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Lexington Celebrates 250th Anniversary with Historical Exhibits

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Crowd celebrating the 250th anniversary of Lexington with historical exhibits.

News Summary

Throughout 2025, Lexington is marking its 250th anniversary with a series of historical exhibits and community events that celebrate its rich heritage. The festivities will include daily historical facts, special displays at the public library, and art exhibits reflecting the city’s past. Notably, items related to anti-slavery advocate Cassius Marcellus Clay will be featured, alongside a parallel celebration in Lexington, Massachusetts, highlighting the historical significance of both cities.

Lexington is celebrating the 250th anniversary of its founding throughout 2025 with a variety of historical exhibits and commemorative events. This milestone emphasizes the city’s rich heritage and its significant role in American history. The anniversary celebrations are not only a reflection of Lexington’s past but also aim to engage the community in understanding its historical importance.

Daily, historical facts about Lexington are being shared as part of the celebration, offering residents and visitors alike insights into the city’s development over the years. These facts are compiled and presented to the public, enhancing the overall commemoration experience.

Highlighting the city’s history, a summer exhibit at the Lexington Public Library’s Central Library Gallery displays an array of items from the library’s Kentucky Room, along with loans from the Lexington History Museum, Keeneland, and contributions from local residents. Noteworthy exhibits include memorabilia from city firefighters, clothing belonging to Belle Brezing, and an original opinion piece by Cassius Marcellus Clay. This opinion piece, published during a tumultuous time in Lexington’s history, led to Clay’s relocation to Cincinnati after he established the anti-slavery newspaper, The True American, in June 1845.

Clay’s efforts to advocate against slavery in a city known for having one of the largest slave-trade markets in the South brought significant challenges. He fortified his office for protection against threats to his safety, implementing brass cannons, iron-barred windows, and Mexican lances. His editorial work culminated in an incendiary piece that resulted in city leaders seeking an injunction against his newspaper operations. This led to his press being removed while he was ill. Despite these obstacles, Clay continued to print his newspaper in Cincinnati until 1847. The exhibit featuring Clay’s opinion piece will be available for viewing through July 13 at the downtown library during regular hours.

In addition to the library exhibits, Christ Church Cathedral is currently hosting an exhibit that showcases art related to Lexington’s history, part of its “Art at the Cathedral” programming, which runs through July 7. Furthermore, the University of Kentucky Art Museum is featuring works from five groups of photographers in the “Focus on Lexington” exhibit, which will be on display until August 2. The Lexington Public Library’s Eastside Branch is also hosting an exhibit by the Lexington Camera Club, displaying unique images of the city through June 29.

In a parallel celebration, Lexington, Massachusetts, is also observing the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Lexington, an event that ignited the American Revolution. Teenager Sabrina Bhattacharjya has taken the initiative to educate others about this historical battle, creating a website to promote awareness among children. The commemoration in Lexington, Massachusetts, has attracted hundreds of visitors for reenactment events, culminating in a reenactment of Paul Revere’s midnight ride, vividly illustrating the historical significance of the original events.

The reenactment included performances by actors portraying British troops and local militia, commemorating the very first shots fired in this pivotal skirmish for American independence. On April 19, the actual anniversary date of the battle, thousands gathered to participate in this grand reenactment, marking 250 years since this significant historical event. To illustrate the dedication involved in these reenactments, Doug Lucente, the Lexington Select Board Chair, highlighted the extensive planning undertaken for the anniversary.

Historical reenactment groups have traveled to Lexington, Massachusetts, to participate in the commemorative events, adding to the authenticity and educational value of the reenactments. A soldier from Massachusetts portrayed a British soldier, stressing the importance of maintaining authenticity in their representations, including researching uniforms and weaponry. These reenactments serve to honor the contributions of those who fought in the original battle, as well as convey historical narratives accurately to contemporary audiences.

As 2025 unfolds, Lexington’s 250th anniversary celebrations promise rich opportunities for reflection and education, allowing both residents and tourists to engage with the city’s storied past while embracing the present and future.

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Lexington Celebrates 250th Anniversary with Historical Exhibits

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