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African American heritage sites and events:
From the adversities of slavery to achievements in education, racing, business and industry, the story of African Americans in Lexington and the Bluegrass is a multifaceted and fascinating legacy.
At Waveland State Historic Site, you can tour restored slave quarters and gain insight into the daily lives of slaves on a Bluegrass hemp plantation.
The Pleasant Green Missionary Baptist Church on West Maxwell St., the oldest African American Baptist church west of the Alleghenies, was founded in 1790 by a Virginia slave whose freedom was purchased by his congregation.
The St. Paul A.M.E. Church has been used by an African American congregation since 1820. The congregation first met in a stable on this site, a portion of which may still exist in the foundation of the building.
Exhibits and materials relating to African American culture can be found at the Martin Luther King Jr. Cultural Center on the University of Kentucky campus.
South of Lexington, off U.S. 27, is Camp Nelson, a National Historic Landmark and the enlistment and training site for thousands of slaves who joined the Union Army during the Civil War.
Other sites worth seeing:
• Kentucky Horse Park — This 1,200-acre working farm showcases humans’ relationship to the horse, with nearly 50 breeds grazing on Bluegrass pastures. The state park also has two museums, a theater and a gift shop. Old Kentucky Night for groups features a tractor-pulled hayride and a Taste of the Bluegrass traditional Kentucky meal.
• Keeneland Race Course — Considered one of the most beautiful racetracks in the world, this National Historic Landmark features spring and fall thoroughbred meets, and early-morning workouts and breakfast at the track kitchen throughout the year.
• The Thoroughbred Center — This thoroughbred training facility provides a behind-the-scenes look at the lives of racehorses and trainers.
• Mary Todd Lincoln House — The childhood home of President Abraham Lincoln’s wife, this Georgian-style brick house in downtown Lexington features several artifacts from the Lincolns.
• Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill — The nation’s largest restored Shaker community, located a half-hour south of Lexington, features 34 restored buildings on 2,900 acres. There are costumed interpreters, craft demonstrations, performances of Shaker music and meals in the Trustee’s House.
African American events:
• Roots and Heritage Festival — This two-day street festival in September celebrates the spirit of Lexington’s African American cultural history and achievements.
Other events worth attending:
• Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games — Lexington is already preparing for the World Equestrian Games, when world championships in eight equestrian disciplines will be decided at the Kentucky Horse Park from Sept. 25 to Oct. 10, 2010. This will be the first time that the games, held every four years, have been held outside of Europe and all at one site.
• Southern Lights — Animated light displays are arranged along a three-mile route through the Kentucky Horse Park; indoors, groups can shop for handmade arts and crafts, and enjoy cookies and hot chocolate while listening to local choirs. The event is held from the week before Thanksgiving till the end of the year.
What’s new:
The Isaac Scott Hathaway Museum African American history museum, named for the noted Lexington-born black sculptor and artist, moves into the Lexington History Center in January. The 4-year-old museum, which has been without a permanent home, hopes to expand it collection now that it is one of four museums in the former Fayette County Courthouse downtown.
Special programs or services for groups:
The Lexington Convention and Visitors Bureau can help groups plan their itineraries. It can provide information about step-on guides, and hotels and restaurants that cater to groups. It also offers prepriced entertainment packages for groups.
