Volunteering Has Never Been More Fun!
Join Our Team of Dedicated Volunteers
Help Preserve Our Community’s Heritage and Have Fun Along the Way!
For seventy years, the Blue Grass Trust has thrived as a grassroots organization, powered by a dedicated team of volunteers like you. Your time, talent, and resources are essential in expanding our mission and preserving our community’s built heritage.
How to Volunteer
Volunteering with us is simple. Fill out the form on our website's Volunteer page clicking the button below and share a bit about yourself, your interests, and your skills. By joining our volunteer network, you’ll receive occasional emails about upcoming opportunities that match your preferences.
Ready to make a difference and have fun while doing it? Click the link below, fill out the volunteer form and start your journey with us today!
EDUCATION
Upcoming September 2024 deTour
Date: Wednesday, September 4th
Time: 6 pm
Where: Hanover Towers | 101 S. Hanover Ave, Lexington, KY 40502
Save the date for September 4th and explore Hanover Towers with the Blue Grass Trust deTour! Celebrate 60 years of this mid-century marvel in Ashland Park. Built in 1964, Hanover Towers received a BGT plaque on its 50th anniversary in 2014. This historic 10-story building, now part of Lexington’s Ashland Park Historic District, has housed notable residents and continues to be a community landmark. Enjoy refreshments, various apartment layouts, and the charm of this unique residence, starting with a spectacular view from the roof. Don't miss this event!
August deTour Recap: The Marksbury Family WayPoint Center at the Historic Palmer Pharmacy
On August 7th, the Blue Grass Trust hosted a special deTour of the Historic Palmer Pharmacy, a significant Civil Rights site in Lexington's East End, once owned by Dr. Zirl Palmer. Built in 1961, it was the first Black-owned Rexall franchise in the U.S. and served as a vital community hub. Dr. Palmer, a prominent civic leader, was involved with numerous local organizations and served on the University of Kentucky's Board of Trustees. Although he opened a second pharmacy in the West End, it was tragically closed due to a racially motivated bombing in 1968. The original Palmer Pharmacy remains the last standing structure built, owned, and managed by an African American pharmacist from that era.
Thanks to the support and advocacy of the Blue Grass Trust and our community partners, the building has been preserved and today serves as a WayPoint for the United Way, continuing Dr. Palmer's legacy of civic engagement. The event was a remarkable opportunity to honor this historic site and celebrate its enduring significance.
ADVOCACY
2024 Hopemont Lecture Community Action
Friday, September 27th, 2024
2pm
Huntertown Community Interpretive Park | 1546 Huntertown Road, Versailles, KY 40383
Let's put into practice the knowledge we will gain from the upcoming 2024 Hopemont Lecture! In collaboration with Huntertown Community Interpretive Park, we have organized a hands-on community action event. Join us as we work together to maintain the park grounds, ensuring that our community can continue to learn and appreciate this innovative public history site.
Located in Woodford County, the park was once home to the thriving, close-knit African-American community of Huntertown. Huntertown was formed in August 1871, just six years after the end of the Civil War, when formerly enslaved Woodford County United States Colored Troop veteran Jerry Gatewood purchased the first 5-acre tract of land in the would-be community. Because of continued flooding, the local government purchased the land and in 2003-2005 demolished existing structures and relocated the residents. This event is free, but with limited capacity. Please register by clicking here.
DIRECT SERVICES
Featured Plaque Property
Cincinnatus Shryock House, c. 1884
439 W. Fourth Street, Lexington, KY
One of several Shryocks to leave a mark on Central Kentucky's built environment, Cincinnatus was best known for his public buildings in downtown Lexington. These included the Romanesque post office and the old opera house (both demolished), as well as ecclesiastical projects such as the First Presbyterian Church, the Centenary Church (Heritage Antiques), and St. Paul (as consulting architect). In 1884, he purchased the parcel at 439 W. Fourth from Hulda Dowden, a past client. He constructed this restrained Italianate house and resided there with his wife, Olivia, until his death in 1888. To learn more about 439 W. Fourth and the Dowden House, check out our July 23 social media post!
