Mary Todd Lincoln
Mary Todd Lincoln is best known as the wife of one of America’s most revered historical figures. But the Lexington-born eventual first lady was a smart and shrewd figure in her own right, according to historians who have studied her life.
“Mary Todd was an incredibly well educated woman, particularly for her era,” says Gwen Thompson, Executive Director of the Mary Todd Lincoln House. “Her father was liberally minded in regard to female education. Records suggest that all of his daughters received really impressive formal education.”
Continue reading about Mary Todd Lincoln and watch the video.
The National Votes for Women Trail
2020 marks 100 years since the passage of the 19th amendment, which prohibited government regulation that would deny any U.S. citizen the right to vote on the basis of sex. This was a huge step toward the enfranchisement of all American women, and was the result of the tireless efforts by suffragists over many decades.
A new historical installation, the National Votes for Women Trail, recognizes many of those dedicated individuals, and several of the first markers recognize Kentucky women.
Read more about the National Votes for Women Trail and watch the video.
Folk Artist Minnie Adkins
Renowned folk artist Minnie Adkins didn’t have toys as a child, but she knew if she had a knife she could make them, writer Mike Norris recalled. An uncle gave her a knife, he said, with this warning, “Now Minnie, if you cut yourself you know I’m going to be in big trouble.”
“Before long she could make anything she wanted,” Norris aid. “She just had that gift. and so the first thing she ever made was toys for herself.” Now 82, Adkins was born and raised in Elliott County. She sees herself primarily as a wood carver, using basswood.
