I don't normally get with historical reenactments but this one sounds pretty neat.

Visit Riverside to commemorate the founding of Louisville at the Falls of the Ohio, and learn about the first hundred years of our history, during this unique timeline event featuring over 100 re-enactors representing different periods from 1765 to 1865. Visitors will be able to walk through each time period - and interact with the presenters - to see the clothing, tools, weapons, and crafts of each period. The event will take place on Saturday, June 14, 2008 and Sunday, June 15, 2008 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both days.

Admission: $6/Adults; $5/Seniors; and $3/Children.

This First Friday Trolley Hop looks to be the best one in several months. Or maybe I'm biased because I'm a history geek and the Frazier Museum's new "Bobby, Martin & John: Once Upon on American Dream" temporary exhibit has me geeking out like only a history major can.

In addition to the history stuff I definitely recommend that you hit two photography exhibitions that are going on downtown.

First up Pyro Gallery has Hanging Together, portraiture by photographer John Fitzgerald.

Hanging Together is a collection of portraits of individuals representing a wide range of socioeconomic status. While society and reality may treat these individuals quite differently, the photographic technique of this project seeks to view each individual much the same as God would - with absolute equality. The artist's objective is to challenge the viewer to approach poverty and wealth through a more divine and personal lens than what their human perceptions, stereotypes, and experiences may allow. Photographic intimacy and a minimalist simplicity of artistic style are the means by which I attempt, - not to obscure, but to transcend the inequalities between those who are included in a wealthy, consumer culture and those who are left out.

Paul Paletti Gallery has

"Howard Schatz Redux", a second opportunity to view the stunningly beautiful color images of ballerinas, models, and acrobats from Cirque du Soleil, all photographed underwater. This exhibit of work by Howard Schatz will include those works that were not showcased in the Paul Paletti "H20" exhibition, and is held in conjunction with the publication of his new book, "H20," will be on display from June 1 -August 31, 2008.

Other highlights include:
- the previously mentioned "Enough is Enough" opening at Gallery NuLu.
- Carr + Waite Studios has a new show opening: "Geoff Carr's photographs are still lifes of materials assembled in his studio partner's space.Caroline Waite's work are assemblages of man-made and natural objects found at the Falls of the Ohio."
- Frazier Museum will also be having the second annual Taste O' Ireland "Celebrate the Emerald Isle with music from Louisville's own Guilderoy Byrne, playing traditional and contemporary Irish favorites on a variety of acoustic folk instruments."

I'm slightly embarrassed to say that I was unaware that such a thing as the Italian Cultural Institute existed in Louisville. I still don't know much about them since I couldn't find a website for them but I do know they're sponsoring a very interesting sounding lecture series at the Speed Museum. The next in this series is next Thursday March 13, 2008 and will feature Dr. Christopher Fulton, Associate Professor of Art History at the University of Louisville. Dr. Fulton will be discussing the city of Florence during the Renaissance.

Italian Culture Institute Lecture Series
Florence during the Renaissance
Thursday March 13, 2008
6PM
Free and open to the public

Speed Museum
2035 South Third Street
Louisville, Kentucky 40208

If you want to totally follow me down a rathole I'll tell you that when I was a history major in college I thought that studying anything related to Medieval Europe was tedious and boring. Then I took a class with Dr. Blake Beattie that changed everything. It was a great class, Dr. Beattie a fantastic instructor and a switch in my brain was flipped. After the class I became a person who wanted to discuss the Avignon Papacy, Innocent III and any other manner of things relating to Medieval Europe. And now I'm totally wanting to go to a lecture about Florence during the Renaissance. Thank you Dr. Beattie. If you're a student at the University of Louisville and get an opportunity to take a class with Dr. Beattie sign up now.

In Louisville, at the corner of Fourth and Walnut,
in the center of the shopping district,
I was suddenly overwhelmed with the realization
that I loved all those people,
that they were mine and I theirs,
that we could not be alien to one another
even though we were total strangers ...
There is no way of telling people that they are all
walking around shining like the sun.

Thomas Merton, Conjectures of a Guilty Bystander

I know almost nothing about Thomas Merton so that quote and the information from the press release below is all the information I have to share but I must tell you that I find that quite inspirational and will be looking into Thomas Merton right away.

Shining Like the Sun: A Celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Thomas Merton's Louisville Epiphany
 
Tuesday, March 18th
4:30 p.m. Light Refreshments
5:30 p.m. Program
Muhammad Ali Center, Auditorium

An enlightening experience for the community. Please join us and our panelists who will be discussing how their personal epiphanies have shaped their individual lives.  Light refreshments will be served.

Guests can also enjoy the opening night exhibition of A Hidden Wholeness: The Zen Photography of Thomas Merton.
 
In addition, guests can enjoy a tour of the Center's 2 1/2 levels of award-winning exhibitry after the presentation.
 
Seating is limited so make your reservations today!

Please RSVP to (502) 992-5329

Thanks to Steve from Louisville History & Issues for the tip.

Another first Friday, another trolley hop downtown. There's some cool stuff involved with this one that I recommend you check out. A few highlights:

"Join the fun as the Frazier Museum kicks off March with the 2nd Annual Taste O' Ireland! Celebrate the Emerald Isle with a taste of Irish whiskey & music from Guilderoy Byrne, playing traditional & contemporary Irish favorites on a variety of acoustic, folk instruments.

Admission is Free and our galleries will be open - including our temporary exhibits A Slave Ship Speaks: The Wreck of the Henrietta Marie and Women's Work: The Paper Doll Quilts of Rebekka Seigel. "

Cressman Center for Visual Arts Gallery will present a reception for America's Favorite Architecture (AIA Traveling Exhibition from 6 - 9 p.m. The traveling exhibition "is organized by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) to help celebrate its 150th anniversary. It features photographs by Carol M. Highsmith of 150 works of architecture--buildings, bridges, monuments, and memorials--selected by a public poll conducted by the AIA and Harris Interactive."

Swanson Reed Contemporary may be the best stop of the night cause they're giving away free gumbo from Cafe Lou Lou as part of their exhibition and fundraiser: MAKE IT RIGHT: REBUILDING NEW ORLEANS, featuring the work of three Louisiana artists. There will be a
benefit concert by Noisy Crane at 10 PM, $5 at the door and a "share of all the profits go to the Make it Right foundation which is using innovative and sound architectural ideas to rebuild after the hurricane."

Info straight from the press release:

Judi Jennings, the author of Gender, Religion and Radicalism in the Long Eighteenth Century, will join The Filson during Women's history month for a lecture on March 6, 2008 at noon. She will focus on the Quaker artist and author, Mary Morris Knowles, a woman of many facets - a radical thinker, a brilliant conversationalist, a respected religious writer, an advocate for the abolition of slavery, a poet and a talented artist of needle painting.

The lecture will highlight Knowles' accomplishments and look at the connections between religion, radicalism, and gender then and now. One will also experience the argument between Knowles and Samuel Johnson come off the written page, as Jennings and guests present the dispute's dialogue.

Free and open to the public at The Filson Historical Society, 1310, South Third Street, Louisville, KY 40208

We're in the middle of what I'd call an Abraham Lincoln bonanza. You can hardly turn your head sideways in Louisville without seeing or hearing something relating to Abraham Lincoln. The University of Louisville is no exception so they're brining in Pulitzer Prize-winning historian and Civil War expert James McPherson to lecture about Lincoln's wartime leadership tomorrow March 5, 2008.

Tried by War: Abraham Lincoln as Commander in Chief
March 5, 2008
6 p.m.

Speed Art Museum
2035 S. Third St.
Louisville, KY

Parking is available for $3 in the adjacent garage off Third Street.
Admission to the lecture is free and open to the public

I got a press release for a very cool sounding event that is right in line with my desire to explore and learn more about Louisville's various neighborhoods.

From the press release

The public is invited to join the Louisville Historical League and The American Printing House for the Blind (APH) for a ride through Louisville's distinctive industrial past. Butchertown and Smoketown are words used to describe parts of Louisville, but many people don't know what they really mean. These districts, and many others, developed unique identities from the industries they served. This 4-hour tour promises to uncover fascinating enclaves of industrial architecture and history that are unique to the river city. Tour participants will leave on a bus from APH, whose own building dates from 1883, promptly at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 29, 2008. There will be breaks, provided snacks and drinks, and even a chance to explore a few properties on the journey by foot. Tickets for this special tour of over 30 industrial buildings cost $25 each; call 502-899-2365 to order. Although the deadline for reservations is March 21, seating is limited, and the bus is expected to fill early, so reserve your space, now.

I know March 29 is a little bit out but this sounds so neat I wanted to give you ample notice to make your reservations if you're interested.

Last week I mentioned that Shelly Zegart, the Louisville based author, lecturer and consultant who is an internationally known and renowned expert on American quilts, is giving a tour of the exhibit Gee's Bend: The Architecture of the Quilt. That tour is only available to Speed Museum members but I've found out that Zegart will also be presenting a lecture on that same day, Sunday February 24, that is free and open to everyone, not just museum members.

Lecture: African American Quilt MakingQuilt authority Shelly Zegart discusses prevailing yet differing perspectives on African american quilt-making, including common misperceptions about various traditions.

Shelly Zegart lecture: African American Quilt Making
Sunday February 24, 2008
3:00PM

Speed Museum
2035 South Third Street
Louisville, Kentucky 40208

Shelly Zegart is a Louisville based author, lecturer and consultant who is an internationally known and renowned expert on American quilts. On Sunday February 24, 2008 Speed Museum members have a chance to experience Zegart's expertise when she leads a tour of Gee's Bend: The Architecture of the Quilt exhibit.

Members Only Tour of Gee's Bend: The Architecture of the Quilt Shelly Zegart will lead a members only tour of the exhibition. Tour is free but space is limited so reserve your spot by calling our reservation line at 634-2970. (meet at Information Desk)

Dr. Quinn's got nothing on Dr. Ephraim McDowell.

From the press release:

On Christmas Day 1809 in Danville, Kentucky, a thousand miles from the nearest hospital and thirty-five years before the deveopment of anesthesia, Dr. Ephraim McDowell (1771-1830) removed a huge ovarian tumor from the abdomen of a Kentucky woman.  It was the world's first ovariotomy, and it eventually brought McDowell worldwide acclaim as the Father of Abdominal Surgery.

L. Henry Dowell, Chautauqua performer, will perform as Dr. Ephraim McDowell, Frontier Surgeon and Father of Abdominal Surgery on February 6, at Historic Locust Grove as part of the Afternoon Lecture Series. Dessert & coffee are served at 1:00 p.m. and the program begins at 1:15 p.m.

Locust Grove
561 Blankenbaker Lane
Louisville, KY 40207

Here's the press release for an interesting sounding free event on UofL's campus on Saturday January 19, 2008.

U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Marshall will be the focus of a panel discussion on the University of Louisville’s Belknap Campus Jan. 19, 2008

The free, public event, “Chief Justice John Marshall: Origins and Consequences of Judicial Review,” will begin at 10:30 in Chao Auditorium, Ekstrom Auditorium.

Panelists will include Michael McDonald, a retired Kentucky Court of Appeals judge; Scott Miller, a retired Kentucky state senator, and Jane Lollis, a Louisville attorney. Charles Ziegler of Uof L’s Department of Political Science and Thomas Mackey of UofL’s Department of History will moderate.

Marshall, who served on the nation’s highest court from 1801 to 1835, is perhaps best known for establishing judicial review, a practice allowing courts to strike down laws that violate the Constitution.

For more information, call Lynn Olympia of the Alexander Hamilton Historical Society of Kentucky, 502-897-5726.

The Frazier Museum has a series of lunchtime events that present "bites" of history. These events are free and open to the public. The next one, on Thursday December 20, 2007 will be a presentation on political cartoons during Abraham Lincoln's administration.

With Malice Toward One -- Abraham Lincoln and the Political Cartoonists will be held noon Thursday, December 20, at the Frazier Inernational History Museum in Louisville. Dr. Mark Summers will discuss one very effective way to change or direct public opinion -- the political cartoon. During the Civil War, newspapers on both sides attempted to sway public sentiment. This program is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Tony Dingman at 502-756-5665.

I'm a history geek so this sounds like a great lunchtime event to me.

Thanks for tip Steve

Frazier International History Museum
829 West Main Street
Louisville, Kentucky

I'm planning on a day full of festive making, eating and shopping for the Friday after Thanksgiving and visiting the Locust Grove Holiday Sample would seem to fit nicely into that plan.

Spend the day after Thanksgiving exploring our region’s heritage. We’re open during our regular hours (10:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.). Costumed demonstrators will be in the kitchen and woodshop from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. And you can even do holiday shopping in the museum store, with all items 20 percent off regular price. Even better, it’s all included in the regular price – $6 for general admission, $5 for seniors, $3 for children 6-12, free for children under 6 and members.

Friday, November 23, 2007
11AM-2PM

Historic Locust Grove
561 Blankenbaker Lane
Louisville , KY 40207

I'm late getting the info on this event but if you're interested in photography this sounds like a good way to spend a Saturday morning and if you're a photographer a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon.

Brennan Heritage Center is proud to present:
The Brennan Photography Symposium
 

Public Session: 10:30 am – 12:30 pm

• Tour of The Brennan House & special exhibit of Brennan family photos
• Lecture with Bill Carner, University of Louisville, Photo Archives
• Photography: Processes, Preservation, & Conservation

*Bring one of your own old photos to be analyzed by Mr. Carner

Photographers Session: 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm

• Tour of The Brennan House & special exhibit of Brennan family photos
• Open photography session: Featuring a rare chance to photograph this Victorian Italianate Townhouse beautifully furnished and decorated by the Brennan family during their 85 years in the home.

Lights provided by Murphy's Camera

$10 per Session
To reserve your place, please send payment to Brennan House, 631 S. 5th Street, Louisville, KY 40202.

Since I am so late getting the information on this event I'm not sure if there are any spots for the photographers session still available. I tried calling to find out but couldn't get an answer.

For more information call 502.540.5145

An interesting photography exhibit is running through December 15, 2007 at the Muhammad Ali Center.

Featuring fascinating photos of Muhammad Ali at the pinnacle of his career, this special exhibition offers an intimate look at the Louisville icon through the lens of internationally acclaimed photographer Sonia Katchian. A select collection of 41 photos were chosen from Sonia’s thousands of Ali images. The exhibit includes major fight photos that were originally published in Sports Illustrated and Sport magazine in the 1970's as well as dozens of behind-the-scenes photos of the Champ that illustrate the softer, personable side of Muhammad. The black and white images of Ali were taken in locations all over the world with his family, friends and other close companions. Most of the photos have had little public exposure.

Hours:
9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday – Saturday
12 noon - 5 p.m. Sunday

Admission:
Exhibition is included with regular admission to the Ali Center.

$9 adults
$8 seniors (65+)
$5 students and military
$4 children (6-12)
Members and children ages 5 and under are free