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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.

Mariam and Wayne talk about the history of Lexington Public Library spaces, from its beginning as a subscription library in 1795 to the building project for the new Marksbury Family Branch (formerly Village Branch) now in 2022.

Mariam interviews Wayne Johnson about the murder of golfing great Marion Miley in Lexington, KY in 1941. They discuss Marion Miley’s life, and the events leading up to her death. This is part one of a two part series.

Mariam and Denise discuss the history of the Joyland Amusement Park (1923-1963).

Mariam gives a brief history of the public schools in Lexington and Fayette County.

Mariam interviews Terry Foody, author of The Pie Seller, The Drunk and The Lady, about her book and the 1833 Cholera epidemic in Lexington, KY. They discuss the causes of the epidemic, and what treatments contemporary doctors attempted for this devastatin

Mariam and Wayne discuss the 1968 removal of the railroad tracks from Downtown Lexington in time for the 50th

Mariam interviews Wayne Johnson, librarian and local historian about the murder of Transylvania University student Betty Gail Brown in October 1961. In the first episode, Wayne and Mariam discuss the events leading up to the crime.

Mariam tells a brief history of Lexington's first steam powered street roller, named the Willipus Wallipus.

Wayne, Library resident sports expert, interviews sports broadcaster Alan Cutler about his career and new book, Cut to the Chase.

Mariam interviews Doug Tattershall, author of Belle Brezing: American Magdalene, about his book. They discuss Belle Brezing’s early life, her years as the nationally known brothel owner, and the generally unknown final years of her life in seclusion.

Mariam interviews Joseph Anthony, local author of historical fiction, about his latest work about the life and death of R.C.O Benjamin in Lexington, KY.

Mariam interviews Megan Couch about her research into the 1849 outbreak of Cholera in Lexington. They discuss finding more deaths from cholera than were actually reported, and tell the stories of families that were completely wiped out by the disease. Thi

Mariam interviews Kentucky native Kevin Lane Dearinger about his forthcoming memoir, Bad Sex in Kentucky, his Broadway career, and his second career in education.

Mariam interviews Dr. Jonathan Coleman about the founding of the Faulkner Morgan Pagan Babies Archive and the upcoming “Out in Plain Sight” exhibit at Lexington Public Library.

Erin guests to talk about bloodhound Nick Carter and his handler Captain Volney Mullikin, who together searched for and found over 600 people in Nick Carter’s career as a tracking hound.

Jonathan Coleman guest hosts this episode, and tells his favorite ghost stories from his popular Lexington History Walks. Dr. Coleman conducts Lexington History Walks year-round, which can be booked on his website: www.drcolemanwalks.com

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

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

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

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

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.