250 Years of Lexington

250 Years of Lexington

About

Celebrate Lexington, Kentucky’s 250th anniversary all year long. Join us for programs, galleries, podcasts, and more highlighting our city’s history, heritage, and legacy.

Official 250Lex Site

250Lex Events at the Library

More 250Lex Events at the Library

Featured Walking Tours

Lexington’s African American Heritage

Lexington’s African American Heritage

Explore the African American history and heritage of Lexington by visiting historic sites like First African Baptist Church, the Lyric Theatre & Cultural Center, and African Cemetery #2.
Lexington’s LGBTQ History

Lexington’s LGBTQ History

Visit the locations of Downtown Lexington’s historic LGBTQ+ sites, including the Bar Complex, Courthouse Plaza, the AVOL Office, Drake Hotel and Tap Room, and others.
Downtown Lexington’s Historic Sites

Downtown Lexington’s Historic Sites

Delve into the history of Lexington with stops at the Lexington Public Library, 21C Museum Hotel, Kentucky Theatre, First Presbyterian Church, and more.
Notorious Lexington

Notorious Lexington

Learn about the notoriety of Lexington’s past by visiting historic sites like the Lexington Public Library, the Kentucky Theatre, the Mary Todd Lincoln House, and others.

Visit Lexington Public Library Walking Tours for a full catalog of guided walking tours focused on Downtown Lexington.

Featured Podcasts

Tune into our Tales from the Kentucky Room podcast as LPL librarians explore the past, present, and future of Lexington through the Kentucky Room archives.

Featured Digital Archives

The Town Branch

The Town Branch

A speech delivered by Maude Ward Lafferty in February 1917 for the Woman’s Club of Central Kentucky, detailing a brief history of Lexington
Black Community News

Black Community News

Searchable newspaper articles and ads for local Black community events, schools, social gatherings, church events, obituaries, and wedding announcements
Brown-Hocker Community Collection

Brown-Hocker Community Collection

A collection of photos and realia from African American events and people in Lexington and Kentucky history
Fayette County Schools & Yearbooks

Fayette County Schools & Yearbooks

Yearbooks, class pictures, and graduation leaflets from Fayette County Schools
Around the Town in Lexington, KY

Around the Town in Lexington, KY

March, September, and October 1965 pamphlets of the Around the Town in Lexington, Kentucky magazine
Lexington History Museum “Our Fair City: The 1999 Lexington Fairness Ordinance” Exhibit

Lexington History Museum “Our Fair City: The 1999 Lexington Fairness Ordinance” Exhibit
An exhibit observing the 20th anniversary of the 1999 Lexington Fairness Ordinance
Lexington Public Library History

Lexington Public Library History

Images and brochures from various points in the history of the Lexington Public Library
St. Paul Catholic Church Ledger Collection

St. Paul Catholic Church Ledger Collection

Baptismal, marriage, and other ledgers from Lexington’s St. Paul Catholic Church that date back to 1854
Illustrated Lexington, KY

Illustrated Lexington, KY

Photographs, demographics, commerce, and financial information about Lexington up to 1919
Keller J. Dunn Photograph Collection

Keller J. Dunn Photograph Collection

Images of Lexington, KY taken in the 1960s and 1980s by Lexington photographer Keller J. Dunn
Dunbar High School (1923-1967)

Dunbar High School (1923-1967)

1932 and 1934 editions of the Dunbar Echo yearbook, along with composite of the 1948 Dunbar Graduating Class
Lexington-Fayette County Health Department

Lexington-Fayette County Health Department

Historic documents detailing the efforts of the LFCHD to address public health issues and initiatives for Lexington citizens

Lexington Businesses and Clubs

Lexington Businesses and Clubs

Programs, pamphlets, yearbooks, and other items from Fayette County’s local businesses and organizations