History Day with Leadership Lexington

9/21/2026

History Day proved to be an unforgettable journey, one that challenged my assumptions and broadened my understanding of “My”city. From start to finish, the day was packed with thoughtful insights, inspiring preservation efforts, and a profound commitment to telling the complete story of our community.

The day started at the Fayette County Clerk's office. The Fayette County Clerk’s Digital Access Project initiative is digitizing historic property and county records from the 1700s through 1865. By bringing these archives including records documenting enslaved individuals into a searchable online space, the project bridges gaps in genealogy and provides direct access to difficult, essential history for descendants and researchers alike. This was followed by Sarah Hubbard's presentation on the Lexington Public Library. As someone who used to frequent the Main Street branch, I had no idea there were so many projects and resources available to the public! I plan to return and explore the Ancestry resource.

Next, we enjoyed a walking tour led by Erin Goins from Bites of the Bluegrass. Erin brought the streets of Lexington to life with vibrant storytelling, historical context, and an engaging local perspective that connected the physical architecture to the human experiences behind it. Strolling past historic landmarks while hearing the nuanced stories behind them, brought context to the stories we would hear growing up. What stood out most was the inclusivity throughout these spaces, which intentionally highlighted the contributions and struggles of minority and LGBTQ+ communities ensuring their roles in Lexington’s cultural fabric were no longer left out.

Another historical save took place right in the heart of downtown at the Lexington Opera House. Slated for demolition, this landmark was rescued through the passion and determination of three individuals Linda and George Carey, and William T. Young. Together, they mobilized private and public support to establish the Opera House Fund, preserving the architectural masterpiece that continues to serve as a cultural anchor today.

The tone for leadership was set during Jason Cummins’ presentation. His framework on leadership standards and core values challenged us to view leadership not as mere management, but as a commitment to intentional culture, accountability, and equipping others. His insights provided us with a lens to help process how Lexington’s history was shaped by leaders who either stepped up to build community or fell short

Last but certainly not least, The Lexington History Museum offered an immersive, nicely curated look into the city’s evolving identity, the stories of local icons, industry, and everyday life in detail. Without a doubt, my favorite portions of the day were exploring the Lexington History Museum and participating in the walking tour with Erin. Erin’s energy and knowledge while explaining the historical significance was electric. The Lexington History Museum added validity to stories I heard as a kid. Overall History Day was a well-organized and neat experience.