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SubscribeThe Kentucky Historical Society (KHS) today announced six new research fellows. Each fellow will receive monetary support to conduct research for a time of one to four weeks at KHS in Frankfort.
Recipients include:
Fall 2016 Scholarly Research Fellowships
- J. Matthew Gallman, University of Florida, “Kentucky Democrats and Family Politics: The Strange Case of ‘Willie’ Weller
- Robert P. Murray, Mercy College, “Slavery Times in Kentucky Redux”
- Jonathan W. White, Christopher Newport University, “Abraham Lincoln and the Slave Trade”
2016 Oral History Research Fellowship
- Rebecca Hasselbeck, University of California – Irvine, “Behind the Tracks: Social and Labor Relations in the United States Horse Racing Industry”
2016 Churchill Weavers Fellowships
- Ricki Dwyer, independent scholar, “Weaving in Contemporary Culture”
- Maggie Leininger, University of Louisville – Hite Art Institute, “Churchill Weavers and Textile Industrialization”
The Research Fellowship Program is funded by the Kentucky Historical Society Foundation. The program encourages and promotes advanced research on all aspects of Kentucky-related local, regional, national, transnational and comparative history using KHS collections. More information is at history.ky.gov/research-fellowships/.
Hopkinsville expected to be prime 2017 viewing spot
image: Brocken Inaglory
A former NASA astrophysicist known as “Mr. Eclipse” for his many books and predictions on the phenomenon will visit the University of Louisville to preview the 2017 total solar eclipse for which Kentucky will be a prime viewing spot.
Fred Espenak will speak at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 13 about “The Great American Total Solar Eclipse of 2017” in Comstock Hall, School of Music. The free, public talk is the 2016 Bullitt lecture in astronomy. The annual lecture and reception afterward are intended for the general public.
Espenak, who has witnessed 26 total solar eclipses, will discuss expectations for the Aug. 21 total eclipse, which will be visible from the contiguous United States for the first time since 1979. The maximum viewpoint for the totality of the moon covering the sun will be near Hopkinsville, Ky. Viewers can expect a daytime twilight effect and a glimpse of the sun’s corona.
The scientist retired from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland and now lives in Portal, Ariz., where he operates the Bifrost Astronomical Observatory and runs three eclipse-related websites. His numerous books include “Eclipse Bulletin: Total Solar Eclipse of 2017 August 21,” “Totality: Eclipses of the Sun” and “Get Eclipsed: The Complete Guide to the American Eclipses.” The American Astronomical Union named an asteroid after him in 2003.
UofL’s physics and astronomy department and the Gheens Science Hall and Rauch Planetarium present the annual Bullitt lectures through an endowment established by the family of former U.S. Solicitor General William Marshall Bullitt.
For more information, contact Gerry Williger at 502-852-0821 or gmwill06@louisville.edu or check the physics and astronomy department’s website.
5K Race, Outdoor Adventure, Guided Hikes, Food Trucks & Music Highlight Event
Families can enjoy fall color at Jefferson Memorial Forest during the Wilderness Louisville Forest Adventure on Saturday, October 15 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Participants can get a pumpkin, take a hay ride, and hike trails of various lengths through the Forest at the height of fall color. The event is free to the public.
Activities include a children’s nature exploration area, Alpine Tower climbs, pumpkin decorating, hayrides, archery, and fishing. The Forest’s volunteer trail team and staff will lead hikes at various skill levels and introduce visitors to the native plant gardens, bird blind and animal exhibits.
The event will also feature a 5K trail run through the forested knobs starting at 9 a.m.
“The annual Forest Adventure is the perfect opportunity for families to discover the natural beauty and recreational opportunities at Jefferson Memorial Forest, which is thirty minutes away, or less, no matter where you live in Louisville,” Park Administrator Bennett Knox said.
With 6,600 acres, Jefferson Memorial Forest offers many opportunities for individuals and families to enjoy and explore the outdoors. The Forest features more than 35 miles of marked hiking trails, fishing, and primitive camping. It is also home to one of Louisville’s most exciting new attractions, the Go Ape treetop adventure course.
Theresa Zawacki, Chair of Wilderness Louisville, the non-profit supporting Jefferson Memorial Forest, stressed the importance of Louisville’s community forest and the general role natural areas contribute to the city’s quality of life.
“All of us, young and old, benefit from being outdoors,”Zawacki said. “Being active in nature benefits us in so many ways from helping us manage stress, to creating opportunities for families to bond, and of course, just plain fun.”
The hiking Saturday will be through the Horine Reservation of the Forest, located at 12304 Holsclaw Hill Road. Nine different trail routes in four sections of the Forest will be featured, providing a range of options for hikers of all abilities. The trails range in length from one-fifth of a mile up to five miles, and have terrain varying from relatively flat to rugged.
The Wilderness Louisville Forest Adventure is presented by Quest Outdoors.
The Kentucky Distillers’ Association today announced a new three-year
partnership that will keep the prestigious Kentucky Bourbon Affair fantasy camp in Louisville
through 2019, as well as dates for next year’s event and a national search for a KBA Director.
KDA President Eric Gregory also said Whisky Live, an international celebration of the world’s
finest whiskies, will return as the KBA’s closing event, capping off the week-long intimate,
immersive dive into Kentucky’s signature spirit.
Dates are June 6 through June 11, 2017. A limited amount of Golden Tickets will go on sale
later this year at http://www.kybourbonaffair.com/, with single tickets available afterwards.
Information about Whisky Live also can be found at http://www.whiskyliveusa.com/.
Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer said, “The Kentucky Bourbon Affair has become a signature
event for Bourbon lovers and Louisville is honored to be its home.”
Gregory praised the Louisville Convention and Visitors Bureau for the three-year pact as Official
Host City. “The Kentucky Bourbon Affair has quickly become one of the industry’s most
revered events, due in large part to our friends at the Louisville CVB.
“Now, thanks to their vision, long-term commitment and collaboration with our legendary
distilleries, the KBA will strengthen its position as a world-class event, and the only one
produced by the actual distilleries themselves. “We deeply appreciate the support of the LCVB and its Board.”
Launched in 2014, the KBA is hailed for featuring daily behind-the-scenes access at the nation’s
most iconic distilleries, with elite nightcap dinners and fetes starring Louisville’s historic
Bourbon culture and top-shelf culinary scene.
The KBA has grown each year, with 35 events in 2016 and attendees from 40 states. Nearly all
events sell out quickly, with prized Golden Tickets – allowing first access to activities –
disappearing in minutes.
“Visiting Louisville for a festival or event is the number one driver for tourism in the city,” said Karen Williams, President and CEO of the Louisville CVB. “Having world-class events like the Kentucky Bourbon Affair that tie in to Louisville’s authenticity and Bourbon tradition are especially attractive and will benefit the city both culturally and economically.”
To learn more about Louisville and all its offerings, visit http://www.gotolouisville.com/.
Whisky Live Founder Dave Sweet said, “Coupled with the week-long celebration of the
Kentucky Bourbon Affair, Whisky Live Louisville 2016 was our most successful first launch
event ever with attendees from more than 20 states, coast-to-coast.”
“We’re looking forward to 2017 and adding an ever greater array of Scotch, Irish and other
international whiskies, alongside the best Bourbons that the industry has to offer. Whisky Live
Louisville is a national success and we’re just getting started.”
As part of its growth strategy, Gregory said the KDA is conducting a nationwide search for a
dynamic, full-time director to coordinate the annual showcase. A job posting is listed the KDA’s
website, http://kybourbon.com/about/careers/. The deadline to apply is Nov. 4.
“The KDA staff has done an incredible job in building this event from scratch,” Gregory said.
“But it has easily become a year-round position that needs dedicated resources, much like the
KDA’s Kentucky Bourbon Trail experiences.”
Gregory said KDA distilleries are hard at work on building once-in-a-lifetime events for 2017.
The 2016 Affair featured private distillery tours, personal barrel selections, limited special
releases, rooftop dinners with renowned Bluegrass chefs, skeet shooting with a legendary Master
Distiller, custom cocktail parties, receptions at the homes of famed Bourbon Barons and more.
“One of the most attractive aspects of the Kentucky Bourbon Affair is that it changes from year
to year,” he said. “And while we’re always looking for opportunities to grow, the KBA is
committed to maintaining the intimate distillery atmosphere that guests clearly love.
“Kentucky is the one, true and authentic home of Bourbon. The Kentucky Bourbon Affair
features our Southern hospitality and genteel spirit in a way that makes it unique from any other
whiskey event in the world. Don’t miss this unforgettable experience.”
The Louder Than Life Music Festival is set to rock Louisville fans in Champions Park this weekend. The jam-packed lineup for the two-day festival features mainstream headliners and newer groups from across the spectrum of rock and metal genres.
Bands will be playing on Louder Than Life’s three stages from 11AM until well into the night on both days of the festival.
Headline acts on Saturday include heavy hitters like Anthrax and Slayer, who have been rocking metal fans since the 80s and 90s; Brit rockers, The Cult, recent Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees, Cheap Trick; and powerhouse rockers Avenged Sevenfold. Other acts throughout the day include Pierce the Veil, Hellyeah, The Amity Affliction, Sick Puppies, and others.
The music and fun continues on Sunday with massive headline acts that include Slipknot, Disturbed, Korn, Clutch, and Sevendust. Earlier shows on the second and final day of Louder Than Life include Alter Bridge, Ghost, Zakk Sabbath, Crobot, Trivium, and many more.
Weekend and single-day tickets are still available starting at $80 with multi-day, VIP, camping, and hotel packages also available.
Admission to the festival also includes access to the Gourmet Man Food dining options and the various other entertainment, refreshment, and Louder Than Life Experience opportunities.
So, Are You Ready to ROCK, Louisville?
Millennials are a key factor turning up the heat in America’s hottest housing markets, according to a Realtor.com report on the 50 Hottest ZIP Codes in the United States – which included one Louisville neighborhood. This fueled a few dozen housing markets to rise above 32,000 others on a list topped by Watauga, Texas and Pleasant Hill, California.
The 40242 ZIP code on the east side of Louisville, bound by the Gene Snyder, the Watterson, and I-71 did not quite crack the top 10 in the nation, but it only just missed the list by coming in at the 11th spot.
“Homes for sale in this year’s hottest ZIP codes are selling almost as quickly as they hit the market,” said Jonathan Smoke, chief economist for realtor.com. “While millennials are usually a significant presence in most markets, their sheer size and buying power have made them a force to be reckoned with in these hot ZIP codes and given them the power to shift supply and demand dynamics.”
Read the full report here.
Eight Establishments in Louisville Named among America’s 80 Best Bourbon Bars
Bourbon industry publication, The Bourbon Review, has released its annual list of America’s 80 Best Bourbon Bars. During National Bourbon Heritage Month, The Bourbon Review will partner with Four Roses Bourbon for a nationwide “toast” to each of the 80 establishments selected.
Eight Louisville bars were selected as part of the list, including: Bourbons Bistro, Charr’d Bourbon Kitchen and Lounge, Derby Café, Doc Crows, Down One Bourbon Bar, Haymarket Whiskey Bar, Proof on Main, and Silver Dollar
Louisville has the most recognized bourbon bars than any other city in America. All eight of the establishments honored are also a part of the city’s Urban Bourbon Trail, a “pub crawl” that celebrates Louisville’s bourbon heritage and culture.
The nationwide “toast” will take place on Friday, September 30, when The Bourbon Review and Four Roses Bourbon will encourage fans to take part by tagging their favorite bourbon bar from the list using the hashtag #80Toast.
In addition to the toast, on-site visits to select winning Bourbon bars across the country by Four Roses Bourbon and The Bourbon Review are planned for September and October.
“We are proud to once again partner with The Bourbon Review to help celebrate its Top 80 list,” said Brent Elliott, master distiller, Four Roses Bourbon. “It’s an honor to recognize and toast these establishments who take their Bourbon as seriously as we do.”
To see the full list of America’s 80 Best Bourbon Bars, please visit www.gobourbon.com/best-80-bourbon-bars-2016.