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Mariam and David discuss the sordid life of John Wilkes Booth before his assassination of Abraham Lincoln, including his visit to Lexington during the Civil War as a theater actor. Some listener discretion is advised.

Denise Shanks tells the story of Smiley Pete, Lexington’s “town dog” in the 1940’s and 1950’s.

Jamie tells an abridged history of Russell’s Cave, Fayette County’s largest cave.

Mariam interviews Lauren Burke, of the podcast Bonnets at Dawn, about Elizabeth Keckley, dressmaker for Mary Todd Lincoln.

Jennifer talks with local author Kaitlyn Hill about her debut YA novel “Love from Scratch” and her journey in publishing. For Behind the Scenes, Erin talks with Amanda Wheeler and Bryan Klausing about the library’s experiential learning spaces and program

Mariam and Beverly discuss Beverly’s recent book, The Murder of Marion Miley.

Naomi interviews Reverend L. Clark Williams about what progress has been made in Lexington since the June 4, 2020 march for racial justice.

Mariam and Wayne discuss the rich history of baseball in Kentucky.

Brenna Pye guest hosts to celebrate the life of Dr. Mary E. Britton (1855-1925), a passionate advocate for equality, her charitable works, and her professional accomplishments in teaching and medicine.

Mariam interviews Cindy Heine and Dee Pregliasco from the Kentucky Chapter of The League of Women Voters about the organization’s 100 year history and its current initiatives.

Mariam and Erin discuss and play clips of a few of their favorite moments from Tales from the Kentucky Room. This episode was recorded online from their homes.

Mariam and David discuss Charles Dickens’ visit to Kentucky in 1842, with readings by Bill Widener from Dickens’ work “American Notes.”

Jennifer sits down with local poet, essayist and educator Savannah Sipple about her writing and career. In Behind the Scenes, Erin talks with Lori Davis about the Library’s workforce development programming.

In the final part of this series, Wayne takes us through the murders of the Barnes Family, the murders and shootings in Falmouth, KY, and the aftermath of the crimes. Listener Discretion is Advised.

Mariam and Wayne discuss the 1970 shooting on Kent State’s campus, and how protests against the shooting, including the ROTC building fire, on UK’s campus led to curfews and lockdowns by Kentucky’s Governor.

Wayne tells the story of Pamela Brown and the ill-fated hot air balloon voyage across the Atlantic in 1970, in time for the 50th anniversary of the crash.

Mariam interviews Dr. Randolph Hollingsworth, Barbara Grygutis and Rob Bolson about their involvement in Lexington’s “Breaking the Bronze Ceiling” monument initiative.

Mariam shares the history of Kentucky’s Separate Coach Law, and Lexington’s second African American attorney, J. Alexander Chiles, who took the fight to the US Supreme court multiple times in the 1890s and early 1900s.

Mariam and Wayne discuss the construction of New Circle Road, and other major transportation projects in Lexington.