Tales From The Kentucky Room

David sits down with Josh Porter, Assistant Executive Director of Lexington's Faulkner Morgan Archive to discuss the exhibit “Queer, Here, & Everywhere” displayed at the Central Library until June 26, 2025. They discuss the research that went into the exhibit and future plans to add panels to the exhibit. The exhibit will be at the Lexington Pride Festival on Saturday June 28, and then will move to the Lexington History Museum in August 2025.Josh Porter is an art historian and curator based in Lexington, Kentucky. In 2023, Josh received his MFA in Curatorial Studies from the University of Kentucky. Born in Eastern Kentucky, Josh brings a unique perspective to the archive in viewing Kentucky's LGBTQ history through the lens of art, particularly photography. His writing, design, and photography has appeared in Oxford American, Brooklyn Rail, Art In America, Queer Kentucky, UnderMain, and elsewhere.Queer, Here, & Everywhere: The Roots of Kentucky's LGBTQ History is the first comprehensive exhibition of Lexington's LGBTQ history, showcasing the importance of the queer community in this city. Highlighting key moments and figures in Lexington's LGBTQ history, from Sweet Evening Breeze's drag performances in the 1920s to the passage of the Fairness Ordinance in 1999, this exhibit will celebrate the resilience and contributions of the queer community. By shedding light on these often overlooked narratives, we hope to foster a greater sense of belonging for LGBTQ individuals in Lexington while also promoting understanding and appreciation among the broader population.

It's Tales from the Kentucky Room's 100th Episode! Celebrate with us as David speaks with local realtor and historian Zach Davis about early cemeteries in Lexington, Kentucky. They talk about pioneer graveyards, the Maxwell burying ground, Cove Haven Cemetery, Forest Hill Cemetery, First Hill cemetery and many others. They also discuss the fascination with cemeteries as destinations and as the precursors to city parks.

Retired attorney, former President of the Lafayette chapter of the Sons of the Revolution, and all around General Lafayette expert Dale Henley sits down with David to talk about the Marquis de Lafayette and his visit to Lexington in 1825. They talk about Lafayette's background, from joining the Musketeers at the age of thirteen to defying the French King and sailing to the American colonies to advance the cause of liberty at just nineteen years old. Dale shares book recommendations for learning more about Lafayette's role in the Revolutionary War, his abolitionist views, and his 1825 visit on the invitation of President Monroe. He also tells us about the events in Lexington in May 2025 to celebrate the 200th anniversary of Lafayette's visit.The opening music for this episode is the “Brandywine Quickstep” named for Brandywine, Pennsylvania where Lafayette took part in his first battle of the revolution and was subsequently wounded. The recording is by the United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps and is in the public domain.

David sits down with Erin Chandler over video call to discuss her new true crime memoir, Bluegrass Sons. They discuss her childhood in Las Vegas, her relationship with her uncle Bradley Bryant, and her reasons for writing the book. Erin also reads an excerpt from her book. Bluegrass Sons is available for checkout from the library and for purchase from Erin's website.Bluegrass Sons is a true crime family saga set between Lexington, Kentucky, and the desert days and gaudy nights of 1970s Las Vegas, Nevada, with a little El Paso, Guatemala, and Savannah thrown in. The story is about Bradley Bryant, a United States Marine who lived a double life. The FBI labeled him "a one-man crime wave" responsible for the largest gun-running, drug-smuggling network in the United States. His family considered him their rock, his mother's favorite, and a successful Philadelphia businessman. For the first time in forty years, Brad Bryant tells his truth, recording hours of conversations with his niece, Erin Chandler. Bluegrass Sons includes historical testimonies from those who were along for that ride, giving exclusive interviews to Erin Chandler for this book. It's a tale of drugs, arms, assassinations, and espionage where your lies are your life even if you are one of the good guys.

David and Wayne discuss their memories of the winter storm that brought Kentucky to a standstill on January 17, 1994. They talk about the city and state's response, the extremely low temperatures, and how that storm compares to the storms from January and February 2025.

David sits down with Wayne to discuss Wayne's top ten list of historical events in Lexington. This year, 2025, is Lexington, Kentucky's 250th anniversary, and there are many events around the city to celebrate. As part of the celebrations, Wayne put together lists of the 250 most important events and people, and he's selected ten to discuss with us today. Wayne's list of ten influential people will be featured in a later episode.

On this episode, Jamie West tells us about a scandal in 1882 with the Lexington City Physician. J.C. Harpham, as city physician, was required to attend the patients living in the smallpox hospital on the outskirts of town. It quickly came out that he was, in fact, only pretending to go visit the patients. He was replaced immediately, and he and his family left Lexington under a cloud of scandal.The research for this episode was done by Sarah Hubbard, Kentucky Room Manager.

Freda Meriwether joins us for a remembrance of her father and his struggle with alcoholism. Freda Meriwether loves God, her husband, her children and grandchildren and spending time with them either at their sport events or family get togethers. She looks forward to traveling to Maysville once a week to care for her elderly mother. Enjoying life is the highlight of her day.Theme song "Appalachian Lofi" composed and performed by Bryan Klausing and Christine Cole.

This episode discusses a murder, listener's discretion is advised. Mariam and Wayne sit down to discuss a murder mystery that captivated Lexington and the surrounding area for almost 30 years. The Tent Girl. More Who-Is-It? than Who-Dun-It? when she was found in 1968, the city of Georgetown adopted the girl in the tarp, placing a headstone on her grave with her description and the police sketch of her face. Wayne talks about the difficulties behind her identification, and how one man's dedication eventually solved the mystery of her identity. 

Jerry Meriweather joins us this Veteran's Day with a remembrance of his Honor Flight. A proud husband, father and grandfather. Jerry loves God. He is a Deacon at Shiloh Baptist Church. Jerry served in the US army. He is also currently the Co-Commander of the National Association for Black Veterans (NABVETS) Chapter 23. This organization advocates for veterans and their families assisting in filing claims and educating them on benefits theyshould be receiving.Theme song "Appalachian Lofi" composed and performed by Bryan Klausing and Christine Cole.

Holly Epperly joins us for a story about self-discovery and making your own meaning from life's messages.Holly Epperly is a mother to 3 elementary aged children and a Kentuckian since she was very young. Raised in a family that encouraged and facilitated artistic expression, she has always had a story to share. Writing for connection, communication and sometimes therapy, she hopes to continue sharing her thoughts and experiences through stories and poetry in the years to come.Theme song "Appalachian Lofi" composed and performed by Bryan Klausing and Christine Cole.

Mariam sits down with Raymond McLain and Ruth McLain Smith ahead of the McLain Family Band's induction into the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame. They talk about their beginnings as a band in 1968 on television in Hazard, Kentucky and their musical childhoods. They toured extensively throughout the 1970s and 1980s in 64 countries through Africa, Europe and Asia. Raymond and Ruth reflect on their career so far, and the joy music has brought to their lives.  Their father, Raymond McLain, Sr., was a professor of music at Berea College, and later in his career became a librarian at Lexington Public Library, working in children's and then in the Kentucky Room. He retired in the 1990s. Ruth and Raymond perform a song their father wrote, Kentucky Wind, for us on the podcast. 

Christine Stephany joins us with a story from her childhood about how she and her father came to understand each other better. Christine W. Stephany is a daughter, sister, Mom, YaYa and friend. Years of note taking and jotting down thoughts brings her to a turn in the highway…learning to writing. With a lifelong spirit of curiosity she embraces nature, biking, learning, people and an evolutionary career of 47 years. Working with the national and local Multiple Sclerosis Society, Wreaths Across America (for Veterans) and Valentines for Veterans are her “give-backs.” She shares her time in Lexington and in Northern Kentucky, with extended family and lifelong friends.Theme song "Appalachian Lofi" composed and performed by Bryan Klausing and Christine Cole.

This episode has brief strong language when reading a quote from the killer in the newspaper, listener's discretion is advised.  Mariam sits down with longtime listener of the podcast Zach Davis to discuss the 1897 murder of local pension attorney Thomas H. Merritt. Zach Davis is the President and Principal Broker of local real estate brokerage Kirkpatrick & Co., and came across this story while researching Gratz Park. Jacob Harris shot and killed Merritt after suspecting Merritt was having an affair with his wife Effie. The murder captivated the nation, less because of the circumstances of the murder itself, rather because of the precedent set by the presiding judge D. G. Falconer in dismissing charges against Harris because of societal norms, rather than written law. 

Lauren Cole Brown joins us with a humorous tale from her time in nursing school. Lauren Cole Brown is a Registered Nurse who received her BSN from the University of Kentucky.  She stays busy designing online nursing school curriculum with Archer Review, allowing the use of her nursing knowledge as well as her creative background in the arts.  Lauren is married to James, an avid cyclist, poet and scientist and is Mom to Oliver and Odin, the joys of her life! Theme song "Appalachian Lofi" composed and performed by Bryan Klausing and Christine Cole. 

Mariam sits down with Tammi Johnson, lead researcher and founder for the Project USS Strong DD467 website, to discuss her life's work finding the ship her uncle Billy Hedrick served on in World War Two. The ship, the USS Strong DD467, was torpedoed in the battle of Kula Gulf in the Solomon Islands and sank, killing Billy and 45 other men on July 5, 1943. They talk about her work with David Mearns and Paul Mayer finding the ship, and her work with Stephen Harding on the book The Castaway's War. At the time of recording, Tammi had not yet taken the plaque to the South Pacific World War Two Museum on Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu. She has made the trip now, and wrote about it on her blog on the Project USS Strong DD467 website.

Join Sylvia Lovely as she tells a story of her own in our Quilting Kentucky's Stories series recalling a humorous moment she shared with her family during a time of impending loss. Sylvia often introduces herself as a lawyer by training, a CEO by experience and a media mogul in her dreams. She has a rich history in media as the author of three books, numerous articles and opinion pieces for a variety of publications. She is also in the restaurant business with Azur Food Group, owner of Azur Restaurant and Patio and The Lexington Diner. She has for ten years co-hosted Food News and Chews Radio with Chef Jeremy Ashby, Executive Chef of Azur Food Group and her business partner. She currently provides coaching and regular classes on the art of writing/telling the story for the Carnegie Center for Literacy and Learning and Good Foods Co-op Grocery and Community Center. She also works in other venues in pursuing her passion to encourage others to be storytellers.Theme song "Appalachian Lofi" composed and performed by Bryan Klausing and Christine Cole.

Mariam sits down with Matthew Strandmark about his biography of Kentucky's perennial political candidate, Gatewood Galbraith. They talk Gatewood's childhood in Carlisle, Kentucky, his family life, his local law career and he captured the state's attention with his political career. In Gatewood: Kentucky's Uncommon Man, Matthew weaves together personal stories, public records, and oral history interviews to provide a comprehensive overview of the life and career of an eccentric and fascinating figure. From his ailment-plagued childhood in Carlisle, Kentucky, to his young adulthood spent at the fringes of Lexington society, the opening chapters of Galbraith's life were vital in developing the values that later came to define his political career—his passion for rural communities and low tolerance for bullies.Gatewood: Kentucky's Uncommon Man is available for check out from the library and for purchase.This episode discusses Gatewood Galbraith's personal politics and political platform and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities the speakers represent.

Kali Mattheus joins us with a story of finding comfort in our memories and letting go of the guilt of missing a goodbye. Kali Mattheus is a podcaster, producer, videographer, editor, and writer who has called Lexington, Kentucky home for more than half her life. She has a rich background in television and movie production that stems from a deep love of storytelling. She sits on the advisory boards for BCTC's Filmmaking and Cinematic Arts and Tahlsound Concert Series, where she also serves as the Internship Director and Videographer. She has a love for connecting people and helping them with their passion projects. Theme song "Appalachian Lofi" composed and performed by Bryan Klausing and Christine Cole.

Forget what you know about the Daughters of the American Revolution and join Mariam as she sits down with three members of Kentucky's Lexington chapter of the DAR. Judy Owens, Robin Fisher, and Sharon Withers talk about the contemporary society and what it means to each of them, their work to research and identify patriots of color, historical preservation at McConnell's Springs and Sharon's pioneering use of DNA in DAR genealogy research, and the use of DNA to find patriots of color and their descendants. The Lexington Chapter of the DAR is hosting a DNA Beginners Seminar at Beaumont Branch on Saturday, June 8, 2024.The oral history series mentioned in the episode is Daughter Dialogues, and is available at https://www.daughterdialogues.com

This Memorial Day, Terry Hall joins us with a story of hope and healing. While Terry's story has a happy ending, he describes the darkest period of his life as he dealt with alcoholism and post traumatic stress, including thoughts of of suicide, deaths during war, and a description of the murder of a friend.  Please take care of yourself while listening to this episode. Terry Hall is a disabled Army veteran from eastern Kentucky who enlisted in the US Army after graduating high school in 1983. He quickly rose to the rank of W2 due to his outstanding leadership skills and commitment. In 1991, Terry was deployed to the Middle East for Operation Desert Storm, where he demonstrated bravery and determination in the face of danger. After returning from serving in the Gulf War, he has struggled with PTS and has recently turned to writing as a way to share his story and inspire and encourage others. Terry has been married to his wife Vickie for 30 years and together they have 3 sons, 3 daughters-in-law, 4 grandchildren, and 1 fur baby.Theme song "Appalachian Lofi" composed and performed by Bryan Klausing and Christine Cole.If you are struggling with thoughts of suicide, call 988 or visit https://988lifeline.org/ For veterans struggling with post traumatic stress, you can find out more about the Save a Warrior project at their website https://saveawarrior.org/ 

Mariam sits down with Kim Wickens, author of Lexington: the Extraordinary Life and Turbulent Times of America's Legendary Racehorse, to discuss her book and Lexington's impact on the sport of horse racing in the mid-19th century. Kim tells us about Lexington's racing career, how his racing career ended in 1855, and how his offspring fared in both war and the racetracks in the Northern Union States. Lexington: the Extraordinary Life and Turbulent Times of America's Legendary Racehorse is available for checkout from the library and for purchase at your favorite book stores. 

Leo York joins us to tell us about the magical experience he had in Kentucky's forests. Leo is a copywriter from Corbin KY. He writes commercial screenplays, and also writes all manner of narrative fiction, and helps assist inventors and entrepreneurs at Inventors Network KY. He is also cohost of the popular paranormal podcast, The 13th Floor.  Theme song "Appalachian Lofi" composed and performed by Bryan Klausing and Christine Cole.

Yesterday, April 2, 2024, there were three confirmed EF-1 tornado touchdowns in three different Kentucky counties, with severe storm damage affecting many more, including Lexington. Today, April 3, 2024, is the fiftieth anniversary of the tornado super outbreak in 1974, with 7 F5 tornadoes attributed to this one storm. The super outbreak affected thirteen states with a total death toll of 319 people, with 75 of them in Kentucky.  Wayne Johnson sits down with Mariam to describe his memories of day in Lexington, Kentucky, which was spared from the super outbreak, and the destruction in the counties that were not so fortunate, and to give important safety tips of always listening to the warnings, and getting to shelter as fast as you can because seconds can mean the difference in survival.This episode discusses deaths and destruction a result of natural disaster, so please take care of yourself as you listen.

Librarian JP Johnson joins Mariam to discuss his research into the life of Ella Offutt Pepper, avid horsewoman and long-time owner of the James E. Pepper distillery. When her husband James E. Pepper took ill, he sold her the distillery to manage, which she did until after his death in the early 1900s. JP tells us about her widely-reported divorce from her first husband in Louisville, to the quiet ceremony of her second to Colonel Pepper, to her later years settling the Meadowthorpe estate.

Retha Hicks joins us with a tale of how she successfully protested the dress code for teachers in  Fayette County Public Schools in the early 1970's. Retha Perkins Hicks is a writer, a tour guide at Waveland State Historic Site, and a retired public school teacher. She was born in an Eastern Kentucky coal camp and lived in several different coal camps until she was eight years old. Those coal camps are the background of many of her childhood stories. She is a proud mother of four sons and grandmother of four grandchildren. She lives in Lexington with her Miniature Schnauzer, Edgar. Theme song "Appalachian Lofi" composed and performed by Bryan Klausing and Christine Cole.

Quilting Kentucky's Stories is a year-long series of autobiographical tales from Lexington Residents, some of them funny, some of them heartwarming and some heart wrenching, but all of them important as they build the quilt of Kentucky life. Donna Carter joins us for our inaugural episode, performing the speech she gave on Martin Luther King Jr. Day for Winchester (Clark County), Kentucky. She recounts her 30 years in recovery, and how equity helped her to build the life she has now. Donna resides in WInchester, KY with her husband of 23 years and their 14 year old daughter. Donna has over 20 years of HR experience within various industries.  Over her career she has been responsible for leading HR departments and DEIB initiatives in the manufacturing, non-profit, government, education and private sectors. She is currently the Director of Professional and Community Development at Internal Family Systems Institute, headquartered in Chicago, IL and also oversees the HR department.  

Mariam sits down with JP Johnson, Kentucky Room Librarian to discuss his research into Pralltown, one of Lexington's best known Black Enclaves. They talk about the founding of Pralltown, how the residents of Pralltown stood up to urban renewal and destruction of their neighborhood in the mid-twentieth century, and a few of Pralltown's famous residents: community leader James Herndon, known to most as Sweet Evening Breeze; Lou Johnson, the professional baseball player for the Dodgers; and Tony Briggs, a leader in Lexington's Punk music scene.

Join Sylvia Lovely for a preview of the upcoming series presented by Tales from the Kentucky Room: Quilting Kentucky's Stories. Quilting Kentucky's Stories is a year-long series of autobiographical tales from Lexington Residents, some of them funny, some of them heartwarming and some heart wrenching, but all of them important as they build the quilt of Kentucky life.Theme song "Appalachian Lofi" composed and performed by Bryan Klausing and Christine Cole.

This episode has mentions of violence of dueling, listener's discretion is advised. Mariam sits down with Stuart Sanders to discuss his newest book, Anatomy of a Duel: Secession, Civil War, and the Evolution of Kentucky Violence. They talk about his role and artifacts at the Kentucky Historical Society, why dueling was so embraced in Kentucky (Henry Clay himself dueled more than once), and Stuart's previous and upcoming projects. Stuart is the Director of Research and Publications for the Kentucky Historical Society and has written four other books exploring interpersonal violence in the Civil War Era.Anatomy of a Duel: Secession, Civil War, and the Evolution of Kentucky Violence examines why white male Kentuckians engaged in the "honor culture" of duels and provides fascinating narratives that trace the lives of duelists. Stuart W. Sanders explores why, during a time when Americans were killing one another in open, brutal warfare, William T. Casto and Colonel Leonidas Metcalfe engaged in the process of negotiating and fighting a duel. The book is available for checkout at the Lexington Public Library and for purchase at your local bookstore.During the episode, Stuart mentions a memento ring from a duel that is available to view online. You can see it at the Kentucky Historical Society's online archive.

In our last episode of 2023, Mariam sits down with Betty Abdmishani, retired Village Branch manager and Jackie Arakaki, one of the original staff members at Village Branch, to discuss the history of the Village Branch location. Village Branch became an essential and beloved part of the community by never saying "we don't do that here" and helping customers with whatever they needed, in many ways shaping the services the Library now provides at all locations. In 2024, twenty years after Village Branch opened, the newly designed and far larger Marksbury Family Branch will open on the site of the original Village Branch. They reminisce about the founding and opening of Village Branch, staffing, and the unique challenges and successes for the Village community.

Mariam sits down with local author Doris Settles to discuss her latest book, Kentucky and the War of 1812: the Governor, the Farmers and the Pig detailing Kentucky's heavy involvement and heavy losses during the War of 1812. Doris details how Henry Clay pushed for the fledgling United States' declaration of War on Great Britain, and what led to Governor Isaac Shelby leading 4000 Kentucky farmers north to fight on the northwestern front. They also discuss Doris's gardening book for children, and her contribution to the book Prohibition in Bardstown with Dixie Hibbs. Kentucky and the War of 1812: the Governor, the Farmers and the Pig is available for purchase from local booksellers, from Doris Settles' website and from the publisher's website. It is also available for checkout from the library.

Mariam sits down with Rona Roberts and Barbara Sutherland to discuss their work on Segregated Lexington. Segregated Lexington gathers primary sources and research to show how systemic racism in housing result in unequal life opportunities for Lexington's Black residents versus white residents. They speak on redlining in particular, as well as the effect of realtor steering in relation to home ownership. They talk about how, as white women, they can contribute to repair, and how it's important to understand our past to move forward together in the future. You can visit Segregated Lexington at https://www.segregatedlexington.com This podcast episode is produced in conjunction with the Library's Community Read of The Color of Law by Richard Rothstein (available for checkout) and the UnDesign the Redline exhibit at Central Library, available for viewing until November 17, 2023. 

Mariam interviews local author Gary O'Dell about his new book Bluegrass Paradise: Royal Spring and the Birth of Georgetown, Kentucky. Royal Spring is the largest spring in central Kentucky and is located in Georgetown, Kentucky. They discuss how Gary became interested in springs in Kentucky, and how he gathered the information for his new book about Royal Spring. They also discuss Kentucky's pioneer history, the discovery of Royal Spring, and the growth of Georgetown around it until it was made into a State Park. Bluegrass Paradise: Royal Spring and the Birth of Georgetown, Kentucky is available for purchase at your local bookseller and available for checkout at the Lexington Public Library.

David guest hosts to interviews Wayne about more street names and how streets are named in Lexington. Part Two covers the names of streets in subdivisions and major roads around Lexington. And yes, Wayne does tell us the origin of the name Chinoe and how to pronounce it like a native Lexingtonian.

Shelby joins us to read selections from Lexington's Fallout Shelter Plan from 1965. The plan was created in a pilot program funded by Stanford Research Institute and the Federal Offices of Civil Defense to maximize survivability using shelters in the event of an atomic attack. One city in each state developed a plan, and Lexington was the representative city for Kentucky. The full plan can be found in the Library's Digital Archives.

David guest hosts to interview Willie Carver, Jr., Kentucky Poet and 2022 Kentucky Teacher of the Year about his new work, “Gay Poems for Red States.” They discuss Willie's approach to poetry, growing up gay and Appalachian in the 90's, and the effect on book banning in schools on students. Willie reads his poem “First Crush” for the podcast. “Gay Poems for Red States” is available for checkout and for purchase at your local bookseller.

David guest hosts and interviews Wayne about street names in Lexington. The first episode of this two-part series covers streets named after racehorses, racetracks, and horse farms in Lexington.  The Week of June 5th is Secretariat Week in the Kentucky Room, so check our events page for more information about the programs for this week.

For our 75th episode, Mariam interviews Peter Brackney about The History Lovers' Guide to Lexington and Central KY, his new book co-written with the late Foster Ockerman, Jr. They discuss some of the places that were selected for the book, and how it's important for history to remain in context as markers are placed or removed, or places renamed. The History Lovers' Guide to Lexington, KY is available for checkout from the library or for purchase from your local booksellers.

Mariam hosts a roundtable discussion with librarians Brenna and Heather about the 1964 March on Frankfort. On March 5, 1964, Martin Luther King, Jr., baseball player Jackie Robinson, and band Peter, Paul and Mary participated in a march from Louisville to Frankfort to advocate for the passage of a bill to end segregated public accommodations in Kentucky. This bill was eventually passed in 1966, but previous to that time, a pivotal moment in Kentucky Civil Rights history was several Black NBA players, including Bill Russell, were not allowed accommodation in the Phoenix Hotel because of their race.  Producer Erin briefly joins the conversation when the talks move into how the March, and many aspects of Kentucky history, including Civil Rights, are not taught in Kentucky schools, and how surprised Heather, Mariam and Erin were to discover the March had happened only as adults. There is no known transcription of the speeches given at the March on Frankfort, but the Library does have a digitized copy of the program available in the Digital Archive. Brenna makes many recommendations for further learning on this topic, including oral histories, in the episode.

February 15, 2023 marked the 20th anniversary of the 2003 ice storm that brought Lexington to a standstill and nearly half of utility customers (over 140,000) without electricity. Mariam interviews Wayne Johnson about the storm, and his experiences riding out the storm with no electricity. Our producer, Erin, pops into the booth to tell her experience of the storm as a high schooler in Lexington. 

Mariam interviews David Bryant about the life and work of Lexington-born African American composer Julia Perry (1924-1979). David covers her early life in Lexington, KY, and Akron, OH and her move to Europe. He also discusses her musical style, with three examples of her works. Special thanks to Dr. Yvonne Giles for her assistance with the research for this episode.Recordings of Sabat Mater, Short Piece for Orchestra, and Homunculus C.F. are used under Fair Use for purposes of review.

Mariam interviews Fred Mills about the history of the Kentucky Theatre and his 50 year tenure as the theatre's manager. They discuss the opening of the theatre in 1922, and the ups and downs of the theatre industry, and of the Kentucky Theatre itself, from funding issues to the building fire that shuttered the theatre for years. There is a brief discussion of the theatre showing adult movies in the 1970s and the first amendment implications, but no discussion of the movies beyond their titles and the legal trouble that the theatre faced, some listener discretion is advised. 

Brenna guests to share her research on three of Lexington's Black enclaves, founded by formerly enslaved persons after the Civil War. In this episode, she discusses Davis Bottom (est. 1865; redeveloped in 2010s to make way for Newtown Pike road expansion), Adamstown (est. 1870; razed in early 1900s to make way for Memorial Colosseum), and Brucetown (est. 1865; still exists today). Brenna highlights the history we know, and points out that much of the history of these hamlets and their residents are lost to time, despite their vital contributions to Lexington's development and growth pre- and post-Civil War. 

Mariam and David discuss the sordid life of John Wilkes Booth before his assassination of Abraham Lincoln, including his visit to Lexington during the Civil War as a theater actor. Some listener discretion is advised as they discuss his womanizing, his racist and pro-slavery views, and the conspiracy theories surrounding his death. 

Mariam and Wayne talk about the history of Lexington Public Library spaces, from its beginning as a subscription library in 1795 to the building project for the new Marksbury Family Branch (formerly Village Branch) now in 2022. 

Mariam shares the history of Kentucky's Separate Coach Law, and Lexington's second African American attorney, J. Alexander Chiles, who took the fight to the US Supreme court multiple times in the 1890s and early 1900s. Kentucky's Separate Coach Law was one of many of Kentucky's explicitly racist Jim Crow segregation laws, and those who fought against it faced persecution, harassment and assault. J. Alexander Chiles was at the forefront of this fight for de-segregated equality. 

October 1973 saw one of Lexington's most brutal crimes, the murders of Rev. John Barnes (47), his daughter Francine Barnes (18), and his son John E. Barnes (14). In the final part of this series, Wayne takes us through the murders of the Barnes Family, the murders and shootings in Falmouth, KY, and the aftermath of the crimes. Listener Discretion is Advised. 

October 1973 saw one of Lexington's most brutal crimes, the murders of Rev. John Barnes (47), his daughter Francine Barnes (18), and his son John E. Barnes (14). In this part one of two series on the Barnes Family's murder, Mariam interviews guest Ike Lawrence, whose father notified Mrs. Barnes of her family's murder, and later, Wayne discusses the start of the crime, with the two killers escaping the custody of the US Marshals. The discussion of the crime continues in part two tomorrow. Listener Discretion is Advised. 

Erin guests to talk about bloodhound Nick Carter and his handler Captain Volney Mullikin, who together searched for and found over 600 people in Nick Carter's career as a tracking hound. She goes over his most profiled cases, and shares one case tracked by Nick Carter's son, Nick Carter, Jr. 

Mariam interviews oral historians Terry L. Birdwhistell and Donald A. Ritchie about their January 2022 book, Washington's Iron Butterfly: Bess Clements Abell, an Oral History. They discuss Bess Clements Abell's (1933-2020) Kentucky history, her background and family life, her time in the White House during Lyndon B. Johnson's administration, and her later public relations firm. More information can be found about the book here and is available for check out here.