Advertise on podcast: Kentucky Deceased: Hauntings of Frankfort

"I find that when people are lying, they won't tell the story the same way twice." A skeptical lawyer sees a ghost in his bedroom. Three months later, he finds her portrait in the crawl space. In this special episode of Kentucky Deceased, recorded live at the Paul Sawyier Public Library as part of the Frankfort Heritage Lecture Series, author Keven McQueen shares two stories: the haunting of the Stockton House in Richmond, Kentucky, and the letters (and souvenir) he received from Charles Manson. Do you have a strange story from Frankfort or Franklin County? Bumps in the night, lights in the skies, or whatever else have you, we'd love to hear them! Record your story here and it may end up on a future episode of Kentucky Deceased. CONTENT WARNING Suicide Murder, including discussion of Charles Manson Threats of violence Brief mention of a marriage between an elderly man and a 15-year-old girl

"It's hard to treat the earth badly if we revere her." What if farming has always been a little bit magic? Local farmer and author Todd Elliott thinks it has, and that we'd take better care of the land if we saw it as alive. In this episode of Kentucky Deceased, Dr. Eleanor Hasken-Wagner talks with Todd about his book The Cunning Farmer: Agrarian Magical Practices, Mythology, and Folklore. They discuss astrology, the spirits of the land, and the "Christian animism" of the Middle Ages. Todd also reads an excerpt about a moonlit walk to an abandoned farm, where he leaves offerings for the spirits and sees the long history of the land. Do you have a strange story from Frankfort or Franklin County? Bumps in the night, lights in the skies, or whatever else have you, we'd love to hear them! Record your story at the link below and it may end up on a future episode of Kentucky Deceased. Submit your story here

"The devil abode in him and dominated him." John Upshaw Waring was a wealthy lawyer and a ruthless debt collector. He carried a pistol, a bowie knife, and a sword cane. For a quarter of a century, he left a trail of threats, stabbings, and lawsuits across Franklin and Woodford Counties. In this episode of Kentucky Deceased, Dr. Eleanor Hasken-Wagner looks at the life and death of Waring. She covers his role in the Beauchamp-Sharp tragedy, his 1835 shooting of attorney Samuel Q. Richardson on the steps of Frankfort's Mansion House, and the rumor that he wore a full suit of armor under his clothes. Do you have a strange story from Frankfort or Franklin County? Bumps in the night, lights in the skies, or whatever else have you, we'd love to hear them! Record your story at the link below and it may end up on a future episode of Kentucky Deceased. Submit your story here CONTENT WARNING Murder, threats of violence, stabbings and shootings, dueling, and brief mention of enslavement.

"Turn Murrow loose so I can kill him. A Sunday boat trip turned into a street fight on St. Clair and Wapping, leaving one man dead - and multiple conflicting accounts as to how it happened. In this season premiere of Kentucky Deceased, Dr. Eleanor Hasken-Wagner recounts the "Mud Murder" of 1924, a case that generated over fifteen witnesses and at least six trials across nearly a decade. Do you have a strange story from Frankfort or Franklin County? Bumps in the night, lights in the skies, or whatever else have you, we'd love to hear them! Record your story here and it may end up on a future episode of Kentucky Deceased. CONTENT WARNING Murder and street violence

“That’s a sorryful tale and as sorryful a tune as ever was.” In the decades following the assassination of Governor Goebel, the tale of his life and death was passed around by word of mouth… and, occasionally, with fiddle accompaniment. In this finale episode for season 5 of Kentucky Deceased, Dr. Eleanor Hasken-Wagner presents a 1937 recording of a ballad memorializing Governor Goebel’s assassination, followed by a conversation with musician and educator Brett Ratliff about Kentucky’s ballad tradition. - - - From the 1939 book Ballad makin’ in the mountains of Kentucky by Jean Thomas: This doleful tale he sings to the tune of 'Barbary Ellen.' “For,” as he said, “that’s a sorryful tale and as sorrowful a tune as ever was.”   Our grand old state is left in shame Since the death of William Goebel. We hope you will not scorn his name, His works were great and noble   He labored hard through this campaign With cautious steps he traveled; We think he touched the secret springs, Great questions he unraveled.   This famous man with brain and skill So cruelly he was treated; Taylor saw his plans had failed And he was soon defeated.   They then determined to take his life, ’Twas carried out to a letter; The sneaking, bloody work was done But it left the case no better.   He did not lack for medical aid, He had a skilled physician. Earnestly he prayed to live So great was his ambition.   He loved his country very much, He never shrank from duty; To banish wrong, and right produce In our grand old state of beauty.   The dying man made this request, Seriously he was thinking; He bade his friends to all keep cool Though in death he fast was sinking.   His silvery voice is hushed in death, As the shades of evening gather, He owned submission to God’s will And his spirit soared up to the Father.   His breath came short and very quick, Loved ones around him hover; And await the fast approaching train That bore his absent brother.   But alas! his coming was too late. This life he had departed; Three sad ones knelt at his bedside Bereaved and broken-hearted.   Poor Goebel he was cruelly shot While going on his mission; His brother left and sister too To mourn the sad condition.   We think it is a burning shame For it was done for wages. And will not be erased by time From off our history’s pages.   Rise up, you honest-hearted men! The present is exciting. Honesty is sure to win, The law will do your fighting.   Taylor’s strong and daring guard With loaded guns are waiting To cover up this bloody crime; His friends they are debating.   Our final court will be on high, To try such cruel cases. Our Judge and jury will be there With true and honest faces. - - - FEATURED MUSIC The Assassination of Governor Goebel performed by J.W. Day, recorded by John A. Lomax, June 28, 1937. Down in the Willow Garden performed by Peyton Byrns and Violet Updike, September 29, 2025. Caleb Meyer written by David Rawlings and Gillian Welch and performed by Violet and the Newsroom (Anabel Peterman, Violet Updike, and Clay Wallace), September 29, 2025. Whitesburg performed by Brett Ratliff on his 2021 album Whitesburg, KY.  - - - CONTENT WARNING References to murder, political violence, violence against women, rape, suicide, and capital punishment.

Opportunity knocks... and so does Bigfoot. In this episode, Dr. Eleanor Hasken-Wagner interviews Gabe, and 11-year-old author who shares his extensive knowledge of Kentucky cryptids and his mission to make spine-tingling tales accessible to young readers.

What makes a good ghost story? In this special episode, recorded live at the Paul Sawyier Public Library as part of the Frankfort Heritage Lecture Series, Dr. Hasken-Wagner presents some of Frankfort's odd phenomena from the historical record and invites consideration for how to approach these bizarre occurrences as a folklorist and historian. Not strictly storytelling, not strictly debunking, and not strictly verification, this presentation offers tools for handling the weirder moments from our past.   - - - LINKS Watch the full video of this lecture on Cable 10's YouTube channel, and browse past and upcoming Frankfort Heritage Lecture Series presentations on the Paul Sawyier Public Library's website.  - - - CONTENT WARNING - Brief mention of domestic violence (used as an example in an academic context) - Discussion of animal death and harm (in “Dog Eater” folk legend)

Discover why some gardeners swear by planting beans “in the arms” and how the stars may favor your green thumb - or even determine the best day to get a haircut. Dr. Eleanor Hasken-Wagner speaks with Berea College's Dr. Sarah Hall, author of Sown in the Stars, about the practice of agricultural timing based on lunar and astrological cycles. Dr. Hall reveals how generations of farmers and gardeners have consulted almanacs and homemade calendars to determine when to sow and when to reap.  Thanks to S.G. Goodman for the use of her song, Heat Lightning, off the album Planting By The Signs. The oral histories collected by Dr. Hall and archived with Berea College are available to listen to here.

Can you measure your future by the palm of your hand? What exactly does "The Man Who Knows" know? Do ghosts have to pay taxes? In this special episode, recorded live at Paul Sawyier Public Library, Dr. Eleanor Hasken-Wagner explains the practice of palmistry, the prolific history of palmists in Frankfort, and how the esoteric practice was embraced... and legislated.  - - - PALMISTS NAMED Madam Watson Madam Palmer, Palmist The Mysterious Lady Madam Margaret Madam Elsie May Madam Leona Madam Reiner Madam Gray Madam Dean Madam Loy Lady Alice Madam Florence Madam Christiana Madam Anna May Madam D. Madam Sleetwood The Man Who Knows Madam Gladys Madam Dolores  - - - LINKS Powerpoint from live presentation at Paul Sawyier Public Library  - - - CONTENT WARNING Mentions of segregation and discrimination against Black people; mentions of discrimination and stereotyping of Gypsy, Traveller, and Romani people.

Do you feel that chill in the air? Not yet? Well, one can dream. Nonetheless! Spooky season is fast approaching, and Kentucky Deceased is preparing to release its fifth season! Prepare for stories about palmistry, moon phases, and murder ballads - all centered right here in your backyard of Frankfort, Kentucky. UPCOMING MUSEUM EVENTS Wednesday October 1, 6-9 pm: Second annual Museum After Dark. Join us at the Capital City Museum to enjoy a night market, live music, tarot and oracle readings, and free aura photography. Book readings here. Thursday October 2, 7:30-9:30 pm: Murder and Mayhem Tour Thursday, October 9, 7:30-9:30 pm: Murder and Mayhem Tour Friday, October 10, 6:30-10 pm: Witches Night Out, a downtown Frankfort cocktail stroll. Dress up as the Leestown Witch! Saturday, October 11, 1 pm: Frankfort Heritage Lecture Series at Paul Sawyier Public Library with Dr. Eleanor Hasken-Wagner presenting Odd and Unknown: Frankfort's Unexplainable Phoenomena & Academic Approaches to Consider. Thursday, October 16, 7 pm: Storytelling night at Mortimer Bibb's featuring Dr. Eleanor Hasken-Wagner on Mothman Saturday, October 18, 3-10:30 pm: Haunting on the Hill, with activities including kids trick-or-treating, a spooky trail, and an outdoor movie. Thursday, October 23, 7:30-9:30 pm: Murder and Mayhem Tour Saturday, October 25, 5-8 pm: Downtown Thriller Parade and Downtown Trick or Treat Thursday, October 30, 7:30-9:30 pm: Murder and Mayhem Tour

The Capital City Museum is proud to announce its newest book will be available this week - Russ Hatter’s Franklin County Reference!   It's the product of years of work that former city historian Russ Hatter has completed at the Capitol City Museum for a grant funded by the Franklin County fiscal court. Join us for the release party at the Capital City Museum (325 Ann Street in Frankfort, KY) from 5-7 on Wednesday, February 26th.  Book signing starts at 5, with a presentation at 6. See you there!

Dr. Eleanor Hasken-Wagner chats with Frankfort author Luke Hosley about his approach to crafting strange - yet familiar - worlds. Enjoy snippets of Hosley's sci-fi, small-town horror, and audio drama work in this season's finale episode of Kentucky Deceased. LINKS Time Before Crime Into the Wallwood The Lost Art Of Podcast Author Facebook

From 1947 to 1969, the U.S. Air Force investigated unexplained aerial phenomena in a study known as Project Blue Book. Join Dr. Eleanor Hasken-Wagner as she explores a range of UFO sightings recorded in and around Frankfort - including during a national uptick in January, 1967.  - - - CONTENT WARNING Medical abuse of disabled people, eugenics

Dr. Eleanor Hasken-Wagner brings together a collection of stories gathered from around Frankfort. Encounter vanishing hitchhikers and ghostly cries, hear about end-times prophecies and legends of river monsters, and visit the city landmarks of Devil’s Umbrealla... and the Capital City Museum herself.  - - - STORIES The Vanishing Hitchhiker Crybaby Lane “Apocalypse Reviewed” The Loch Four Monster Odd Customs of Halloween Devil’s Umbrella Ghost Investigation at the Capital City Museum  - - - LINKS Nickelodeon’s Cry Baby Lane (rated TV-Y7) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0s_KZvsnDY Devil’s Umbrella article and picture:  https://www.jstor.org/stable/pdf/20637532.pdf Devil’s Umbrella stereoscopic picture (reversed) https://digital.library.louisville.edu/concern/images/ulpa_1999_036_097?locale=it EKGS Capital City Museum: Pre-investigation tour https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aDnbZcl2AbI EKGS Capital City Museum Ghost Hunt PART 1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dx1Yspypmuw EKGS Capital City Museum Ghost Hunt PART 2 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n45asR44eec EKGS Capital City Museum Ghost Hunt PART 3 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fhdMzbRiuPI EKGS Capital City Museum Ghost Hunt PART 4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i5Jm-GDrSlQ Ghost Hunting at Capital City Museum With POLTERGEIST ACTIVITY https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKMr0h5QJIQ Ghost Hunting at Capital City Museum FINAL https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZDAiKUnpOs  - - - CONTENT WARNING Themes of infant death, modern Christian end-times prophecy including references to Christian Zionism, and the colonial genocide of indigenous peoples in Kentucky.

Join Dr. Eleanor Hasken-Wagner on a journey through the haunting history of Liberty Hall Historic Site with curator John Walker. Hear tales of a mysterious Spanish opera singer, a peeping-Tom British soldier, and - of course - the famous Gray Lady herself.