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The museum and museum shop are closed all day Monday, August 21.

I’m so excited to be joining the Frazier’s education team!

My name is Zach Bramel, and I’m succeeding Heather Gotlib in the role of manager of youth and family programs. Heather helped build a wonderfully strong foundation of services for young people here. My goal is to maintain and grow those programs with my dedicated and super-fun colleagues Nicole, Brian, Mick, and Megan. Huzzah!

Zach Bramel and pop-up campers watch staff conduct an egg drop experiment in the Frazier’s Gateway Garden, August 15, 2023. Credit: Frazier History Museum.

Campers tie Zach with jump ropes as part of a cooperative game, August 15, 2023. Credit: Frazier History Museum.

And we’re already doing it. Ten days into my new job, we switched focus to host impromptu day camps for JCPS families who’d suddenly faced unplanned school closures. We had a great, silly, and free-wheeling week with about eighty kids over four days. And we’re excited to host pop-up day camp again this October for Fall Break. Registration for Camp Uncanny, October 3–5, is now open on our website.

For more than twenty years, I’ve worked with young people in Louisville, making puppets, facilitating play, teaching theater, and telling stories. I’ve dedicated myself to working for kids to provide them and their families with experiences that foster creativity, community, critical thinking, and independence. I believe kids flourish best when given the space to play, the freedom to choose, and the chance to have fun. I’m so lucky I’ve been invited to do this work with the Frazier.

I love the weird, the wonky, and the poignant, and I’m bringing that bias with me. So maybe you’ll see free play philosophy folded into our programs. Watch for family-friendly programs with local artists and musicians. Or join us for Fall Break Camp or an upcoming Family Day (both coming in October!). In all cases, I look forward to laughing and learning with you soon.

Zach Bramel

Manager of Youth & Family Programs

Frazier History Museum

THIS WEEK IN THE MUSEUM

Curator’s Corner: Kentucky Paraclimbers Compete in Switzerland

Over the past few weeks, rock climbers from all over the world travelled to Bern, Switzerland, to compete in the World Championships. This event is incredibly important because the winners of some of the events are the first to get their tickets to compete in the Olympic Games in Paris next year. Though paraclimbing is not yet included in the Paralympics, the World Championships also includes paraclimbing competitions. This year, two paraclimbers from Kentucky competed in the World Championships in Bern.

Paraclimber Sunny Yang. Credit: Sunny Yang.

Alex Dornbusch and Sunny Yang both competed in the lead men’s RP1 category. In this competition, men with physical disabilities that limit their range, power, or stability climb to the top of a tall wall, clipping their rope into safety devices as they go. The athlete who climbs highest on the wall wins. Both Alex and Sunny made it through the qualification round and into the finals. Sunny finished in fifth place and Alex finished in sixth.

This isn’t the first time Alex has competed on an international level in a parasport. Just three years after the Lexingtonian was injured when his mountain bike collided with a moving car, Alex was selected to play for the US Paralympic Soccer National Team. Sunny and his wife emigrated from China to the Red River Gorge area so that he would have easy access to climbing. He suffered a spinal cord injury when he was hit by a car while out for a run. He used climbing as a form of rehabilitation and was able to regain the use of his arms and legs. Both athletes now train at LEF climbing gym in Lexington.

I contacted Sunny last week to ask him what it meant to him to represent Kentucky at such an important event that brought climbers together from all over the world. He said, “It means a lot to me to represent “Climber’s Home,” LEF, Red River Gorge, Kentucky, and the USA to take part in the World Cup Paraclimbing competition!” he said. “For me, climbing gives me the second life: climbing to live and living to climb!”

Kentucky’s Red River Gorge is a world-renowned rock climbing area, with professional climbers from all over the world traveling to the area’s famous sandstone overhangs. You can learn more about the Red River Gorge and another famous climbing Kentuckian, Cat Runner, in our Cool Kentucky exhibition.

Amanda Briede

Sr. Curator of Exhibitions

Corn Island Loans Precontact Period Artifacts for Commonwealth

When you walk through the first portion of the Frazier’s Commonwealth exhibition, you see a host of artifacts excavated by Donald Janzen and his team in the early to mid-1970s. The collection was subsequently donated to Corn Island Archaeology and loaned to the Frazier.

There are many pieces in the collection ranging from the Middle Archaic period to the Middle Woodland period. Archaeologists use these style of names to identify specific types of material created in the archaeological record.

Precontact period objects from Corn Island Archaeology on display in the Frazier’s Commonwealth exhibition, May 27, 2022. Credit: Mary Helen Nunn, Frazier History Museum.

The Archaic period is generally thought of as the end to the Paleoindian period and ends near the beginnings of the permanent uses of agriculture throughout North America—specifically within the US region and the Canadian region. Some dates have the archaic period beginning as early as around 8500 BC. The Middle Archaic period ranges from about 4000 to 2000 BC while the Late Archaic period ranges from about 2000 BC to as late as 500 AD in some areas.

Humans of the time actively hunted in groups and migrated with the animals of the area. Evidence can be seen of ceramic creation to add in food storage. Precontact ceramics tend to be quite brittle when found due to their construction and the nature of how they were preserved within the ground. The temper, which is added to clay to help it form a solid piece and prevent too much shrinkage during the firing or drying process, can come in varying forms such as shell, small pieces of rock and limestone, and more. Archaeologists can do a variety of tests to these objects to see what may have been contained in the vessels, especially if there is evidence of cooking. This lets archaeologists know what the diet would have been like during that time period.

A site in Southern Indiana was excavated and a few clay cooking balls were found that would have been heated in the fire and placed in a circle with a fire constructed on top of them. Once that fire had died down, a ceramic vessel was placed on top to then cook the food inside. Fish hooks were also found at this site which gives clear evidence of fishing within the Ohio River during this time period.

Sammie Holmes

Laboratory Manager, Corn Island Archaeology

Guest Contributor

Musical Kentucky: A Song from each County, Logan–McCreary

Musical Kentucky graphic. Credit: Frazier History Museum.

As a supplement to our Cool Kentucky exhibition, we’re curating a Spotify playlist of 120 songs: one song from each county in Kentucky. In 2023, once a month, we’ll share songs from ten counties, completing the playlist in December. For August, we’re sharing songs from these counties: Logan, Lyon, Madison, Magoffin, Marion, Marshall, Martin, Mason, McCracken, and McCreary.

The members of RISK pose for a band photo at the Kentucky State Penitentiary, where all four members were then incarcerated, in Eddyville, Lyon County, 1983. Credit: riskarmy.com/gallery.

“Hey Hey” by Athena Cage. (Released 2001.) By 1989, Athena Cage—who’d been a track runner and science fair competitor in Russellville, Logan County—was a chemistry major at WKU, a Miss Black Essence pageant contestant, and a vocalist at the Starmania talent show in Daysville. In 2004, the mayor of Russellville renamed Second Street, where the now-famous pop singer grew up, Athena Cage Way.

“Sixty to One” by RISK. (Recorded 1984.) Recorded by “prison rock” quartet RISK while incarcerated in the Kentucky State Penitentiary in Eddyville, Lyon County, “Sixty to One” recounts how three RISK members had attempted escape—the title a reference to their odds of succeeding. “They didn’t make it over the wall,” fourth member Joe Peck told the Frazier. “But they definitely did give it their best shot.”

“Good Morning” by Nimrod Workman. (Recorded 1982.) Named for his grandfather, a Cherokee who fought in the Civil War and taught him old ballads from the British Isles, coal miner Nimrod Workman (1895–1994) of Inez, Martin County, spreads love on the tongue twister “Good Morning.” “There never was people . . . who loved you and your people like me and my people love you and your people.”

“Sisters” by Rosemary and Betty Clooney. (Released 1954.) Recorded for the musical White Christmas, “Sisters” was written by Irving Berlin and performed by Maysville, Mason County, natives: the film’s female lead Rosemary Clooney (1928–2002) and her sister Betty (1931–76). “Lord help the mister who comes between me and my sister / And Lord help the sister who comes between me and my man!”

“Pianoflage” by Fate Marable’s Society Syncopators. (Recorded March 16, 1924.) Born and raised in Paducah, McCracken County, Fate Marable (1890–1947) was the son of James and Lizzie L. Marable. His mother, who had taught music when she was a slave, trained him. Fate became a bandleader and a riverboat calliope player, directing and playing piano on a 1924 recording of Roy Bargy’s “Pianoflage.”

Simon Meiners

Communications & Research Specialist

Frazier+ Video of the Week: Florence Dulaney Dress

Now the Frazier fits in your pocket! Curated by the museum’s education team, the mobile app Frazier+ provides engaging and educational Kentucky history content—free of charge. Users can explore the museum’s collection of videos, photos, and texts to either heighten their in-person experience or learn from the comfort of their couch or classroom. The free app is available for download for Android and iOS devices through the App Store and Google Play.—Simon Meiners, Communications & Research Specialist

This week, we welcome a new round of interns from Holy Cross High School, so I wanted to share something last year’s intern created for Frazier+. Madison Hall was intrigued by a dress on display in the Commonwealth exhibition, so she worked with our collections and education teams to tell a story about both the dress and the role of preservation when it comes to clothing. I’m sure you’ll enjoy!

Mick Sullivan

Curator of Guest Experience

Museum Shop: It’s Always Pappy Hour

Pappy Van Winkle book and merchandise sold in the Frazier’s Museum Shop. Credit: Frazier History Museum.

Pour yourself a glass of Bourbon and settle down to learn the story of Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon told in Pappyland. A compelling story of great Bourbon and honoring a family legacy, this book is available online and in the Frazier’s Museum Shop. You can also find the award-winning hot sauce and maple syrup from Pappy & Co. in the Museum Shop. Don’t forget that the Frazier’s Pappy Van Winkle exhibit closes in early October—so come visit it while you still can!

Author Chris Skates on Moonshine over Georgia

We’ve got a fascinating program coming up on September 19 titled Moonshine, Hidden Barns, and the Law. The Neeley Family Distillery has deep roots in Moonshine in Eastern Kentucky, with lead distiller Royce Neeley joining us to spill some secrets on their recipe and the violent nature of the industry back in the day. Author Chris Skates knows all about that violence: members of his family lived it as well, but from the other side—his grandfather was a state revenue officer. Skates will join us for our program to talk about his new book Moonshine over Georgia. Keep reading to learn more about his story and book, and click here to buy tickets to join us September 19.—Rachel Platt, VP of Mission

Moonshine over Georgia by Chris Skates. Credit: Frazier History Museum.

In a recent review of my new novel, Moonshine over Georgia, a newspaper editor stated, “Everybody’s busy. Lots of folks have given up books for truncated, “Netflix” versions of literary works . . . however, I started Chris Skates’ book at 8:00 Saturday morning and didn’t put it down until I read the last page at 11:30 that night. This book is that good. A friend I loaned it to also finished it in one weekend.”

This is the most gratifying feedback an author like me can receive, and I have received it now at least fifty times in emails and messages from readers. But what kind of story is Moonshine over Georgia?

It’s a murder mystery to be sure and fits in the category of historical fiction and even literary fiction. It could also be considered a true crime story but is seasoned with a few fictional characters who are amalgams of several real people I interviewed and whose lives intersected the moonshine business of Georgia where my grandpa, C. E. “Kid” Miller, was a revenue agent.

Chris Skates

Author, Moonshine over Georgia

Guest Contributor

Pork Chop Sandwiches at Kentucky State Fair

It is late August and time for the Kentucky State Fair. As someone who grew up on a farm in Spencer County, Kentucky, state fair time was an opportunity to showcase your farm products such as crops, livestock, and 4-H projects at a statewide level. It was also an opportunity to visit the commodity area of the fair where you could enjoy a tasty meal of chicken, beef, lamb, and my favorite, a pork chop sandwich.

The Kentucky Pork Producers Association has been grilling pork chop sandwiches for over forty years. The Pork Producers began serving the sandwich at local county fairs and events before expanding to the state fair. Today, the pork chop sandwich is one of the most popular food items available at the fair. It has become a state fair staple and the grillers are often told by customers that they come to the fair just to get a pork chop sandwich. Although the Pork Producers serve other pork products such as a pork burger, barbeque pulled pork, or country ham sandwiches, most customers order a pork chop sandwich.

A woman holds a plate with a pork sandwich. Credit: Kentucky Pork Producers Association.

Throughout its forty-year history, only a few individuals have overseen the grilling of the pork chops and other pork food products. It began with Tom Runyan, the first director of product marketing and special events, followed by Wendell Ockerman, who, at eighty-seven years of age, has remained involved in the grilling process for over thirty-three years. He was joined by David Lewis, the current director of product marketing and special events, over thirty-two years ago. The two of them continue to manage the pork chop grills or cookers wherever the chops are being served.

The pork chop sandwich is not just sold at the state fair. The sandwich is available at the North American Livestock Show, the National Farm Machinery Show, and certain fairs and other events. In fact, today the Pork Producers grill chops at around sixty different events a year.

There have been a few changes to the pork chop sandwich over the years. At one time, the pork producers used a bone-in chop for the sandwiches. At present, the Pork Producers serve a 3/4-inch-thick to 1-inch-thick boneless center cut butterfly chop that weighs about 8 ounces. The boneless butterfly cut has been served for over twenty-five years and the grillers think customers seem to enjoy the boneless butterfly cut the best.

Vickie Yates Brown Glisson

Board Member, Frazier History Museum

Guest Contributor

Frazier’s Brian and Stephen to Greet Kentucky State Fair Attendees Friday

The Kentucky State Fair returns to the Louisville Fairgrounds, August 17–27. Two members of the museum’s staff will be there Friday, August 25, spreading the word about the Frazier History Museum—where the world meets Kentucky!

From left, Brian West and Stephen Yates pose outside the museum, August 18, 2023. Credit: Frazier History Museum.

Frazier teaching artist Brian West will be on hand to inform folks about our Unfiltered Truth experience, Black Americans in Bourbon, which highlights the history of African Americans in the Bourbon industry, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Group sales manager Stephen Yates will inform folks of all the ways the Frazier can be a great experience—from individuals and small groups up to motorcoach groups—from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

You can find Brian and Stephen at the Louisville Tourism booth in South Wing B of the Fair and Exposition Center.

Please come by, say hello, and learn about all the fantastic goings on at the Frazier!

Frazier Seeking Fundraising Champions for Give for Good Louisville

Give for Good Louisville, hosted by the Community Foundation of Louisville, is just a few weeks away! On September 14, the Frazier History Museum will participate in one of the biggest days of online giving in the region. And we need your help!

Seeking Fundraising Champions for Give for Good Louisville graphic. Credit: Frazier History Museum.

This year, we are raising support for:

• Educational programs, camps, and free family days that serve children and families in our community
• Outreach programs like Stories in Mind that serve residents in long term care facilities
• Care for our growing permanent collection of artifacts significant to Louisville and Kentucky history

Our fundraising goal this year is $10,000, and we are seeking up to 20 Fundraising Champions to raise $500 towards this goal. Do you know 25 people with $20? Becoming a Fundraising Champion is as simple as following this link and clicking “Fundraise,” but we are here to help! If you are interested in being a champion for the Frazier Museum this year, please contact me at hrankin@fraziermuseum.org.

If you cannot volunteer as a fundraising champion, please make your online gift on September 14 here.

We thank you for your support of the Frazier Museum and your participation in this amazing day of giving for our city!

Hayley Harlow Rankin

Sr. Manager of Fundraising

Shared Sundays: Megan Schanie to Lead Tours of the Large and Local August 27

The Frazier has a very deep bench of knowledgeable staff members! So, we’re trying something called Shared Sundays. Each Sunday a different staff member will lead special tours tailored to their interests. In each Monday’s issue of Frazier Weekly look for a quick preview of the coming Sunday’s tours.—Simon Meiners, Communications and Research Specialist

Megan Schanie poses next to a plank from the Belle of Louisville paddle wheel on display in the Frazier’s Cool Kentucky exhibition, August 16, 2023. Credit: Frazier History Museum.

Having worked in education at the Frazier Museum for almost twenty years now, I’ve watched us grow and change into an outstanding museum I’m proud to be a part of. Since my focus is on school and teacher programs, I generally don’t have the opportunity to run public tours—so I’m excited to have the chance this Sunday.

When considering some of my favorite things in the Cool Kentucky exhibition, I realized many of them were some of the largest objects we have on display. Not only do they take up some space, these pieces also pack a punch with fascinating people and stories behind them. We’ll take a look at the boat Tori Murden McClure rowed solo across the Atlantic, a statue created by a local treasure—artist Ed Hamilton—a paddle wheel from the iconic Belle of Louisville, and more.

I hope to see you here!

Megan Schanie

Sr. Manager of Educational Programs

BRIDGING THE DIVIDE

(Un)Known Project to Offer Free Performances of Broken Wings Still Fly

The Frazier History Museum has been a proud partner with the (Un)Known Project to make sure all voices in history are heard. We have an art installation at the Frazier in collaboration with the (Un)Known Project and glass artist Ché Rhodes that reflects on the lives of the enslaved in Kentucky.

We wanted to share another opportunity to learn more about some of those powerful stories, this time monologues based on the narratives of enslaved Kentucky women.

From left, Brandi Lashay and Hannah Drake. Credit: (Un)Known Project.

(Un)Known Project co-founder Hannah Drake and Brandi Lashay have co-authored a theatrical experience called Broken Wings Still Fly featuring the voices of hidden heroines.

There are two upcoming performances that are free and open to the public: first, on Saturday, August 26, 6 p.m., at the (Un)Known Project’s On the Banks of Freedom public art installation (located between Ninth and Tenth Streets on the Louisville River Walk); and second, on Saturday, September 23, 6 p.m., at Locust Grove.

Registration is required. You can learn more and RSVP here.

Rachel Platt

VP of Mission

• Sunday, August 27, 2–3 p.m.: Frazier Summer Book Club: Horse by Geraldine Brooks (Members Only)
• Wednesday, August 30, 6:30–8:30 p.m.: Yellowstone: The Enduring Phenomenon
• Tuesday, September 19, 6:30–8 p.m.: Moonshine, Hidden Barns, and the Law
• Friday, September 29, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.: 2023 Owsley Brown Frazier Classic Sporting Clay Tournament
• Tuesday, October 3–Thursday, October 5, 8:45 a.m.–4 p.m.: Camp Uncanny

Hours of Operation: Museum and Museum Shop

On Monday, August 21, the museum and museum shop will be closed all day. We apologize for any inconvenience!

Monday–Saturday: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Sunday: 11 a.m.–4 p.m.

Note: Hours are subject to change. Check our Facebook page for the most up-to-date hours.

History belongs to everyone. Become a part of the preservation and presentation of our state’s history and culture today. Your support ensures the Frazier remains accessible to all, both inside and outside the museum.