An Evening with Former Kentucky Poet Laureate Frank X Walker and Load in Nine Times: United States Colored Troops with Frank X Walker JUN 19 2023

Join us for a special Juneteenth commemoration with poet Frank X Walker as he debuts a collection of poems centered on African Americans in Kentucky during the Civil War.

Eighteen of those works will be unveiled as part of our Commonwealth exhibition at the Frazier History Museum.

Walker will talk about photos and archival documents that provided inspiration for the overall collection, which began with Reckoning, Inc. He will also perform some of his poetry.

Walker, a native of Danville, was the first African American writer to be named Kentucky Poet Laureate.

Guests will include historian Robert Bell and poet Hannah Drake, who will provide a special introduction.

This program is supported by Louisville’s Juneteenth Commission and the city’s Office of Equity as well as the Gheens Foundation.

Some of Walker’s books will be sold after the program. Attendees will also have access to our Commonwealth exhibition to view Walker’s work.

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

Load in Nine Times: United States Colored Troops: An Evening with Former Kentucky Poet Laureate Frank X Walker Monday, June 19 Frazier History Museum

Doors Open: 5:30 p.m.
Gallery Access (The Commonwealth): 5:30–6 p.m.
Program: 6–7 p.m.
Gallery Access (Kentucky Rivalries): 7–8 p.m.

Admission: Free (Registration Required).

The Frazier History Museum is where the world meets Kentucky. Located in downtown Louisville, the Frazier documents stories from history using artifacts, exhibitions, and guided tours. It’s the official starting point of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®

The encompasses everything Kentucky—its heritage, people, industries, and culture. Proceeds from memberships, admissions, group sales, and facility rentals support the museum’s exhibitions and educational programs, including free or reduced admission for Title 1 students; Frazier Weekly, the “Let’s Talk: Bridging the Divide” series; summer, fall, and winter camps; guided tours, guest engagements, and Stories in Mind, which brings the Frazier into long-term care communities.

Located in the West Main District of downtown Louisville, the Frazier History Museum is where the world meets Kentucky. Founded in 2004, the Frazier documents stories from history using artifacts, exhibitions, and guided tours and engagements. With the opening of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® Welcome Center and the Spirit of Kentucky® exhibition in 2018, the Frazier became the official starting point of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®.

Subjects of permanent exhibitions include the pop culture of Kentucky, the history of Kentucky, Bourbon whiskey, historical miniatures, and Lewis and Clark. Cool Kentucky spotlights artists, craftsmen, scientists, chefs, musicians, and other notable figures from the Bluegrass State. The Commonwealth: Divided We Fall depicts the lives of everyday Kentuckians from the Ice Age to the present. And The Stewart Collection comprises one of the largest collections of toy soldiers and historical miniatures in the world.

Objects in the permanent collection include Teddy Roosevelt’s “Big Stick,” Geronimo’s bow and arrows, and Mary Todd Lincoln’s arrest warrant. On long-term loan to the Frazier is the Bloedner Monument, the oldest surviving memorial to the Civil War.

Daily engagement include guided tours, tasting experiences, and KentuckyShow! screenings.

Venue Link: Frazier History Museum