News Summary
Lexington is celebrating its 250th anniversary with the exhibit ‘Intersections: 250 Years of Lexington History’ at the Lexington History Museum. This exhibit curates important narratives from the city’s history, showcasing notable figures and influences that have shaped Lexington. Visitors can explore Lexington’s development, and engage with its history through an interactive format, while the museum invites feedback and contributions from the community. The exhibit will remain open until July 2026, coinciding with the 250th anniversary of the United States.
Lexington is currently celebrating its 250th anniversary, commemorating the city’s founding in 1775 with a series of events and exhibitions planned for the year 2025. One of the highlights is the newly opened temporary exhibit at the Lexington History Museum titled “Intersections: 250 Years of Lexington History.” This exhibit aims to portray both notable and lesser-known narratives from the residents of Lexington who have significantly shaped the city and its legacy.
The exhibit provides a rich exploration of Lexington’s influence within the state of Kentucky and across the United States. It begins with the city’s establishment by early settlers at McConnell Springs and chronicles its development through the years, particularly as Kentucky transitioned into statehood. Highlighted topics include critical areas such as medicine, engineering, literature, art, politics, and the impactful horse industry and basketball.
Among the prominent individuals featured in the exhibit is Margaret Ingels, recognized as the first woman to earn an engineering degree from the University of Kentucky in 1916. Ingels played a crucial role in advancing the field of air conditioning, particularly through her invention of the sling psychrometer, a device that measures humidity. This advancement greatly improved the feasibility of home air conditioning.
Another highlighted figure is William T. Young, founder of the “Big Top” brand of peanut butter, which evolved into the widely recognized Jif brand—the leading peanut butter product in the U.S. Additionally, the exhibit showcases Anita Madden, a horsewoman and philanthropist known for her substantial impact on city planning and charitable efforts. Madden organized lavish Derby parties that raised millions for local charities, demonstrating her commitment to the community.
The Lexington History Museum emphasizes the interconnectedness of the city’s history, suggesting that every historical figure is related to another, illustrating how lives intertwine and contribute to a collective legacy. In support of this theme, the exhibit is designed to be interactive, inviting visitors to share their thoughts and feedback on Lexington’s history. Visitors are encouraged to leave suggestions for future exhibits and highlight personal stories that they believe have been overlooked.
The exhibit will remain open until July 6, 2026, a date that coincides with the 250th anniversary of the United States. During this period, the museum will be open for visitors on Thursdays and Fridays from noon to 4 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission to the exhibit is priced at $10, which is included in the standard museum entry fee.
The museum also encourages visitors to engage with the exhibit and share their experiences via social media. They can take selfies during their visit and contribute to the storytelling surrounding Lexington’s rich history. Additionally, feedback and suggestions on relevant historical topics can be directed to the museum’s designated email, 250LexKy@gmail.com.
As Lexington continues its historic celebration throughout 2025, the “Intersections: 250 Years of Lexington History” exhibit stands out as a key component of the festivities, reinforcing the city’s heritage while inviting the community to reflect upon and contribute to its ongoing narrative.
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Additional Resources
- Fox 56 News
- Wikipedia: Lexington, Kentucky
- LEX 18 News
- Google Search: Lexington Kentucky History
- Kentucky.com
- Google Scholar: Lexington Kentucky
- Kentucky.com
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Lexington Kentucky
- Kentucky.com
- Google News: Lexington History
