
Lex Talk History
Monthly
Lex Talk History is a monthly podcast with WUKY's Alan Lytle & Lexington History Museum Executive Director Dr. Amanda Higgins. Episodes cover Lexington's past, present and future.
Ways To Subscribe
Latest Episodes
-
It's officially Pride Month and Lex Talk History is back with a fresh episode examining Kentucky's long, storied, and often under-told LGBTQ history. Alan and Mandy welcome back Josh Porter from the Faulkner Morgan Archive to talk about the Queer, Here, & Everywhere exhibit now on display at the downtown branch of the Lexington Public Library. They also discuss a number of upcoming 250 Lex events to celebrate homecoming month.
-
Lex Talk History, the official podcast of the Lexington History Museum, goes from "All Things LaFayette" to a seldom told aspect of life in the Mary Todd Lincoln House. This bonus May edition features Gwen Thompson, executive director of the historic childhood home of the former First Lady. She and Mandy discuss some of the people that too often history leaves out of the grand narrative; especially poignant with Lexington's 250th anniversary upon us. One person in particular was an enslaved servant named Chaney Dickerson. It's a fascinating conversation you won't want to miss.
-
2025 marks the 200th anniversary of the Marquis de LaFayette’s historic tour of the United States. LaFayette, then the last surviving major general of the Revolutionary War, received a hero’s greeting at many stops, including his visit to Lexington. In this edition of Lex Talk History Mandy and Alan get a visit from Lexington History Museum trustee-emeritus Bill Swinford; arguably the most knowledgeable source on the subject. Bill previews a number of Lafayette anniversary events coming up this month.
-
250 Lex's designated theme for April is the dual, and equally important roles of music and the written word in our city's history. For such a heavy lift Mandy and Alan turn to the one and only DeBraun Thomas who is certainly adept at both. He's a singer, a songwriter, truth-teller and last but not least, a radio host extraordinaire. This conversation will be anything but conventional and we guarantee you'll learn something new about our community!
-
250 Lex's theme for March is higher education and Lex Talk History is doing its part to highlight our rich history of colleges and universities. Alan and Mandy welcome historian Andrew Patrick for an overview. They also talk about the latest museum happenings, give an update on the StoryCorps project currently set up in Woodland Park through April 14th, and preview 250 Lex's College Town Showcase coming this weekend to the campuses of Blue Grass Community and Technical College, Transylvania University and the University of Kentucky.
-
Lex Talk History is back with the first of two episodes for March. Alan and Mandy talk about the latest happenings at the Lexington History Museum, share all the details about the StoryCorps project coming soon to Lexington, and then in our Lex Get Into It segment they welcome guests Regina M. Lewis and Sharon Murphy from Black Yarn; a Lexington-based nonprofit dedicated to using research and film to shine a light on economic injustice and connect Black experiences with those of all Americans. Regina and Sharon discuss with Mandy the segregated history of Lexington, redlining and restrictive covenants, and talk about the upcoming debut of their documentary film: “Lexington, Resilience in the Redline.”
-
Lex Talk History is back with our January episode. Alan and Mandy recap the kickoff to 250 Lex and highlight what's to come in the New Year. In keeping with this month's theme of health and wellness they talk with Rachel Hogg-Graham, Associate Professor, department of health management and policy in the UK College of public health. She's done extensive research on public health crises in Lexington; including the 1833 Cholera Epidemic, the 1918 Influenza pandemic, as well as lessons learned and challenges encountered during the recent COVID-19 Pandemic.
-
Our final 2024 episode of Lex Talk History features a conversation with 250 Lex Commission Co-chair Kip Cornett. Alan and Mandy get a sneak peek at just about everything the city has planned to celebrate its 250th birthday in 2025; and what role the Lexington History Museum will play in the commemoration.
-
Alan and Mandy return for a special episode for National Indigenous History Month. Our special guest is Kelly Hyberger, Director of Curatorial Affairs with the Filson Historical Society. The museum in Louisville has endeavored to preserve and share Kentucky's underreported Native American History while also repatriating objects in their collection to their rightful places. Breaking News: On Tuesday November 12th Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear appointed Kelly to serve on the Native American Heritage Commission. The Commission was established in 1996 to recognize and promote Native American contributions and influence in Kentucky’s history and culture. Alan and Mandy also share news about a new digital exhibit saluting Lexington's military veterans, as well as a sneak peek at the Lexington History Museum's vital role in helping the city celebrate its 250th birthday in 2025.
-
Alan and Mandy recap the opening of the museum's new exhibit, Among Women, and then turn it over to Carly Muetterties as she highlights Central Kentucky women featured in the book she co-authored with Maddie Shepard. Bluegrass Bold showcases 36 diverse Kentucky women whose contributions to national and state history over the course of more than two centuries deserve recognition. Written to appeal to young readers and to help teachers weave Kentucky content in their curriculum, Muetterties and Shepard chose women whose stories have the potential to inspire young people to be civically engaged throughout their lifetime. Carly will give an in depth presentation at the the next LexTalks event at the museum Sunday October 20th. Click the link below for registration information!