Advertise on podcast: Kentucky Wide - A Kentucky History Podcast

Thanks to the research of Canadian author and archeologist Karolyn Smardz-Frost, the story of Thornton and Lucie Blackburn is well known. Their tale of the Underground Railroad saw them move from Louisville to Toronto with dramatic stops in between. No less amazing is the story of Thornton's mother, Sibby Blackburn, whose story Dr. Smardz-Frost continues to explore. Written by Amanda Bride, this episode looks at Sibby's own journey from Virginia to Bracken County, Kentucky, and finally to Toronto.

Dr. Charles Wilkins Short was a 19th century doctor and botanist whose prized specimens wound up in important learning collections. a few years ago scientists in Boston used his 1859 clipping of the extinct Falls-of-The-Ohio Scurfpea clipping  when trying to recreate the scent of a long lost flower. We learn about Dr. Short's Kentucky life, and the extended life of his collection thanks to modern scientists like Dr. Christina Agapakis.

Kentucky certainly has its fair share of interesting personalities, but perhaps only one person in all of history could have a claim at being Kentucky’s own Indiana Jones. The newest episode of Kentucky Wide Podcast looks at the one-hundred year life of Dr. Christopher Columbus Graham. One of those people who seems to be everywhere, Dr. Graham once ran the Free Museum of Kentucky and his tireless drive led him to lead a huge archeology project at the age of 93. No wonder his 100th birthday was a big deal. Written by Susan Reed - Audio by Mick Sullivan - Co-hosted by Sarah Jemerson

During World War II Kentucky played safe house to a collection of some of history's most important documents. Learn about conservation work to the Declaration of Independence done at Fort Knox, and how an original copy of Magna Carta found its way to the Commonwealth.

The Old Talbott Tavern has seen some of history's most important names from around the world in its long history. The building still stands in Bardstown, Nelson County Kentucky. Explore royalty, ghosts, presidents, delicious food and more.

A new run of Hamilton will be opening in Louisville this month, so w’re keeping the America250 theme rolling with the newest episode of our podcast Kentucky Wide by looking at Hamilton’s notorious rival, Aaron Burr. Written by our own Tori Kennedy, this episode introduces you to Burr’s Kentucky connections, which—just like his relationship with Hamilton—were mired in controversy. Burr actually faced Kentuckian and United States Attorney Joseph Hamilton Daveiss on treason charges in Frankfort. Burr had a way of besting Hamiltons, and he never faced punishment for his crimes. Learn more about Daveiss, Burr, and the independent nation he tried to start in this week’s episode of Kentucky Wide!

In 1915, while making a transcontinental tour, The Liberty Bell made a brief stop in Louisville. There was drama, there was celebration, there were guests of honor, and there was a national dialogue around technology, history, and a looming World War.  And for one young girl on the run, the moment was too big to miss.

We're excited to launch our second Season of Kentucky Wide. This season will run longer and feature stories that connect to the 250th Anniversary of America and the ideals of the Declaration of Independence.

While we work on a new season, we’re excited to partner with Kentucky History Podcast for a special podcast feed swap! Host Jameson Cable shares one of his most-listened-to episodes: Shawnee in Kentucky. In this engaging conversation, Jameson is joined by Dr. Stephen Warren, author of The Shawnees and Their Neighbors, 1795–1870 and The Worlds the Shawnees Made: Migration and Violence in Early America. Together, they explore the Shawnee people’s history, their interactions with governments and borderlands, and the preservation of cultural identity through centuries of change. Launched in 2019, the Kentucky History Podcast has become a leading resource for exploring Kentucky’s rich past. With more than 200 podcast episodes, over 300 videos, and 1 million views on YouTube, the show dives deep into early Kentucky history — from Native peoples and frontier settlements to politics, culture, and everyday life in the Bluegrass. 🎧 Listen to [Your Podcast Title] here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/kentucky-history-podcast/id1478069160 ▶️ Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@KentuckyHistoryChannel 📖 Dr. Warren’s book, The Worlds the Shawnees Made: https://uncpress.org/9781469627274/the-worlds-the-shawnees-made/ Don’t miss this opportunity to explore Kentucky’s past through the voices of leading historians and storytellers.

The facade of Christian Heigold's 19th Century home is all that remains from the living structure.  Near the Ohio River east of Downtown Louisville, it tells a deep story of that time in America. Similarly, German immigrant August Bloedner carved the oldest Civil War monument in America to honor his fallen fellow soldiers at Kentucky's Battle of Rowlett Station in 1861. It is kept safe from the elements at The Frazier History Museum.

General William “Bull” Nelson of Mason County, secretly fought to keep Kentucky in the Union and was then famously murdered in Louisville's Galt House Hotel by Jefferson Davis (not the Jefferson Davis you’re thinking of). Camp Nelson in Jessamine County, Kentucky, was named in his honor. The incredible historic site is now remembered for the hundreds of enlistments of Kentuckians into the U.S. Colored Troops. Poet Frank X Walker has written a collection of poems touching on these people and moments called Load in Nine Times—several of which are included in this episode covering both the history and his modern relationship with Camp Nelson.

"Big" Jim Porter was a world famous man from Portland, Kentucky who stood 7'8" tall.  However, a Letcher County Man named Martin Van Buren Bates would come along and top him by and inch, at 7'9". Bates eventually married Anna Swan, who was tall than both men.

Henrietta Wood and Madeline Pollard are two Kentucky Women who successfully sued Kentucky men in the 1800s.  Henrietta was a free woman when Zebulon Ward abducted her and sent her back into slavery. Her suit for restitution was pivitol - and successful.  Madeline Pollard sued Col. Breckinridge for breach of promise when he refused to marry her as once promised, following their years-long affair.    Written by Megan Schanie

Annie Casey Glover, better known as Madame Glover was an Irish immigrant in the 1800s who became one of the leading dressmakers of America at her time.  Mabel Kelly and her husband Wallace lived in Lebanon, KY where they pursued the artistic life. Both are featured in our 2025-26 exhibition Davis Jewelers Love and Marriage. Find Wallace Kelly's movie "Our Day" at the Library of Congress here:https://www.loc.gov/item/2023600636/

Our first episode examines the lives of four Black photographers from Kentucky. Morgan and Marvin Smith were from Nicholasville, KY and operated a studio right next to The Apollo Theatre in Harlem. Moneta Sleet, of Owensboro, KY was the first Black man to win a Pulitzer Prize, which he won for his photo from Martin Luther King Jr's funeral. Finally, Louisville's Bud Dorsey worked a straight job while becoming one of the most visible photographers in the city for decades.