New Updates to Membership Levels and Benefits
Discover the Enhanced Perks of Being a Blue Grass Trust Member
We are thrilled to announce the updated membership levels and benefits for the Blue Grass Trust! Our new membership structure, effective from July 1st, 2024, offers a streamlined and rewarding experience for all our valued supporters. Now, every donation made throughout the fiscal year not only contributes to preserving our rich heritage but also automatically grants you membership status, with cumulative benefits reflecting your total contributions. Here’s a glimpse of the new membership tiers and the exclusive perks each one offers:
Limestone (Up to $99)
Invitation to our Founders’ Day and Annual Meeting Event
Ability to vote on new Board members and slate of officers
Initial threshold for Board service
Invitation to Preservation Awards
Granite ($100-$249)
All Limestone level benefits
Invitation to our Member and Guest Fall Reception
Marble ($250-$499)
All Granite level benefits
Advanced invitations to Blue Grass Trust programs and events
Cornerstone ($500-$999)
All Marble level benefits
A special Blue Grass Trust gift as a token of appreciation
Keystone ($1,000-$2,499)
All Cornerstone level benefits
Additional exclusive invitations and enhanced donor recognition
Landmark ($2,500-$4,999)
All Keystone level benefits
Special recognition in Preservation Matters Magazine
Unique acknowledgments and special opportunities for engagement
Hopemont Society ($5,000+)
All Landmark level benefits
Highest level of recognition and exclusive access to special events
Private lunch and tour with the Blue Grass Trust Executive Director
We invite you to join us in preserving Kentucky's historical treasures by becoming a member today. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps us protect and celebrate our shared heritage. Explore these exciting new benefits and be a part of our mission to keep history alive by visiting bluegrasstrust.org/members, or sign up to become a Blue Grass Trust Member through the button below.
EDUCATION
Upcoming August deTour
Date: Wednesday, August 7th
Time: 6 pm
Where: The Marksbury Family WayPoint Center at the Historic Palmer Pharmacy 400 E. Fifth St, Lexington, KY 40508
Join us on August 7th for 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 was 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. Despite opening a second pharmacy in the West End, a racially motivated bombing in 1968 led to its closure. 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, we ensured the building was preserved and today serves as a WayPoint for the United Way, continuing Dr. Palmer's legacy of civic engagement. We hope to see you at this exciting new deTour!
July deTour Recap: Bluegrass Distillers at Elkwood Farm
In July, we hosted our deTour at Bluegrass Distillers at Elkwood Farm in Midway, Kentucky. This site is set to become the distillery’s new home after relocating from the Bread Box on West Sixth Street. Originally built in the mid-1830s, Elkwood Farm has been transformed into a distillery and visitors center, offering a unique grain-to-glass experience utilizing the surrounding farmland. We explored the beautiful historic grounds during our visit and enjoyed a bonus bourbon-tasting!
Hopemont Lecture
Save the Date for the 2024 Hopemont Lecture
Named after the 1814 home that spurred the creation of the Blue Grass Trust, The Hopemont Lecture brings the nation’s foremost preservationists and historians to Central Kentucky. Together, we explore innovative ways to think about and share Kentucky’s rich, diverse, and exciting past.
Registration for the 2024 Hopemont Lecture will open in late August. For more information, visit our website at bluegrasstrust.org/hopemont.
Sharing our Preservation Journey Beyond Kentucky
Dr. Zak Leonard Spoke About the Blue Grass Trust at Cornell University's Historic Preservation Planning Alumni Symposium
Here at the Blue Grass Trust, we are always keen to spread word of our preservation efforts beyond the borders of Kentucky. Dr. Zak Leonard, our historic preservation manager, recently returned to Ithaca, New York to deliver a presentation at Cornell University’s Historic Preservation Planning Alumni Symposium. His talk, entitled “Evolving Nonprofits: Reconsidering Historic Property Ownership in 2024,” provided an in-depth account of our Hopemont rehabilitation, explaining design decisions and addressing the challenges that the project posed. Dr. Leonard also spoke to our ongoing efforts to identify a new steward for Latrobe’s Pope Villa who has the capacity to carry out a full interior rehabilitation.
ADVOCACY
Maxwell Street Court Update
On July 19, lawyer Jessica Winters presented our case before the Fayette Circuit Court to appeal the Planning Commission's rezoning of E. Maxwell and Stone Ave, which the Urban County Council sanctioned without a public hearing. This decision would enable the construction of a 7-story residential tower for university students and result in the demolition of 13 structurally-sound National Register-listed buildings. Winters compellingly argued that the B-2A zone, which is reserved for the downtown, is not appropriate for the project area; this designation also violates myriad components of the comprehensive plans that are supposed to inform zoning deliberations. Winters also criticized the City's informal convention that prohibits councilmembers from discussing zoning matters with their constituents. These residents were assured that their concerns would be addressed at a UCC public hearing, but the Council then refused to hold that meeting. While we hope to avoid legal action whenever possible, this was the only avenue for addressing these important procedural and interpretive issues. If out-of-state developers can easily bend the ear of the Planning Office, longtime community members should also have their voices heard. A final ruling is expected in four to six weeks.
DIRECT SERVICES
2024 Founders’ Day and Annual Meeting
The 2024 Founders' Day and Annual Members' Meeting was a memorable event, celebrating the achievements of the past year and setting the stage for future success. Held at the beautifully restored Hopemont, the event brought together members, supporters, and community leaders to reflect on the 2023/24 year and look forward to the year ahead. Click here to view the Blue Grass Trust 2024 Annual Report.
Introducing Our New Board Members and Approved Slate for 2024/25
2024-2025 Officers:
President: Mike Meuser
Vice-President: Richard Schein
Secretary: Maureen Peters
Treasurer: Kent Pleasants
New Board Members:
Shea Brown: Deputy Clerk for the Fayette County Clerk’s Office, Pastor of Pleasant Valley Baptist Church, and active in educational and historical organizations.
Jo Ellen Hayden: History graduate from Transylvania University with a career in engineering program management. Active in community service, including work with BrookeUSA and Christ Church Cathedral.
Kent Pleasants: Director Emeritus with Blue & Co., LLC, with a focus on small businesses, personal tax, and nonprofits. Longtime board member for various nonprofits and current Treasurer for the Blue Grass Trust.
Featured Plaque Property
Moody-Sinclair House, c. 1846-48
(531 E. Main Street, Georgetown, KY)
While much of our activity is centered in Lexington, the Blue Grass Trust also proudly serves the counties surrounding Fayette. Numerous BGT plaques are visible on Georgetown's historic downtown properties. These include 531 E. Main Street, the former residence of saddler William Henry Moody and banker Abner Sinclair that we profiled in our July 9 social media post. Read that history to learn more about this building's significance and physical evolution!
Summer Office Hours Reminder
Starting June 7th and running through August 30th, the staff of the Blue Grass Trust will be working half days on Fridays. Our office hours on Fridays will be from 9 AM to 1 PM.
