Explore the most fascinating stories from Kentucky’s past
A production of The Frazier History Museum in Louisville, KY.
Hosted by Mick Sullivan and Sarah Jemerson
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.
24 Aug 2026
Dr. Short and the Resurrected Smell of the Scurfpea
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.
3 Aug 2026
Kentucky's Indiana Jones
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
13 Jul 2026
Magna Carta at Fort Knox
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.
29 Jun 2026
Tales of the Old Talbott Tavern
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.
15 Jun 2026
Aaron Burr, Sir: A Kentucky Trial
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!
1 Jun 2026
Liberty Bell Comes to Town
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.
25 May 2026
Season Two!
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.
3 Nov 2025
Feed Swap - Kentucky History Podcast: Shawnee in Kentucky
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.
11 Aug 2025
Germans Who Cut Stone
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.
28 Jul 2025
The Bull and Camp Nelson
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.
14 Jul 2025
Kentucky Giants
"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.
30 Jun 2025
Their Day in Court
Megan Schanie discusses the landmark lawsuits of Henrietta Wood and Madeline Pollard, two Kentucky women who fought for justice in the 1800s, revealing their resilience.
16 Jun 2025
Love and Marriage
Annie Casey Glover and Mabel Kelly's stories reveal the lives and artistic pursuits of women in Kentucky, highlighting their contributions to fashion and film.
1 Jun 2025
Four Photographers
This episode explores the lives and legacies of Kentucky's Black photographers Morgan Smith, Marvin Smith, Moneta Sleet, and Bud Dorsey, who captured pivotal moments in history and their communities.
23 May 2025
Welcome to Kentucky Wide
Hosts Mick Sullivan and Sarah Jemerson introduce Kentucky Wide, a new podcast from the Frazier History Museum, exploring fascinating stories from Kentucky and its people.
Who has been a guest on Kentucky Wide
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Megan Schanie
Annie Casey Glover
Mabel Kelly
Morgan Smith
Marvin Smith
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
4.9 / 5
11 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
4 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 13 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
6
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
51
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