learn more about using these resources or offer your advice to others!

•  4^th Thursday of each month, 5:30-6:30 – RootsMagic Users Group

Do you use the genealogy software RootsMagic to organize your family tree?  Come to the library to meet fellow RootsMagic users, discuss features of the program and strategies for making the most of this software.

(Use a different genealogy software program?  Contact us at KHSRefdesk@ky.gov about forming additional user groups!)

 

We look forward to seeing you on Thursday nights in the Library!

 

ScanFest is coming to the Library!

Earlier this year, the KHS Library purchased a Bookeye 4 overhead scanner.  Since you may be wondering what that is, I’m going to rely on the old “a picture is worth a thousand words” adage.

 

Basically the Bookeye has the ability to create digital images of our collections by using an overhead camera.  We love this machine, because we can now take digital images of our collections that would be damaged using a traditional flatbed scanner.  Many thanks to the Kentucky Historical Society Foundation and the Kentucky Genealogical Society for providing funding to purchase the Bookeye.

So what is ScanFest?  On two Saturdays in October (Oct . 1 and Oct. 29) we are letting patrons bring in their fragile books (family bibles, diaries, scrapbooks, etc.), along with a USB (flash/thumb) drive and we will provide digital images of their materials -- for free!!

Customers can sign up for 20 minutes sessions by contacting the Library Reference Desk at KHSRefdesk@ky.gov.  To ensure the highest quality scans, there will be a 5 page scan limit per session, but you can sign up for more than one session.  Customers can choose  scan resolutions and formats (JPEG, PDF, TIFF).  Digital images will be in color, and black & white photocopies will also be available for 25 cents each.

Okay, a wrap-up:

• ScanFest will be held on Sat. Oct. 1 and Sat. Oct. 29, from 10 am - 5 pm
• Registration is required for a guaranteed time slot.  Walk-ins will be accommodated as time allows.
• Scanning sessions are limited to 20 minutes & 5 pages of material.  Patrons can sign up for multiple sessions.
• Don’t forget a USB drive!  (We recommend at least 4 GB to make sure that all files will fit on the drive)
• Recommended materials for scanning are fragile and tightly bound books such as family Bibles and scrapbooks.  Manuscripts and photographs are not recommended.

Email us at KHSRefdesk@ky.gov with any questions and to reserve your spot!

How Will You Observe Patriot Day?

On December 18th, 2001 President Bush signed public law No. 107-89 designating September 11th as Patriot Day, in remembrance of the tragic events that shook our nation on September 11, 2001. Citizens are asked to fly the American flag at half-staff from dawn until dusk. The bill passed the House of Representatives with a vote of 407-0 and passed the US Senate unanimously.

The outpouring of patriotism in our country following the attacks on September 11, 2001 was a strong message to the world. It reflected the strength and resolve of our country’s founders. I once heard that patriotism is the duct tape of democracy. Perhaps that is true. It brings out the best in us when we focus on the big picture and not on our differences. In between those times of tragedy and triumph, some put their patriotism on the back burner. Why can't we be patriotic every day?

The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution has chosen to commemorate this tenth anniversary of the attacks on our country by encouraging state societies and local chapters to promote events in their communities to remember the nearly 3,000 who died in the attacks and the many thousands more whose lives were changed forever by the loss of a loved one. The NSDAR has even designed a banner which may be purchased and presented to first responders and others in your community. The objectives of the NSDAR are to promote Education, Historic Preservation, and Patriotism.

The Kentucky Society Daughters of the American Revolution will join with the Kentucky Historical Society on Sunday, September 11th, at 3 o'clock in the Cralle-Day Garden at the Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History, 100 W. Broadway, Frankfort in observance of this Patriot Day. It is fitting that the ceremony will take place in front of the Kentucky Liberty Bell. The Liberty Bell is a symbol of that freedom which was won at places like Lexington and Yorktown, Midway and Normandy, and now is being defended as far away as Iraq and Afghanistan.  It represents a way of life so precious to us, but which others may seek to take away.

So wherever you are on Sunday, take a few minutes out of your day to remember those who were lost and those who grieve and those who bravely stepped forward to defend our country. If you can come to Frankfort, please join us. If not, find a way to show your patriotism and appreciation for the liberty we so often take for granted.

-Leslie Miller, KHS membership coordinator

 

Did you know that the original Liberty Bell was not called by that name until abolitionists adopted it as a symbol in the 1830's? And later the bell was used as a symbol by suffragists who commissioned a replica and had the clapper chained to the bell to symbolize the women's inability to have their voices heard.

The Kentucky Liberty Bell is one of 55 replicas cast in 1950 as part of a US savings bond drive. Each state, the District of Columbia, and two US territories received replicas. Most are displayed at or near the state capital. The Kentucky Liberty Bell, once on display at the Old State Capitol, can now be seen at the Kentucky Historical Society's Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History. Come by and see if it inspires you to wave your flag!

 

Inscription on the accompanying plaque:

DEDICATED TO YOU, A FREE CITIZEN IN A FREE LAND

THIS REPRODUCTION OF THE LIBERTY BELL WAS PRESENTED TO THE PEOPLE OF KENTUCKY

BY DIRECTION OF

THE HONORABLE JOHN W. SNYDER

SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY

AS THE INSPIRATIONAL SYMBOL OF THE

UNITED STATES SAVINGS BONDS INDEPENDENCE DRIVE

FROM MAY 15 TO JULY 4, 1950 IT WAS

DISPLAYED IN EVERY PART OF THIS STATE.

 

THE DIMENSIONS AND TONE ARE IDENTICAL

WITH THOSE OF THE ORIGINAL LIBERTY BELL

WHEN IT RANG OUT OUR INDEPENDENCE IN 1776.

IN STANDING BEFORE THIS SYMBOL, YOU

HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO DEDICATE

YOURSELF, AS DID OUR FOREFATHERS,

TO THE PRINCIPLES OF THE INDIVIDUAL

FREEDOM FOR WHICH OUR NATION STANDS

Learning "Thorough Research" from Elizabeth Shown Mills

Last Saturday I got to represent KHS at the annual seminar of the Kentucky Genealogical Society.  I was extremely excited because the speaker this year was Elizabeth Shown Mills, who is known as a leader in the field of genealogy.

If I could use only two words to sum up Ms. Mills’ presentation, those words would be “thorough research.”  So often people think of genealogy as a family chart, listing birth, marriage, and death dates, and linking one generation to the next.  Ms. Mills was quick to point out that “genealogy is not the gathering of names – it is the study of people, people who led lives beyond their birth, marriage and death.”  Since our ancestors lives consisted of more than just birth, marriage, and death, we need to look at other records, maybe records we don’t often think of as being “genealogical records,” in order to piece together the events of their lives.

Also, just as you and I live in connection with other people (friends, co-workers, neighbors, and family), so did our ancestors.  Mills suggests familiarizing yourself with neighbors (looking at 15-20 households listed before and after your ancestors in the census), family members (who may also be neighbors), and fellow church-members.  She calls these relationships a person’s “FAN club” (Friends, Acquaintances, Neighbors).

Going back to the “thorough research” idea, one of the things Ms. Mills emphasized is the use of original records.  Several of the cases studies she used in her presentation started with people only looking at abstracts and indexes and never going to the original record.  Okay, we all know that handwriting is a pain to read, especially when it’s on microfilm, but there is no way to be certain that you have all the possible information unless you have seen the record yourself.  Even if the record contains information that you may consider “extraneous,” make note of that information because you never know when it may become useful.  Perhaps that extraneous information will connect to the next record you find!

I’ll admit, as I listened to Ms. Mills, I couldn’t help thinking, “This sounds exhausting!!”  (Maybe that’s where the phrase “exhaustive research” comes from.)  However, her case studies proved again and again that if you research thoroughly, if you go to the original records and pull out every bit of information you can find, the answers can be found.  They may not be in black and white on a single record the way we would like, but you can make inferences and connections and discover ways through and around the “brick walls” in your genealogy.

Thanks to the Kentucky Genealogical Society for bringing Ms. Mills to Frankfort and putting on a great seminar!

-Jennifer Howard

PS...If you attended the seminar, please use the comments section below to add your thoughts on Ms. Mills’ presentation and what you found most useful.

 

Images:

1) Elizabeth Shown Mills

2) Portion of the will of J. Nelson of Madison County, Kentucky. Full document and transcript available on the KHS Digital Collections.

 

Exploring the KJHS Archives, pt. 4



In April 2012, the Kentucky Junior Historical Society (KJHS) will convene its 50^th Annual Convention at the Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History. While we are celebrating KJHS’s 50^th anniversary on this occasion, the quest to create a program that would connect Kentucky’s youth with their history began a little more than 50 years ago when the Kentucky Historical Society (KHS) published a magazine in 1957 called The Junior Historian. Simultaneously, the governor of Kentucky, A.B. “Happy” Chandler, wrote letters to history and English teachers in order to promote interest in forming Junior Historical Society chapters at their schools. Governor Bert T. Combs continued Chandler’s work by helping to pass legislation that created the Kentucky Young Historians Association (KYHA).

In 1961, the first issue of Kentucky Heritage was published. This magazine published the work of KYHA members featuring the projects they created in their chapters. During the early years, KYHA had 720 members and 28 clubs in the state of Kentucky.

The first state convention occurred in 1963, and was held at Franklin County High school in Frankfort. A bit of trivia about KYHA during this time:

·         Membership was open to any student in primary or secondary school in Kentucky.

·         Dues were $0.50 for club members and $1.00 for individual members.

·         The first president was Bill Zarrett, from Bryan Station High School in Lexington.

During this early period, one of the most important achievements was creating the organization’s first constitution. Officers were to be elected at each convention. At this time the state officers included: President, First Vice-President, Second Vice-President, Secretary and Historian.

This constitution did not allow Junior High and Elementary district representatives as state officers. The next constitution was later amended to solve this issue. Not everyone could vote: only members in the first 11 grades of school could vote.  

Kentucky Young Historians would meet yearly at State conventions. These conventions were to be held annually at a place approved by the Executive Committees of the Kentucky Historical Society and the Young Historians Association. In 1962, a new competition was announced for KYHA members to enter: the essay contest. Ribbons were given out for the winners. Starting in 1964, KYHA members were admitted to state historical sites and museums. By 1966, KYHA membership had grown to 5,016 students and 110 clubs.

 
During the 1970’s, the organization continued to grow. In 1976, during the nation’s bicentennial, the Kentucky Young Historical Association changed its name to the Kentucky Junior Historical. KJHS began to sponsor summer programs for its members in the mid 1970’s. One of these programs was  weekend camps at the Wickliffe Mounds, where students learned how to dig for artifacts at an actual archeological site.

The 70’s also saw KJHS form relationships with other state junior historical societies such as the Indiana Junior Historical Society and the Tar Heel Junior Historical Association from North Carolina. The IJHS and the KJHS met frequently during the 1970’s to exchange ideas and form friendships.

During the 1980’s, the state convention flourished with many new events available to students. These included: art, photography, research, scrapbook, video, exhibits, crafts, speeches, performances, and the ever popular History Bowl. By 1987, KJHS consisted of 3,700 students and 175 clubs. 1987 also saw KJHS celebrate its 25^th anniversary and Frankfort was chosen as the site for the state convention.

In the 1990’s, KJHS had several exciting new opportunities. Kentucky celebrated its bicentennial in 1992, and KJHS members participated with local programs and activities. In 1997 KJHS members were introduced to the National History Day program to increase opportunities for competition beyond the state level. At this time KJHS and National History Day were both separate entities. During the 2009-2010 school years KHD and KJHS were combined in order to adhere to National History Day project standards.

KJHS has grown since its creation nearly 50 years ago. While many of the functions of KJHS have changed over the years, its main role hasn’t changed: to provide new ways to help connect K-12 students to Kentucky’s rich history. What’s past is prologue for KJHS. The next 50 years will continue to be very productive and rewarding for KJHS members.

Would you like to help sponsor a KJHS chapter or join? Please contact Tim Talbott at 502-564-1792 ext. 4428, or Tim.Talbott@ky.gov.

-Derrick Ranostaj

Images:

Image 1: Kentucky Young Historians Association chapter certificate.

Image2: Campaign card for the office of second vice president of 1965 KYHA convention.

Image 3: Picture of KJHS chapter, unknown location, ca. 1990.

Image 4: KJHS members at the Wickliffe mounds ca. 1970.

California Burgoo

 
 First, I have to admit…As a native Californian, I had never heard of “burgoo” until I started digitizing some archival video footage of Kentucky Folklife Program director, Bob Gates, interviewing participants at the 2007 Kentucky Colonels Bar-B-Que event in Louisville. This is a small reminder that one full year as a resident of Kentucky still leaves me with quite a lot of regional folkways to learn about. So…where and how can I try the best burgoo? Perhaps you know the answer (leave a comment!).

 As the Kentucky Folklife Program’s summer graduate intern, I’m working at one of the epicenters of public sector folklife research and programming in the state. The 2011 summer season marks the half-way point in the completion of my Master’s degree in Folk Studies from Western Kentucky University (the same program which has excellently yielded the full-time folklorists of KFP)--a continuation of my undergraduate degree in folklore and ethnomusicology from Indiana University.

 Building on experiences working in folklife studies and programming at Indiana’s state folklife agency, Traditional Arts Indiana, and with the Smithsonian Institution’s Folkways Recordings, and the annual Smithsonian Folklife Festival, I’m now very glad to be here at the Kentucky Historical Society, diving into the rich heritage of Kentucky's folk and traditional arts as a seasonal member of the Folklife team.

 Over the summer, I’m helping with a few different projects. A couple days out of the week I organize materials from KFP’s archives. On my first day of work I was organizing release forms from our “More than Music” project—a heritage driving tour of Kentucky’s Route 23, the Country Music Highway—and I stumbled upon the signatures of Loretta Lynn, Patty Loveless and other important Kentucky performers involved in the project. I admit I let out a squeal. (Contact us to purchase your copy of the driving tour, 502-564-1792, attn: Bob Gates)  

I’m also helping with our upcoming traveling exhibit, “The Makings of A Master,” commemorating the 20^th anniversary of KFP’s Folk Arts Apprenticeship program. From editorial assistance for the upcoming exhibit, to deconstructing, moving and reconstructing our current traveling exhibit on Kentucky luthiers, it’s been a baptism-by-fire into the joys and mishaps that come with curating and managing a dynamic folklife exhibit. This hands-on experience is particularly timely for me as I’m independently curating a small exhibit at WKU on Freeman Kitchens—a Warren Co., Ky. record collector who founded the official fan club of the America’s beloved Carter Family, producing an important legacy of early music journalism and grassroots documentation of 20th century country music culture in and around Kentucky. The exhibit opens August 27, 2011 at the Kentucky Museum & Library at WKU.

 
Beyond the horizon of these projects, I’ll be going out into the field, for KFP, to document and report on the arts and folk traditions of the western portion of the state in support of a future Kentucky Folklife Festival program on Western Kentucky. I'm thrilled at the responsibilities that have and will be sent my way during my internship with the Kentucky Folklife Program, as I'm swiftly gaining important insight about the everyday life of a public sector folklorist--from grant-writing, to project coordination, to curatorial duties, to the application of disciplinary theory, to archival processes, to fieldwork--it's safe to say I've got a thorough head start on my "Public Sector Folklore" course this fall.

 Amidst all this engaging work, I still find time to take this portrait of our Director, Bob Gates "fitting in" on a work trip to Berea.

 

-Jenn Jameson
Kentucky Folklife Program Intern

Photo Credits:

Image 1: Warren May, dulcimer maker, teaching Jenn to play the dulcimer in Berea. Photo by Bob Gates.
Image 2: Installing the Made to be Played exhibit at the Behringer-Crawford Museum.
Image 3: Bob Gates, Folklife Program Director, enjoys Berea's attractions.

Renovated “Hall of Governors” Will Open on Boone Day!

Boone Day, the KHS event that takes place annually on the first Saturday in June, will be even better than usual this year.   

On Saturday, June 4, the renovated “Toyota Kentucky Hall of Governors” will open in conjunction with Boone Day.  Boone Day will take place at the Center for Kentucky History, and KHS guests that day will be the first to experience the new Hall of Governors, along with related programming that day.  

Why is this renovation such a big deal? 

Well first, a word on the history of the Hall of Governors—affectionately referred to as the HoG. 
Re-opening the HoG on Boone Day closely mirrors the roots of the Boone Day tradition and the existence of the exhibition itself.  On June 7, 1897, Gov. William O. Bradley presided over the first annual meeting that reestablished KHS after it was nearly abolished in 1889. (Each governor also serves, by statute, as the Chancellor KHS during his/her term.) 

During the meeting, Bradley requested that the Society’s portraits of Governors Letcher, Metcalfe, Scott, Powell and Blackburn be assembled for display.  

Now, portraits are commissioned during each governor’s term and are hung when he leaves office. The previous configuration of the HoG was becoming crowded, and did not allow for the addition of more portraits.  

The new, improved exhibition, however, allows for these additions and much more!  KHS is lucky to hold many governor-related artifacts, including personal items that belonged to many governors. The new HoG will allow for the display of these items, and will let KHS tell the story of the commonwealth’s heads of state more fully. 

For example, KHS holds in our collections the watch Isaac Shelby carried when he fought the English in the War of 1812.  We also have the ring Luke Blackburn presented his wife on their wedding day in 1857; a cane Thomas Bramlette carried during the Civil War; and, perhaps most infamously, the shirt William Goebel was wearing when he was shot by an assassin in 1900. All of these will be on display in the newly renovated exhibition. 

 And on Boone Day, our guests will have the opportunity to hear from the living governors, from Ford to Fletcher, on a variety of topics relating to the governorship. This panel discussion will be moderated by Bill Goodman from KET. 

Tickets for Boone Day are $18 for KHS members and $23 for all other guests, and include the exhibition opening, the panel discussion and lunch.To purchase your tickets, email Julia Curry or call Julia at
502-564-1792. 

While we anxiously await Boone Day, stay tuned to the KHS Facebook page for governor-related trivia!

--Laura Coleman

Top image: The HoG has been painted, and KHS staff are reinstalling portraits today. Second image: The upper text rail in the exhibition contains the oath of office.  

Passion for (Derby) Fashion? Come to Hat-A-Tude!

 

It could be said that looking good—especially during Derby season—is a Kentucky tradition.  Rarely do we see promotions for horse races, particularly Derby Day races, that do NOT include imagery of beautiful women wearing gorgeous hats and dresses.

This year, during this season of couture, KHS will host our Hat-A-Tude event on Thursday, April 28 from 5:30 to 8 p.m.  This is the second year for the event, and you may remember several blog posts about it. But this year, things will be a little bit different.

Since Hat-A-Tude is back this year by popular demand, we’ve upped the ante with our lineup of activities.

After cocktails and heavy hors d’oeuvres, fashionistas of all ages can sit back, relax and watch the professionals work!  Models from Images Model & Talent Agency will star in a runway show featuring Derby apparel for every occasion and through the decades provided by Polly Singer Couture Hats and Veils, Lexington; Bella Rose Boutique, Lexington; and Rosie’s Consignment Boutique, Louisville.  Make-up for the models will be provided by Ana Crane-Simpson.

This is an all-star lineup.  In case you don’t know about these guys, here’s the scoop. 

Polly Singer provides headwear for serious A-listers—and not just here in Kentucky. Polly has created unique fashions for a myriad of high-profile events, including horse races, polo matches, weddings and other social and charitable functions. Singer’s new line, Kate, which will be featured in the fashion show, was inspired by the hats worn by Kate Middleton and others at Royal Ascot.

If you don’t know Bella Rose, you are missing out on one of the best boutiques in Lexington.  I was just  in the shop several weeks ago for their Shoshanna trunk show, and it was breathtaking.  For a shopper like me, it was almost too much to bear—beautiful colors, current trends, striking accessories and friendly staff. 

But for those of you who are on a bit of a budget—and who really isn’t these days?—another option for classy apparel is Rosie’s Consignment Boutique in Louisville.  It is not unusual to walk in Rosie’s and find brands like Trina Turk, Chanel or Prada—but at consignment prices.  I repeat, this is NOT your grandmother’s consignment store--unless your grandmother left you vintage Gucci. 

Then add in beautiful models from Images sporting Derby looks on the runway, with perfect makeup from Ana Crane-Simpson, who has worked for cosmetics lines like Hard Candy and Mac.  Maybe, if the rest of us—more mortal than model—are lucky, Ana will give us some tips WE can use to complete our Derby looks.

And don't forget to wear your own Derby hat and see if you can win our contest!

So now it’s time to get down to—stylish and en vogue—brass tacks:
When: Thursday, April 28, from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History, 100 W. Broadway, Downtown Frankfort KY
Tickets: $15 for KHS members, $20 for all other guests. This includes cocktails and hors d’oeuvres.
RSVP by  April 21 by emailing Julia Curry or calling her at 502-564-1792. 

Also, check the KHS Facebook page for a special promotion, coming TOMORROW!!