Preserving Our Shared Heritage, Together
Unveiling Hopemont Reimagined
Shaping a future of Preservation Excellence
Dear Blue Grass Trust Supporters,
Exciting news is unfolding at the heart of our heritage – Hopemont. We are thrilled to introduce you to "Hopemont Reimagined," a revitalization project that goes beyond mere restoration; it's a pledge to shape a future of preservation excellence.
A Transformative Investment: With a generous $450,000 investment, we've embarked on a journey to breathe new life into our flagship property, addressing critical maintenance issues and setting the stage for something extraordinary.
Comprehensive Restoration: "Hopemont Reimagined" is not just about fixing what's broken; it's a holistic transformation. From upgrading electrical systems to resolving plumbing and HVAC challenges, and from repairing exterior masonry to enhancing interior finishes – every detail is meticulously considered.
A Preservation Hub: Beyond the physical changes, our vision is grand. Upon completion, Hopemont will evolve into a central hub for preservation resources and services in Central Kentucky. Imagine a preservation center, a resource library, and exhibits telling the compelling story of our rich history.
Cultural Enrichment: To elevate the cultural significance of Hopemont, we've welcomed Sara Elliott as our Collections Manager. Her expertise will ensure that our period furnishings and artifacts receive the care and attention they deserve.
Your Continued Support: This incredible momentum is made possible by your generous support. As we express our gratitude for the preservation triumphs of the past, we invite you to be a part of the next chapter by contributing to the Blue Grass Trust Annual Fund.
Together, let's shape a future where Hopemont stands as a beacon of preservation excellence and a testament to our shared heritage. Stay tuned for more updates on this remarkable journey!
EDUCATION
January deTour (Virtual)
For our January deTour, The Digital Access Project: Uncovering Hopemont, we are working with the Fayette County Clerk's Office and the University of Kentucky, History 351/African American and Africana Studies 400, who have recently completed a research project with preliminary findings uncovering the names and lives of those who were enslaved by the Hunt and Morgan families at Hopemont.
The students working on the Digital Access Project, along with members of the Clerk's office and UK faculty will walk us through the steps of using the program to trace the history of those enslaved by John Wesley Hunt, making it both an educational how-to video for the County Clerk's offices and telling an important part of the history of the Blue Grass Trust's flagship property.
Premiers on Wednesday, January 3rd at 6PM
Check back here on our website to watch this deTour video.
Revamped and Expanded East End
Digital Walking Tour
Over the past two months, we have revisited our award-winning Tour the Historic Bluegrass East End Walking Tour. Using the county deed room and our online archival databases, we delved deeper into our tour sites, produced new research, and updated our entries. Additionally, we've included numerous historical maps and photographs to better illustrate the neighborhood's rich history and evolution.
Visit https://tourthehistoricbluegrass.com/ today to learn more about this unique built environment and the stories of the jockeys, musicians, teachers, and doctors who made the East End their home.
ADVOCACY
Advocacy in Action
The Blue Grass Trust has been raising awareness about a proposal from an out-of-state developer to demolish at least 12 historic buildings on East Maxwell Street and Stone Avenue. These properties lie within the Southeast Lexington Residential and Commercial District, which is on the National Register, and would therefore be eligible for federal and state historic tax credits if properly rehabilitated.
How can you help prevent the loss of these historic resources?
1) Watch this video of Dr. Zak Leonard, our Historic Preservation Manager, explaining more about our advocacy work for the E. Maxwell St. and Stone Ave. buildings, or read his op-ed in the Herald Leader here.
2) Join the 2,000+ supporters who have signed our petition.
3) Write or email a letter of protest to the Lexington Planning Commission.
4) Attend the Planning Commission meeting and vocalize your concerns in person. The LFUCG Planning Commission will take up the matter on December 14th at 1:30PM.
5) Follow us on social media (links at bottom of this email) and share our posts highlighting the rich history of these buildings.
