Gratz Park: The Heart of Historic Lexington

Join us at Ashland for a special evening with photographer Bob Willcutt and historian Dr. Jeremy D. Popkin, co-authors of Gratz Park: The Heart of Historic Lexington.

This new book combines striking photography and deeply researched history to tell the story of one of Lexington’s most storied neighborhoods. From its origins as the first site of Transylvania University in 1792, to its role in the city’s hemp industry and the Civil War, to the preservation battles of the 20th century, Gratz Park reflects the triumphs and struggles that have shaped Lexington itself.

Willcutt and Popkin’s collaboration brings to life not only the beauty of this historic district but also its complex legacy—of wealth and slavery, of civic pride and exclusion, of survival and reinvention. Their work arrives just in time for Lexington’s upcoming 250th anniversary, offering a powerful lens on how we see our city’s past and future.

You may also like the following events from Ashland, The Henry Clay Estate:

• This month, 23rd October, 05:00 pm, The Last Adieu: Book Talk & Discussion with Author Ryan Cole in Lexington

Also check out other Arts events in Lexington, Literary Art events in Lexington.