John Wilkes Booth was one of the most famous actors of his day. His rise to critical and popular acclaim was no less than meteoric, and the nation was shocked at the role he played at Ford’s Theatre on the night of April 14, 1865, when he assassinated Abraham Lincoln. Booth’s family, friends and colleagues would never have imagined him capable of killing anyone, much less the President of the United States. 

This new 3-person interpretation examines what Booth was like as a child and a young man, his dedication to Southern principles, and his belief that Abraham Lincoln would destroy the Union and make himself a king. Three historic interpreters portray multiple characters, including Booth himself; his sister, Asia Booth Clarke; detective Everton Conger; and several other eye witnesses who recount the assassination and subsequent manhunt that led to a standoff at Garrett’s Farm in Virginia. This interpretation lasts approximately 40-45 minutes.

Please check the daily interpretation schedule for exact times and dates. http://www.fraziermuseum.org/interpretations.asp 

Come be a part of the third session of the Frazier Museum Sword Guild and learn the art of combat and sword fighting!!

Barrett Cooper, Manager of the Interpretation Department, and Eric Frantz, Interpreter, will instruct students in the art of the long sword and stage combat utilizing the text of the 14th and 15th centuries!

The Frazier Museum’s 3-person, 40-minute interpretation on the chilling mystery of Jack the Ripper returns for its third year. From August to November in 1888, the East End of London was held in the grip of fear by a series of gruesome murders. The killer was never found. Three of the Museum’s historic interpreters bring to life the horror of the crime scenes, the intensity of the police investigation and the hunt for the elusive killer.

Note: this interpretation may not be suitable for younger audiences, or the faint of heart.

Please check the daily interpretation schedule for exact times and dates. http://www.fraziermuseum.org/interpretations.asp 

The Kentucky Historical Society's HistoryMobile is a mobile museum featuring exhibits on Kentucky history and is housed in a 45-foot semi-trailer.  The HistoryMobile's traveling exhibit Kentucky's Abraham Lincoln explores Lincoln's frontier childhood, his career from log house to the White House, and his struggles to end slavery and lead the nation through Civil War.  The HistoryMobile will be parked outside the Frazier Museum all day on Thursday, October 9.  Admission is FREE, but space is limited and visitors will be allowed in on a first-come basis.  For more information, visit www.kylincoln.org.

Sue Mundy was a product of the civil and uncivil unrest existing in Kentucky in the closing days of the Civil War. As Kentuckians bridled under military rule, and the depredations of guerrillas who created an atmosphere that must have resembled, in many ways, the turmoil of present-day Baghdad in its most turbulent months, it was a period of vicious personal wars among a divided populace.

Richard Taylor, profesor at Kentucky State University, is a writer and former Louisvillian and Kentucky Poet Laureate.  University Press of Kentucky published his historical novel, Sue Mundy: A Novel of the Civil War, as part of its Kentucky Voices Series.

As part of our traveling exhibition, Liberty on the Border: A Civil War Exhibit, the Frazier Museum and the McConnell Center at the University of Louisville host Dr. Jean Baker, Professor of History at Goucher College in Baltimore, on Tuesday October 28 at 7 pm.  Dr. Baker is a noted author and lecturer who has written many books about women in history, among them Mary Todd Lincoln: A Biography.  Using previously untapped letters and documents, Dr. Baker tells a riveting story about Mary Lincoln’s childhood in Lexington, Kentucky, her stormy romance and marriage to Abraham Lincoln, and her struggles to balance her personal demons with her public life, even after her husband’s assassination. 

Admission is FREE.  Doors open at 5:30 p.m.   Pre-lecture time includes the opportunity to view the Museum exhibits, including the special exhibit Liberty on the Border: A Civil War Exhibit.  A reception and book signing of Mary Todd Lincoln: A Biography follows the presentation.

This lecture is also a Professional Development opportunity for Jefferson County teachers.  To receive professional development credits, you must enroll through Rick Daniel, District Social Studies Specialist, (502) 485-3054.

From August to November 1888, Victorian London was held in the grip of fear by a mysterious killer.  The name bestowed upon him has become known the world over: Jack the Ripper.

The Frazier Museum presents a special All Hallows Eve performance of our interpretation of the Ripper mystery: three actors capture the horror of the crime scenes, the intensity of the police investigation, and the pursuit of the elusive killer.

The University of Louisville Early Music Ensemble, lead by Dr. Jack Ashworth, will open the evening with a program of authentic period music popular in the 1880's, including the song that one Ripper victim was heard singing on the night she was killed.

Please Note: This performance contains some mature content and is recommended for folks age 13 and over.

Perhaps the most recognizable and well known of all Civil War Union generals was Ulysses S. Grant.  Present at  Appomattox Courthouse at the end of the Civil War, Grant drafted the terms of surrender for the Confederacy and the end of the bloodshed which had lasted four years.

Larry Clowers presents stories from General Grant's early life, his marriage, his war years and his impressions of President Abraham Lincoln.

Kentucky was much more than simply the birthplace of our sixteenth president. Kentucky and Abraham Lincoln had profound effects on each other. The state played a significant role in his journey to the White House and his path through the Civil War. It held his earliest memories, provided his political mentor, several close friends, and his wife. Kentuckians were outraged by federal policies during the Civil War and Lincoln was not popular, but today we are proud to claim this giant of American history. With John Kleber as your guide, meet the remarkable Mr. Lincoln.

Rick Bell’s presentation will focus on the City’s brave response and how the Great Flood continues to influence the community. His book details Louisville’s greatest natural disaster on the 70th anniversary of the crisis.  A book signing will follow this presention.

The presentation will discuss the major forces in Clark County’s growth and development, including the county’s historic significance; the impact of topography and the Ohio River; the political influence of Jeffersonian Democracy, middle-class business and agricultural leadership, and the powerful sense of community based on kinship, friendship, associational ties, and demographic stability.  A book signing will follow this presentation

As a surgeon attached to various regiments of Kentucky’s famous Orphan Brigade, John Scott served in several battles, including Shiloh, Murfreesboro, and Hartsville, TN. Scott’s remarkable scrapbooks, which date to the 1850s and will be displayed for this presentation, feature his official war documents and personal letters.

Chuck Parrish will focus on the historical development of navigation on the Ohio River We'll discuss the conditions on the river prior to any improvements; types of vessels on the river from flatboat to towboat; development of the locks and dams; the Falls of the Ohio; traffic on the river today; the economic importance of the river.

Dr. Tom Owen's lively and evocative talk chronicles life in Louisville neighborhoods during World War II and the decade or so following. Dr. Owen also puts his finger on those elements of change that both diminished neighborhood life while at the same time making society more healthy and humane.