Mariam and Wayne discuss the history of Lexington & Fayette County’s merged governments, one of only fifteen merged city-county governments in the United States. They discuss how and why the merger was planned, how it was enacted, and briefly touch on Lexington’s famous mayoral race, known as the “Spider Election”, of 1973.

Tales From The Kentucky Room

The Urge to Merge: The Merger of Lexington’s City and Fayette County’s Governments (2021)

Jamie tells an abridged history of Russell’s Cave, Fayette County’s largest cave, including a description of the area, evidence of Native American’s habitation of the land, Colonel William Russell’s military grant of the land including the cave, and our favorite event: the Cassius Marcellus Clay fight with Samuel Brown at a political rally. 

Russell’s Cave: A Tiny History for Fayette County’s Biggest Cave (2021)

Mariam and Wayne discuss the construction of New Circle Road, the transition of the downtown streets to one way, and other major transportation projects in Lexington. (You might notice some light construction noise after the 25-minute mark - there were renovations happening on the floor above us, our apologies!) An image of Main Street while it was still two-way is available on the Kentucky Photo Archive here. 

Not Just a One Way Street (2021)

Producer Erin takes a turn on the other side of the mic to tell the story of the unsolved murder of Alexander T. Hays. She explores the coverage of the crime, the investigation, the suspect, and two theories of the 1846 crime. 

The Murder of Alexander T. Hays (2021)

Mariam and Wayne discuss the National Guard’s shooting of unarmed student protestors on Kent State’s campus in 1970, and how protests against the shooting, including the ROTC building fire, on UK’s campus led to curfews and lockdowns by Kentucky’s Governor. This episode was recorded in September 2020. May 4, 2021 was the 51st anniversary of the shooting, and May 6, 2021, was the 51st anniversary of the fire. An image of the fire and more can be found on ExploreUK.

Fire on UK’s Campus: the 51st Anniversary of the Kent State protests (2021)

Mariam interviews Lauren Burke, of the podcast Bonnets at Dawn, about Elizabeth Keckley, dressmaker for Mary Todd Lincoln.

Elizabeth Keckley, an Interview with Lauren Burke (2021)

Denise guest hosts and give sketches of the lives of three Lexington Civil War era women: Elizabeth Harbeson Hummons, Francis Dallam Peter, and Ella Bishop Ransom.

Three Civil War Lexington Women

Naomi interviews Reverend L. Clark Williams about what progress has been made in Lexington since the June 4, 2020 march for racial justice.

A Conversation With Reverend L. Clark Williams (2021)

Wayne, Library resident sports expert, interviews sports broadcaster Alan Cutler about his career and new book, Cut to the Chase.

Cut to the Chase: An Interview with Alan Cutler (2020)

Mariam and Wayne share the story of David Rice Atchison, the only person in history who was possibly president for a day.

President for a Day: David Rice Atchison

Mariam and Beverly discuss Beverly’s recent book, The Murder of Marion Miley.

The Murder of Marion Miley, Revisited: An Interview with Author Beverly Bell (2020)

Wayne tells the story of Pamela Brown and the ill-fated hot air balloon voyage across the Atlantic in 1970, in time for the 50th anniversary of the crash.

Pamela Brown: A Free Life (2020)

Mariam tells a brief history of Lexington's first steam powered street roller, named the Willipus Wallipus.

The Willipus Wallipus (2020)

Mariam and Erin discuss and play clips of a few of their favorite moments from Tales from the Kentucky Room. This episode was recorded online from their homes.

Best of Tales from the Kentucky Room (2020)

Enjoy this discussion of Lexington born Major League Baseball players that was cut from the KY Baseball episode.

Kentucky Baseball Bonus Episode (2020)

Stories of Lexington, Kentucky’s history and people.

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Tales From The Kentucky Room

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