DIRECT SERVICES

Simplifying Preservation for All

Preservation can be daunting, but we make it easy. Blue Grass Trust is committed to being a guide and resource for all with a vested interest in preservation.

Whether you are a property owner, historian, a developer, or simply someone who loves old buildings, the Blue Grass Trust can help. We provide information and support on preservation techniques and resources, as well as offer educational opportunities and advocacy initiatives that simplify the process of preservation for everyone.

Our goal is to simplify preservation for all and empower people to preserve the rich cultural heritage of Central Kentucky for future generations. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you with your preservation project.

Plaque Program

The BGT Plaque Program could be considered the Blue Grass Trust's most visible program. The plaque serves as a visual symbol of civic pride that is meant to signify respect and appreciation for the historic value of the properties. It calls attention to buildings of architectural or historic significance that are at least fifty years old. Over 800 plaques have been awarded since the program began in the early 1970s.

These plaques are only symbolic – they don’t protect properties from demolition or restrict renovation. Rather, they serve to recognize buildings’ architectural integrity and to honor the events and people associated with these properties.

Applying for a Blue Grass Trust plaque is a simple process. Download the application below and, once completed, email it to office@bluegrasstrust.org. A committee will review the application and determine if the property meets our criteria for recognition. If it does, we will award it a plaque, which can be proudly displayed to indicate the building’s significance and help preserve its history for future generations.

Property owners can choose between a $150 regular plaque or a $250 bronze plaque. These fees cover production and processing as well as a one-year membership to the Blue Grass Trust.

Program Requirements

The property must be at least 50 years of age, and property owners must complete an application and submit it to the Blue Grass Trust. Be sure to include information about the building's history, its architecture, its date of construction, photographs of all sides of the building and $150 or $250 (depending on your plaque preference), which covers production and processing fees as well as a one-year membership to the Blue Grass Trust.

Sources for Research

Key resources for completing the application fully are specified in the document itself. Here are some additional helpful links to aid in your research:

  1. Historic Maps
    * 1855 “City of Lexington” Map
    * 1857 “View of Lexington” Map

    * 1871 Bird’s Eye View Map

    * 1877 Beers Atlas of Fayette and Surrounding Counties

    * 1891 Wallis Fayette County Map

  2. Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps (Lexington)

  3. Historic Photographs
    * Asa C. Chinn Downtown Lexington, Kentucky Photographic Collection, 1920-1921

    * Clay Lancaster Kentucky Architectural Photographs

    * Clay Lancaster Slide Collection

    * Carolyn Murray-Wooley Collection

    * Foley Photograph Albums

    * Lafayette Studios Collection: 1920s, 1930s, 1940s, 1950-2003

    * Bullock Photograph Collection

Review Process

Following the receipt of a completed application, the plaque review committee reviews the application. The committee considers the information submitted and votes to approve or disapprove each application. Following positive review, the Blue Grass Trust staff contacts the property owner and makes arrangements for the delivery of the plaque. If the review is negative, the Blue Grass Trust will provide an appropriate explanation to the property owner.


Please contact Dr. Zak Leonard or call (859) 253-0362 if you have any questions.

 

PLEASE NOTE: THE PLACEMENT OF A BGT PLAQUE ON A PROPERTY DOES NOT REQUIRE THE OWNER TO OPEN THE PREMISES TO THE PUBLIC, NOR DOES IT CONVEY ANY RESTRICTION ON MAKING CHANGES TO THE PROPERTY.

 

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