Upcoming January Virtual 2024 deTour
Allen Chapel CME ChurchWednesday, January 8th | 6PM
Our virtual deTours are back this winter, starting with the historic Allen Chapel CME Church in Winchester, KY! Built in the late 19th century, this Gothic-inspired church tells the powerful story of faith, community, and resilience. Learn about its deep roots in the African Methodist Episcopal Church and the efforts to restore this remarkable landmark. Join us online this January for an inspiring journey into the past and a look toward its bright future!
📅 Date: Wednesday, January 8th
⏰ Time: 6PM
📍Where: Virtual- Allen Chapel CME Church
December 2024 deTour
Gray Design BuildingWednesday, December 4th | 6PM
On Wednesday, December 4th, The Blue Grass Trust hosted a special deTour of the newly completed Gray Design Building, a brilliant example of adaptive reuse. Originally built in 1917 as a tobacco warehouse, this 100,000-square-foot structure was transformed into a modern, cross-disciplinary hub. Completed in 2024, it now houses open studio spaces, state-of-the-art fabrication labs, classrooms, offices, and event spaces. Students from architecture, interiors, historic preservation, product design, landscape architecture, and biomedical engineering collaborate and learn in this dynamic space. Situated at one of Lexington’s key gateways, this project stands as a celebration of innovation and preservation.
November 2024 deTour
Moveable Feast Wednesday, November 6th | 6PM
On Wednesday, November 6th, we gathered for a meaningful deTour at Moveable Feast Lexington, set in a beautifully preserved historic home in Lexington's East End neighborhood.
This special organization provides nutritious meals five days a week to low-income residents in Lexington-Fayette County. Their clients include those who have HIV/AIDS and those receiving support from Bluegrass Care Navigators (formerly Hospice of the Bluegrass)—serving some of our community’s most critically ill and vulnerable citizens, as well as their caregivers and dependent children.
Attendees explored the rich history of the space and witnessed how this adaptively reused building continues to make a profound difference in Lexington. Thank you to all who joined us for an inspiring evening celebrating the power of preservation and purpose!
October 2024 deTour
Giltner-Holt House in Franklin CountyWednesday, October 2nd | 6PM
On Wednesday, October 2nd, we had the pleasure of an exclusive in-person deTour of the Giltner-Holt House in Franklin County. This historic home, built in 1859, was purchased by former Kentucky Poet Laureate Richard Taylor in 1975. Known affectionately as "Taylor's Folly," the house was a true fixer-upper, requiring extensive renovations, including a new roof, paint job, and central heating. Located near the scenic Elkhorn Creek just outside of Frankfort, the Giltner-Holt House became Taylor's gateway to the region's rich history and culture, with the creek serving as a profound source of inspiration for his literary works. It was a memorable opportunity to explore the poet's historic home and learn more about its significance!
September 2024 deTour
Hanover TowersWednesday, September 4th
On September 4th, the Blue Grass Trust deTour took us on a journey through the iconic Hanover Towers, a mid-century marvel located in Ashland Park. Celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, the 10-story building, built in 1964, has been a significant part of Lexington's history and was recognized with a BGT plaque on its 50th anniversary in 2014. Now a proud fixture of the Ashland Park Historic District, Hanover Towers has housed many notable residents and remains a cherished community landmark. During the event, attendees enjoyed refreshments, toured various condominium layouts, and soaked in the unique charm of this historic residence, all capped off with a breathtaking view from the rooftop. It was a delightful evening honoring the past and present of this beloved building.
August 2024 deTour
The Marksbury Family WayPoint Center at the Historic Palmer PharmacyWednesday, August 7th | 6PM
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.
July 2024 deTour
Bluegrass Distillers at Elkwood Farm
Wednesday, July 3rd | 6PM
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!
June 2024 deTour
Historic Downtown Bloomfield, Kentucky
Wednesday, June 5th
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!
Click the link below to watch the June 2024 deTour!
May 2024 deTour
Leeds Theater
Wednesday, May 1st | 6PM
On May 1st, we enjoyed an unprecedented backstage access deTour of the legendary Leeds Theater. During this deTour, we explored the rich history and architectural beauty of this iconic venue and gained fascinating insights into the world of theater. To top it all off, we were fortunate enough to catch a sneak peek of "The Three Musketeers" rehearsals, as well!
Click the link below to watch the Facebook live video of our May 2024 deTour.
April 2024 deTour
First Presbyterian Church
Wednesday, April 3rd | 6PM
Click the link below to watch the April 2024 deTour!
On April 3rd, we returned to our much-awaited in-person deTours, starting at the iconic First Presbyterian Church in Lexington, KY.
Established in 1784, this historic congregation stands as a testament to Lexington's rich heritage. Designed by Elder Cincinnatus Shryock and completed in 1872, the church is adorned with architectural marvels and timeless elegance. Step inside and immerse yourself in the echoes of the past as we uncover the remarkable stories behind this architectural gem. From hosting Abraham Lincoln to preserving its picturesque design, the First Presbyterian Church is a true embodiment of history. We capped off our April 2024 deTour experience with a special treat – a captivating choir rehearsal performance. 🎶
March 2024 Virtual deTour
Auvergne Farm
Wednesday, March 6th | 6PM
Click the link below to watch the March 2024 deTour!
On March 6th, we hosted an exclusive virtual deTour of Auvergne Farm, a stunning property steeped in history and nestled in the heart of the Bluegrass region's picturesque countryside. Developed in the late eighteenth century and established in the early 1800s for Brutus Clay, the farm and home showcase the impressive architectural work in the Bluegrass countryside.
The Clay family, descendants of Brutus Clay, have owned and maintained the property for generations, preserving its nineteenth-century agricultural charm. Don't miss this unique opportunity to explore one of central Kentucky's most intact and beautifully preserved historical agricultural complexes.
February 2024 Virtual deTour
Art Center of the Bluegrass
Wednesday, February 7th | 6PM
Click the link below to watch the February 2024 deTour!
Our February 2024 virtual deTour focused on the Art Center of the Bluegrass in downtown Danville, Kentucky. During this deTour, we shared intriguing histories of the two adaptively reused properties that now form the museum while gaining insights into the diverse programs and collections offered by the Art Center for the Blue Grass, including the Glass National Art Museum, showcasing its remarkable collection of works by the internationally renowned artist Stephen Rolfe Powell.
The Digital Access Project: Uncovering Hopemont.
We followed along 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 walk us through tracing 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. The virtual deTour format allows for convenient access, and it provides an opportunity for an inside look at the research project without ever leaving your home!
Students reviewing historic documentation for the Digital Access Project
