FOR RELEASE: September 19, 2025

KET is proud to announce its new documentary, Lexington: 250 Years, premiering Monday, October 20 at 8/7pm.  

The film chronicles the city’s establishment and some of its most important moments and events. Beginning on the banks of Town Branch Creek, the documentary takes viewers on a sprawling historical journey that includes the Civil War, Great Depression and World Wars, the establishment of Transylvania University and the University of Kentucky, as well as notable figures in the city’s history including Henry Clay, Mary Todd Lincoln and others. 

The three-hour documentary is narrated by actor and Lexington native Josh Hopkins.  

“Lexington: 250 Years features some of the most notable people, places and events that created and influenced this dynamic community over the last two and half centuries,” said Shae Hopkins, KET President & CEO. “It was an ambitious undertaking, and we are looking forward to sharing it with viewers across the Commonwealth and contributing this historical perspective to the celebration of Lexington’s semi-quincentennial anniversary.” 

The public is invited to the free premiere screening at the Kentucky Theatre on Monday, October 13 at 7pm ET.  

Included in the program are James Cobb, Ph.D., State Geologist Emeritus; Jennifer Meunier, McConnell Springs Park Manager; Charlie Boland, Chairman, Friends of McConnell Springs Board; Amanda Higgins, Ph.D., Lexington History Museum Executive Director; Jon Carloftis, Garden Designer; Eric Brooks, Ashland Henry Clay Estate Chief Curator; Michael Clark, Ph.D., Director, University of Kentucky Center for Business and Economic Research; Zak Leonard, Ph.D. Historic Preservation Manager, Blue Grass Trust for Historic Preservation; Melanie Goan, Ph.D., University of Kentucky  Professor of History; Jamie Day, Ph.D., Transylvania University Monroe Moosnick Science Museum Curator; Gerald L. Smith, Ph.D., University of Kentucky Professor of History; Jeremy Popkin, Ph.D. University of Kentucky Professor of History; Christa Marrillia, Keeneland Vice President/Chief Marketing Officer; Roda Ferraro, Keeneland Library Director; Bettie Kerr, Historic Preservation Officer, City of Lexington; Sam Terry, Historian, John Bowes, Ph.D., Eastern Kentucky University Associate Dean for College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences; and Tom Eblen, Former Managing Editor and Columnist, Lexington Herald-Leader. 

Archival material, documents and photos were provided by the Lexington Herald-Leader, Transylvania University, University of Kentucky, Keeneland Library, Kentucky Historical Society, Kentucky Horse Park, Library of Congress and National Archives, as well as personal collections and others. 

Lexington: 250 Years is a KET production funded in part by the KET Endowment for Kentucky Productions.

More information about the film and premiere screening is available at KET.org/Lexington.

KET is Kentucky’s largest classroom, providing trusted programming, lifelong learning opportunities and essential services to more than two million people each week. Learn more about Kentucky’s preeminent public media organization at KET.org, on X @KET and at facebook.com/KET.