Henry Clay Memorial Foundation

History of the Foundation

In 1926, recognizing the challenges of maintaining the Ashland estate within the family, Henry Clay’s great-granddaughter Nannette McDowell Bullock worked with historian Judge Samuel M. Wilson to establish the Henry Clay Memorial Foundation. Their vision was to preserve Ashland as a historic house museum, ensuring it remained a tribute to Henry Clay’s legacy and a resource for those who revered his memory. This plan provided a path forward to protect the estate from development and preserve its historical significance.

The Foundation officially purchased the estate in 1949 and formally opened to the public in 1950. Later that year, the museum hired its first Executive Secretary, Mrs. Lorraine Seay, who served until her retirement in 1986. Ashland was further honored in 1961 when it was designated a National Historic Landmark by the National Park Service.

To this day, Ashland is owned and operated by the Henry Clay Memorial Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.

Ashland was Henry Clay’s family’s cherished home for nearly half a century. His historic estate has been preserved for your discovery today.

The Story of Ashland

Henry Clay deeply loved Ashland, the farm and home he built. It provided a place of refuge and sanctuary from a difficult and often disappointing world, and it was one of the few places where Clay regularly found happiness. For his descendants, Ashland was a place of great reverence and inspiration. For students and regents of Kentucky University and the Agricultural and Mechanical College, it was a place of learning and growth. Today, visitors see Ashland as a place of great history, pride, and awe.

Mission and Vision Statement

To foster reflection, dialogue, and a deeper understanding of our shared history, the Henry Clay Memorial Foundation preserves Ashland and its grounds as a National Historic Landmark; interprets Henry Clay’s legacy as a great statesman and scientific farmer; and commemorates the lives of the people enslaved at Ashland.

Core Values:

Preservation: We preserve Ashland’s history. Artifacts, and grounds, ensuring public access for reflection and quiet enjoyment while maintaining our commitment to historic and environmental conservation.

Civic Engagement & Education: Ashland offers adoptable programs in civics, humanities, and sciences, promoting inquiry and critical thinking. Our diverse curricula, from exhibitions to environmental projects, support learning for all ages.

Connectivity: Ashland serves as a hub for civic discourse, connecting organizations and leaders through events and partnerships, and fostering regional learning and progress.

Stay Connected

Contact Information

120 Sycamore Road
Lexington, KY 40502

Phone: (859) 266-8581
Email: info@henryclay.org

Hours

March and December
10am-4pm | Tues – Sat

April – November
10am-4pm | Tues – Sat
1pm-4pm | Sunday

Closed Mondays, Major Holidays, January, & February

Quick Links

Ashland, The Henry Clay Estate is owned and operated by the Henry Clay Memorial Foundation (HCMF), a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. HCMF’s EIN is 61-0461732.