Blue Grass Trust Wins Prestigious 2024 Thomas D. Clark Award of Excellence
We are thrilled to announce that the Blue Grass Trust has been honored with the 2024 Thomas D. Clark Award of Excellence by the Kentucky Historical Society. This prestigious award, presented annually to one Kentucky history organization, recognizes outstanding achievement in preserving and promoting Kentucky’s rich heritage.
This accolade is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team and supporters. Special thanks go to Janie Fergus, John Hackworth, and Dan Vivian for their efforts in submitting the nomination. We are immensely proud of this recognition and grateful for your continued support. As we celebrate our collective achievements and look forward to many more milestones in historic preservation, please enjoy the Kentucky Historical Society's video linked below about the Blue Grass Trust.
EDUCATION
Upcoming July deTour
Date: Wednesday, July 3rd
Time: 6 pm
Where: Bluegrass Distillers at Elkwood Farm 158 W. Leestown Rd., Midway, KY 40347
Mark your calendars for July 3rd as we take a special deTour of Bluegrass Distillers at Elkwood Farm in Midway, Kentucky! Originally built in the mid-1830s, this historic farm has been transformed into a distillery and visitors center, offering a unique grain-to-glass experience utilizing the surrounding farmland. During our July deTour, we’ll explore the beautiful historic grounds and enjoy a bonus bourbon tasting. Don’t miss out on this exclusive sneak peek!
June deTour Recap: Historic Downtown Bloomfield, KY
On June 5th, the Blue Grass Trust hosted a deTour of Historic Downtown Bloomfield, Kentucky! We experienced the quaint charm of this hidden gem and learned about the wonderful efforts made by preservationists like Linda Bruckheimer to preserve its heritage! We were fortunate enough to have a sneak peek at some projects still underway — an antique store, event rental spaces, an Air BNB, and a former skate rink-turned tavern. The group also got to enjoy AfterHour cocktails at Ernie's Tavern!
Blue Grass Trust at KMHA Conference
Blue Grass Trust team members Missy and Jackson recently attended the Kentucky Museum and Heritage Alliance (KMHA) conference in Maysville, Kentucky. The KMHA provides services and programs to increase public awareness and appreciation of museums across Kentucky. Through continuing professional development opportunities like workshops, seminars, and meetings, KMHA supports heritage and museum professionals statewide. Their annual conference, held at various sites of interest, offers unique learning experiences, access to a diverse network of colleagues, and a voice in shaping the organization's future. Missy and Jackson were thrilled to represent the Blue Grass Trust and engage with fellow preservationists and museum professionals.
ADVOCACY
Celebrating the 2024 Blue Grass Trust Preservation Award Winners
We are thrilled to announce the recipients of the 2024 Blue Grass Trust Preservation Awards, recognizing outstanding contributions to historic preservation in our community. Join us in congratulating these exceptional individuals and organizations:
Preservation Craftsman Award: Josh Lowry, MasterCraft Woodworks, Inc.
Public Service to Preservation: Kitty Dougoud, coordinator of the Kentucky Main Street Program
Clay Lancaster Heritage Education Award: Sharyn Mitchell for "Footprint Traces of Black History in Richmond, KY"
Clay Lancaster Heritage Education Award: Wesley Francis
Community Preservation Award: Lewis and Lynne Wolfe
Barbara Hulette Award: Midway Museum
Lucy Graves Advocacy Award: The James Harrod Trust
Clyde Carpenter Adaptive Re-Use Award: Art Center of the Bluegrass
Clyde Carpenter Adaptive Re-Use Award: Craig Rushing
Landscape Preservation Award: Terry Thomas
Yvonne Giles Award: Thomas Tolliver
Lifetime Service to Preservation Award: Maureen Peters
These awardees exemplify dedication to preserving Kentucky’s rich heritage. We are proud to honor their remarkable achievements and contributions to our shared history!
To learn more about the 2024 Preservation Award Winners, click here.
Preservation Matters Spring/Summer 2024: Advocacy Spotlight on Frankfort
Discover the latest in preservation news in our Spring/Summer 2024 issue of Preservation Matters! Learn about our state capital's rich history with articles highlighting recent preservation efforts, including the transformation of iconic landmarks like the Old Frankfort Hardware Store and Frankfort's 'Queen on the Corner’.
Featured Story: Old Frankfort Hardware Store Transformed into Luxury Apartments, Retail, and Office Space
The historic Sower Hardware Store in downtown Frankfort, built in 1914 by Peter Christian Sower, has been transformed into a mixed-use space featuring six luxury apartments, professional offices, and retail space. This renovation honors the building's rich history, from its origins as Frankfort’s first full-service hardware store to its latest purpose. John Sower, the great-grandson of the original builder, oversaw the three-year restoration, which included updating the southern heart pine floors, enlarging windows, and revealing original tin tile ceilings. The project, supported by state and federal historic tax credits, has revitalized the building and contributed to Frankfort’s downtown resurgence, with the grand reopening celebrated in October 2023.
To view the latest issue of Preservation Matters with more stories on Frankfort's historic preservation efforts, click here!
DIRECT SERVICES
Featured Plaque Property
S.P. Kerr Building, 2 N. Main St, Winchester, KY
Constructed in 1889
Twenty-five years ago, Winchester’s 30,060-square-foot Kerr Building was threatened with demolition and may very well have been replaced by a drive-through bank. The Blue Grass Trust therefore featured the 1889 "business block" on our inaugural Eleven Endangered list and thereafter assisted the city with evaluating adaptive reuse plans and finding a new custodian for this commercial gem. Check out our June 4 social media post to learn more about local magnate S. P. Kerr, his flour mill, and the complexities of this plaque property's successful rehabilitation.
Consider a BGT Plaque for Your House
Is your property at least 50 years old and well preserved?
Are you interested in researching its history and learning about its construction?
If so, consider participating in the Blue Grass Trust plaque program, which has been active since the 1970s. The plaque serves as a visual symbol signifying respect and appreciation for the value of historic properties and cultural heritage. Affixing a plaque to your building does not grant the Blue Grass Trust any regulatory powers.
To learn more about the program or to download an application, please visit the “Direct Services” section of our website by clicking the button below.
Important Announcements
Reminder: Only a Few Weeks Left to Double Your Impact!
This June, your donation to our annual fund will be matched, thanks to a generous $25,000 matching challenge from our Board of Directors and Advisory Council! With only a couple of weeks left until June 30, 2024, don't miss this chance to make twice the impact on preserving Kentucky's rich heritage! Click here to donate to our annual fund today.
Summer Office Hours
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.
