Schedule of Events for Scary Night at the Museum

The time is here, Scary Night at the Museum is less than 24 hours away! We’re so excited with all of the buzz surrounding the event, that we thought it would be best if we went ahead and let everyone know what will be going on the night of October 23.

The doors will open at 6:00 p.m. and Scary Night will begin. Please use the Short Street entrance (back of museum). Don’t know where the Lexington History Museum is located? 215 W Main St in the Old Fayette County Courthouse. The museum is bounded by Short, Upper, Main, and Cheapside Park.

Continuous activities on the 3^rd Floor 6-9 P.M. –

2^nd Floor
Haunted Museum! Come see the Ghosts of the Old Fayette County Courthouse as they chill you to the bone. Small children and anyone who does not like to be scared are asked to not participate in the Haunted Museum as there are thematic elements which may  be too scary for kids. The Haunted Museum will not run during the costume contest (7-8).

Clay-Davis Gallery Reception Room
Crafts
Games
Guest tables: Fayette County Cememtery Trust, Ghost Chasers International, The ScareFest, Apex Publications Owner Jason Sizemore and Editor Mari Adkins

Third Floor Hallway
Food from Papa John’s Pizza, Babycakes Cupcakes, Ale-8-One Bottling Company

Schedule of events for Original 1900 Courtroom
6:15: Mock Witch Trial

6:30: Storytelling with Octavia Sexton

7:00 – 8:00: Costume contest, Judges: Dr. Nick Couns, Mick Jeffries, Ide Bouldin
If you wish to participate in the Costume Contest, you must register at the desk at the Short Street Entrance. A form will be provided for you to put your Name, Age, and the Concept for your costume. Please be at the museum no later than 6:45.

8:00: Mock Witch Trial

8:30: Storytelling with Octavia Sexton

Thank you to all of the local businesses who have shown us SO much support: Ghost Chasers International, The Scarefest, Holiday Inn North, J. Peterman Company, Babycakes Cupcakes, Ale-8-One Bottling Company

If you have any questions about Scary Night please call the Museum at (859) 254-0530.

Ghosts of Lexington’s history will haunt Old Fayette County Courthouse on October 23

Something goes bump in the night in the Old Fayette County Courthouse, home of the Lexington History Museum. Only one night of the year do the spirits of dearly (and not so dearly) departed Lexingtonians and historic figures come back to walk its hallowed halls. On October 23 from 6 – 9 pm, visitors to the Lexington History Museum’s Scary Night at the Museum will be chilled to the bone and will witness terrors beyond their imagination. For those who do not like to be scared, a free community fall festival on the museum’s third floor will provide thrills without the chills.

The ghosts in the Haunted Museum are based on real people and the volunteers portraying them reveal Lexington and Kentucky’s haunted past. Students from Henry Clay High School, SCAPA, Transylvania University, and the University of Kentucky will be doing the scaring. Some apparitions are rumored to be Bonnie and Clyde, who committed a robbery in Western KY, Native American, and zombies from the Lexington Cemetery. This year, there is a new addition to Scary Night in the form of a mock trial of women tried for witchcraft in 1800s rural Kentucky. It is a fictional account based on oral history of witch burnings in Kentucky and the grand jury trial of a woman in Owen County for witchcraft. Visitors to the museum will be able to hear the defense and prosecution present the case and it will be their job to reach a verdict. The sentence for the woman on trial? She will burn at the stake. Mwahahahahahaha.

Back for 2010 is Appalachian storyteller Octavia Sexton who will tell her “haint” tales to those brave enough to listen. Many of her stories are passed down from generation and are derived from European, African and Native American stories, though some are from her own creation. Learn more about Octavia Sexton by visiting her website.

Also on the third floor, there will be representatives from the Fayette County Cemetery Trust with information about their programs. Kentucky author Mari Adkins will be signing copies of her anthology Harlan County Horrors. Representatives from The ScareFest, the largest horror and paranormal convention in the Southeast US will be around so you can learn more about the convention.

There will be crafts and games for children of all ages along with food from local restaurants. The costume contest will be early in the event so children aren’t up too late. Prizes will be awarded to the top three in categories Children 0 – 3, Children 4 – 10, Teens 11 – 18 and Adults 18+ and have been donated by local businesses.

And the best part of it all? Scary Night at the Museum is free!

For questions about Scary Night at the Museum please contact Museum Assistant Natasha Collier by email tashalee09@gmail.com or by phone (859) 254-0530.

Scary Night at the Museum
Lexington History Museum
October 23, 2010
6 – 9 pm

Costume contest, haunted museum, games, crafts, food, mock trial.

Special thanks to BabyCakes Cupcakes, J. Peterman Company, Lexmark Corporation, The ScareFest, Chuck and Patti Starr, Ghost Chasers International, Ale-8-One and Holiday Inn North for their partnership!

Changes coming to the Lexington History Museum

In the quarterly print edition of The Bluegrass Historian this month, a major change was announced concerning new admissions procedures at the Lexington History Museum. As of September 25, 2010, all visitors will be charged an admission fee. At the June board of trustees meeting, members voted to approve the admission charge in light of the museum’s budget. After the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, the admission policy will change again to offer free admission to Fayette County residents.

The admission changes also bring about changes in entering and exiting the Old Fayette County Courhouse which houses the Lexington History Museum. As of September 25, point of entry will be the Short Street entrance. The Main Street entrance will be permanently closed and signage will be placed accordingly.

After the Games close on October 10, Fayette County residents will be admitted at no charge upon presenting proof of residence (driver’s license, student ID, check, library card, etc.) The change in policy is because of projected budget deficits, but still remains in keeping with the spirit of Dr. Thomas D. Clark’s vision that local residents should not have to pay to learn about their heritage. The decision to charge admission to non-residents is supported by Dr. Clark’s widow.

Museum President and CEO had this to say about the impending changes:

The Museum receives no public operating funds, although the building is maintained at a minimum by the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government. The Museum operating expenses are totally dependent on private donations, such as the impending admissions costs.

The cost will be $5 for Adults and Children over 12, $3 for Children 6-11. Children 5 and under will be free. Visa, MasterCard and American Express credit cards will be accepted at both the admissions desk and in the gift shop. The three other History Center museums Isaac Scott Hathaway Museum, Pharmacy Museum and Public Safety Museum will remain free to the public.

For questions regarding these changes, please contact Museum President and CEO Jamie Millard by email jamie@lexingtonhistorymuseum.org or by phone (859) 254-0530.

Located at 215 W. Main St in Downtown Lexington, KY, the Lexington History Museum is open seven days a week 12-4 with extended hours on Saturday 10-4. During the World Equestrian Games, the hours will be extended to fit with the Spotlight Lexington events downtown. The new hours will be Sunday through Friday 10-6 with hours of 10-6 on Saturday. Following the close of the games, the museum will revert to its Friday through Monday schedule.

The Lexington History Museum engages all people in discovery and interpretation of the history of Lexington, KY and the Bluegrass region.

This Day in History — September 8

This day in history, September 8, 1867,John LaRue Helm, Kentucky governor 1850-51 and 1867 passed away just five days after taking the oath of office at his bedside. Born near Elizabethtown on July 4, 1802, e served as president of Louisville and Nashville Railroad and worked in his 1867 campaign to end post-Civil War bitterness and proscriptions against ex-Confederates.

Though he favored Kentucky’s neutrality during the Civil War, he was considered to be a Southern sympathizer. During his terms as Lt. Governor, Governor (18th and 24th) and in the Senate, he favored state aid for economic development, election reforms to curb irregularities and violence, higher salaries to attract better judges, and prohibition of the carrying of concealed deadly weapons.

He proposed that LaRue County be so-named for his grandfather.

Support the museum by voting — Chase Community Giving on Facebook

Help the Lexington History Museum win $250,000 by voting on the Chase Community Giving page on Facebook. Help us become one of the top 200 charities in the rankings. Having this money would allow us to bring even more programs and resources to the community.

Voting is simple:
“Like” Chase Community Giving on Facebook
Search “Lexington History Museum” —> click on LEXINGTON HISTORY MUSEUM INC
THEN! (And this is the most important part) click “Vote!”

Send all of your friends to vote for the museum too!

There are some amazing things that we can do with even $20,000 like our Scary Night at the Museum event or Hands on History Summer Day Camp. Help us preserve history for Lexington and the Bluegrass Region.

VOTE TODAY!

“Hands on History” Summer Day Camp mixes fun and learning!

The school year is drawing to a close and that means it is time to figure out what to do with the kids this summer. The Lexington History Museum is sponsoring 3 week-long summer day camp sessions for children of all ages. The camp mixes hands-on activities, walking tour of Lexington, trips to other historic sites and behind the scenes fun at the museum. Kids will play Native American games, explore life as a Pioneer, find out how Lexington was divided during the Civil War and create their own exhibit!

Three sessions will be held daily from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.: June 21- 25
July 05 – 09
July 12 – 16

Ages listed on the promotional material specify children 6 – 10, but we welcome children of all ages with a desire to learn about the history of Kentucky and Lexington!

Topics for the camp include: Native Americans in Kentucky, Lexington’s Pioneer Heritage, Abraham Lincoln and His Wife’s Hometown, Civil War Lexington, and Behind the Scenes of the Lexington History Museum.

Important Information about the Camp:

• Each camp session costs $183 per camper
• Cost includes all materials and any outside attraction admission charges.
• Lunch is not included in the camp fee. (Campers should bring a bagged lunch printed with his/her name and a soft drink. There is access to a refrigerator to keep lunches cool.
• Camps sessions are Monday – Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Campers are expected to be dropped off and picked up on time.
• Late pick up at 5 p.m. is available for $25 per camper, per session.
• Activities are in the Museum Center building, on the Court Square, or within short walking distance of the Museum

Payment is due the Monday before the desired session begins. Financial assistance is available for those in need.

Stop by the museum for a registration form or email lexhistorymuseum@yahoo.com for a pdf version!

Lexington History Museum to participate in BGT Sunday Stroll

Sundays are generally a great day to get out and take a walk around Lexington. Today is no exception as the Bluegrass Trust for Historic Preservation sponsors a “Sunday Stroll” with 8 open historic sites. Put on your walking shoes and head to Gratz Park where the stroll will begin. Refreshments and a music ensemble are to be found at the Bodley-Bullock House at 200 Market St. Just across Gratz Park, the Hunt Morgan House will be open as well.

The Sunday Stroll is a free way to get out and see important historic sites in Lexington. While the Lexington History Museum is always free, we will be giving a 10% Discount in the Court Square Trader Museum store during the event. Visitors must mention the Sunday Stroll to receive the discount.

The evening culminates at Christ Church Cathedral for an organ concert and Evensong beginning at 4:30. The Lexington History Museum will be open until its normal time of 4 p.m. so be sure to check it out!

Open sites include:

1.  Hunt Morgan House & garden  (Blue Grass Trust)
201 North Mill St.

2.  Old Morrison, Transylvania University; Patterson Cabin is on the grounds
West Third St.

3.  Bodley Bullock house & garden (Lexington Junior League)
200 Market St.

4.  Christ Church Cathedral, Art Gallery & Garden;  Organ Concert & Evensong
166 Market St.

5.  Henry Clay Law Office (The Henry Clay Center for Statesmanship)
176 North Mill St.

6.  First Presbyterian Church
174 North Mill St.

7.  Lexington History Museum (Old Fayette County Courthouse)
215 West Main St. (Main at Upper; open ’till 4 PM)

Additionally, Pope Villa, 326 Grosvener Ave., a restoration in progress by the Blue Grass Trust for Historic Preservation will be open for free tours conducted by historic preservation specialists.

If it’s May, it’s Preservation Month!

May is Historic Preservation Month! As part of our observance of this national holiday, the Lexington History Museum will be out in the community for a few Saturdays this month.

Saturday, May 8 (and possibly Sunday, May 9) come say hi to us at Mayfest Art Fair in Gratz Park. This annual event features local art vendors, artisans and crafters. We’ll be hanging out at the education tent, so come make some crafts (and kids, impress your moms with your art skills) and take home some information about our upcoming programs. Gratz Park is located between Third and Second Sts at Mill and Market Sts. Music, a book fair at the Carnegie Center, educational activities, and fun times await you at Gratz Park for Mayfest. And just think… it’s the beginning of funnel cake season!

Saturday, May 15 we’ll be at Founders Day celebrating the founding of Lexington at McConnell Springs off Manchester St. Due to construction, there may be some detours in getting to McConnell Springs so give you up-to-date information. We’ll have crafts and activities focused on the founding of Lexington.

Beginning Saturday, May 29, the Lexington Learning Cooperative will be offering free educational activities for families at the Lexington Farmers Market at the new 5/3 Pavillion at Cheapside Park. Check back for more information!

A completed Lincoln hat from Mayfest 2009

This Day in History — April 18

When crisis leading to the “War Between the States” came to a peak with the beginning of the Civil War, it was hard for Kentucky to not be put in the middle of the fray. Kentucky, after all, held prime trade routes and was bordered by the very important Ohio River to the north and Mississippi River to the west. What does a state do when the legislature is in favor of the Union and the people (including the Governor) sympathize with the Union cause? In Kentucky, governor Beriah Magoffin proclaimed a (short-lived) neutrality policy.

Kentucky’s 21st governor was born on April 18, 1815 in Harrodsburg. Following graduation from Centre College in Danville, he attended Transylvania University where he studied law. He entered state politics in 1850, when he was elected to the state Senate. Magoffin defeated Joshua Bell in 1859 in a gubernatorial race.

Magoffin accepted slavery and states’ rights; he believed in the right of secession but hoped to prevent it by collective action of the slave states in reaching an agreement with the North. To avoid total conflict in Kentucky, he proclaimed that the Commonwealth remain neutral on May 20, 1861 and rejected aid from both the Union and Confederate armies.

Because of his Southern sympathies the 1861 two-thirds Union majority in the Kentucky legislature distrusted Magoffin. They would not pass any of his legislation. When he suggested that a Kentucky convention be held so that the Commonwealth may choose its stance in the Civil War, they blocked his effort.

Beriah Magoffin resigned from office in 1862 and was succeeded by James F. Robinson. He returned to a private life of farming and his law practice in Harrodsburg. Following the Civil War, he urged Kentucky to ratify the Thirteenth Amendment to the Constitution which would grant civil rights to African-Americans. He died on February 28, 1885, and was buried at Harrodsburg.

This Day in History — April 17

Many of the men who early on took up the cause of Kentucky’s statehood were born in Virginia and most fought in the American Revolution. Christopher Greenup is one man who fits both of those characteristics. The third governor of Kentucky was most likely born in Loudoun County, Virginia, in 1750, though little is known of his parents. He worked as a surveyor and studied law before moving to Lincoln County in 1781 and was very active in the young Commonwealth, even representing Fayette County in the Virginia House for a time. Greenup participated in two of the Danville conventions that led to Kentucky’s statehood in 1792.

That same year, Christopher moved to Frankfort and began his career in Kentucky politics. For five years, he represented the Commonwealth in the United States House of Representatives. His aspiration, however, was the Office of Governor. He ran against James Garrard in 1800, but came in second place. He gained popularity in the following years and he was uncontested in the 1804 gubernatorial race and served for eight years. In his time as governor, he worked hard in directing public affairs and growing the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

While he was well-liked by citizens and the General Assembly alike, many of the programs he wished to put in place were unsuccessful. He wanted to reform the state militia, court system and the state revenue system, but was unable to secure the reforms that he envisioned. During his administrations, however, the Bank of Kentucky was founded and he initiated the purchase of stock in the Ohio Canal Company, as it was evident that the Ohio River would prove to be a very useful trade and transportation route. Kentucky almost became embroiled in the Bur Conspiracy scandal, but Greenup testified that Kentucky had no involvement in Burr’s supposed idea to invade Mexico and take over.

Christopher Greenup died in Frankfort at his home on April 17, 1818 and was buried in the Frankfort Cemetery. He left office in high-esteem and continued to be liked by the citizens of the Commonwealth. Greenup County, in northeastern Kentucky, was named after him in 1804.