News Summary
As part of its 250th anniversary, Lexington is focusing on the vital role of women in the city’s history. Celebrations include curated exhibits at the Lexington History Museum and the Mary Todd Lincoln House, showcasing significant contributions from local women’s organizations. The events align with Women’s History Month and provide insights into the achievements of women, ensuring their legacies are recognized and celebrated in the community.
Lexington is celebrating its 250th anniversary with a focus on the significant contributions of women to the city’s politics, culture, and quality of life. This initiative aligns with March’s designation as Women’s History Month and is part of the broader “250Lex” campaign, a year-long celebration of Lexington’s founding.
The Lexington History Museum is a key player in these celebrations, with the director emphasizing that curated exhibits will showcase the impactful work and lives of women who have helped shape Lexington throughout its history. Notably, the museum is continuing the exhibit titled “Among Women,” which explores the history of the Woman’s Club and its contributions over the past century.
Exhibits on Women’s Contributions
The Woman’s Club of Central Kentucky, formed in 1894, was Lexington’s first women’s organization. The club has played an essential role in enhancing the educational and cultural life of the community while advocating for women’s perspectives on national and international issues. Among its many achievements, these women established the first public library in Lexington, influenced local business and political arenas, and set fashion trends in the city.
The “Among Women” exhibit will remain open until March 31, providing visitors with insights into the club’s transformative impact and its involvement in crucial issues such as public school reform and women’s suffrage in local elections.
Mary Todd Lincoln House Exhibit
Another significant exhibit will take place at the Mary Todd Lincoln House, featuring a showcase on Mary Todd herself. The exhibit will display images and textual content that reflect the early 19th-century social landscape of Lexington, where Todd lived. Visitors can engage with this exhibition until April 30.
Mary Todd, born in 1818, was U.S. President Abraham Lincoln’s wife and a highly educated individual for her time. Her life will be portrayed through various historical artifacts, offering visitors a glimpse into the societal norms and expectations of women during that era.
“Women’s Voices” Tours at Henry Clay Estate
The Henry Clay Estate museum will also contribute to the anniversary celebrations with “Women’s Voices” tours, scheduled for Tuesdays and Thursdays at 3:45 p.m. These tours will spotlight the lives of nine notable women associated with the estate. Key figures featured include Charlotte Dupuy, an enslaved woman who courageously fought for her freedom in court, and Laura Clay, a notable suffragist and the first president of the Kentucky Equal Rights Association.
Laura Clay’s activism was significantly influenced by her family background, which was steeped in the fight for emancipation and women’s rights.
LexHistory and Inclusivity
LexHistory, formerly known as the Lexington History Museum, is now situated in the Thomas Hunt Morgan House. This rebranding aims to provide a modern interpretation of the city’s history, with an emphasis on inclusivity. The exhibitions now delve into diverse aspects of Lexington’s history, including narratives from indigenous peoples up to contemporary developments such as IBM.
Moreover, upcoming events at the newly acquired space will facilitate community meetings and educational exhibits, further enhancing the cultural landscape of Lexington as part of the ongoing 250th-anniversary celebrations.
The collective efforts by these museums and organizations during Lexington’s 250th anniversary serve not only to honor women’s integral role in the city’s history but also to inspire future generations to recognize and engage with the ongoing narratives of equality and empowerment.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Lexington Celebrates International Women’s Day with Festival and Protests
Protests in Lexington Mark International Women’s Day 2025
Lexington Celebrates International Women’s Day with Local Empowerment Initiatives
Empowering Young Women: ‘Revolutionary Girl Dreaming’ Workshop
Celebrating Laura Clay: A Pioneer of Women’s Rights in Kentucky
Lexington Mourns the Loss of Vanessa Gallman
Additional Resources
- Kentucky.com: Know Your Kentucky
- Wikipedia: Women’s History
- KRISTV: USS Lexington Exhibit
- Google Search: Women in the Navy
- Lex18: Lexington Street Banners
- Google Scholar: Women’s history in Kentucky
- Wicked Local: Historical Monument Unveiled
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Women’s contributions
