Where history meets the headlines.
Ashland continues to inspire conversation, curiosity, and reflection—both here in Lexington and across the country. From national coverage of Henry Clay’s legacy to local spotlights on our events, programs, and preservation efforts, Ashland remains part of today’s story. Here you’ll find recent media features, interviews, and mentions that help tell the evolving story of this historic estate.
Press Releases
- Jim Clark’s 10-Year Anniversary – April 2025
- Black History Month – February 2025
- A Kentucky Christmas at Ashland – December 2024
- New Board Members for Henry Clay Memorial Foundation – October 2024
- Living History at Ashland – October 2024
- Sun Boxes Sound Art Installation – October 2024
- Sistah LaLa & Friends – September 2024
- Jazz on the Lawn – September 2024
Articles
- Ashland Honored in Bicentennial Marker Dedication
Ashland was featured in a recent FOX 56 News article covering the unveiling of new signage commemorating the Marquis de Lafayette’s 1825 visit to Lexington. As one of the select sites included on the Lafayette Trail, Ashland’s connection to this pivotal moment in early American diplomacy and revolutionary remembrance continues to be recognized and celebrated — now, 200 years later.
- Ashland Recognized with Lafayette Trail Marker
Ashland was highlighted in a recent LEX 18 article as one of three historic Lexington sites to receive a new Lafayette Trail marker. The designation commemorates the Marquis de Lafayette’s 1825 visit to Ashland during his Farewell Tour — a moment that underscores the estate’s significance in the fabric of American revolutionary history.
- Women played integral role in shaping Lexington’s 250-year history
Lexington museums will focus on the area’s famous women as they celebrate the city’s 250th anniversary.
Focusing on the experiences of women at Ashland, the Henry Clay Estate, the estate’s museum will provide a “Women’s Voices” tour on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 3:45 p.m.
During those tours, visitors will learn about the nine women associated with the Henry Clay estate – from Charlotte Dupuy, an enslaved woman who went to court against Henry Clay to get her freedom, to Laura Clay, one of Kentucky’s leading suffragists.
- Ashland Highlighted in LEXtoday’s Spring Flower Walks
In their recent feature, LEXtoday included Ashland as a prime location to enjoy spring blooms in Lexington. The article emphasizes Ashland’s formal walking gardens and its renowned peony collection, noting:
“Not only can you tour this historic mansion, the surrounding estate is home to 600+ trees, formal walking gardens + a peony garden — all just outside of downtown.”
Visitors are encouraged to explore the estate’s diverse flora, with peonies expected to be in full bloom by late April.
- Ashland Recognized Among Lexington’s Most Iconic Landmarks
In a recent feature by LEXtoday, Ashland, the Henry Clay Estate, was highlighted as one of Lexington’s most iconic landmarks. The article describes Ashland as “the original estate and home of Henry Clay,” noting that this historic site now serves as both a museum and park. It also emphasizes the estate’s manicured gardens and colorful flowers, which make it a popular spot for photos, seasonal Sunday yoga classes, and leisurely walks.
- Hit these 3 museums for free Monday as Lexington puts its 250-year history on display
The weather is cold and snowy. What a wonderful Monday to spend inside three of Lexington’s historic museums. Today is “History Hop,” a celebration of Lexington’s 250-year history. It’s also President’s Day, and the Lexington History Museum, Ashland: The Henry Clay Estate and the Mary Todd Lincoln House will all be free and open to the public.
“We wanted to showcase parts of the city’s history that aren’t often known, even though these are three pretty well-known museums,” Higgins said. “We’re doing pieces that aren’t typically part of what we do.”
- Ashland reveals the design for their upcoming memorial
Those attending Ashland the Henry Clay Estate’s conference on Monday, Feb. 3, got a look at the estate’s new exhibit for Black History Month.
Urban County Councilman James Brown said the tour offers an opportunity to share Black History in an open and honest way.
The Ashland Estate also unveiled a rendering of a future memorial called “The Breath of My Ancestors.” The memorial is a seven-foot-tall statue depicting Charlotte Dupuy, an enslaved housekeeper who worked at the estate and unsuccessfully sued Henry clay for her freedom.
- Historic Tree With Henry Clay Ties Featured in the News-Graphic
In a story tracing ancestral roots and deep connections to Kentucky’s past, the News-Graphic notes that Hillcrest Farm in Georgetown is home to a ginkgo tree with ties to Ashland, the Henry Clay Estate.
According to the article, Ashland Community and Technical College dated the tree to at least 200 years old, linking it to ginkgos believed to have originated from those brought to the U.S. by Henry Clay himself.
While the article centers on a powerful descendant story at Old Friends Farm, the mention of Clay underscores his continued presence in Kentucky’s living landscape.
- WEKU Covers “Sun Boxes” at Ashland
A stroll not far from the one-time Lexington home of the “great compromiser” could find one in a sound-rich environment. The Henry Clay Estate-Ashland features 20 Sun Boxes, soaking up the rays and emitting scattered tones across the grassy area.
Plenty of sun made for plenty of sounds earlier this week. The Sun Box artist is Craig Colorusso, who lives in Arkansas, grew up in Connecticut with a music background. He said each triangular box has a circuit board and amplifier inside.
- What’s that sound coming from Ashland, The Henry Clay Estate?
As you drive down Richmond Road past Ashland, The Henry Clay Estate, its possible you might hear a faint, unfamiliar, yet soothing sound coming from the historic Lexington home. That’s because 20 speakers are covering the grounds outside the 19th-century home of Kentucky politician Henry Clay.
Off to the side of the house, behind The Ginkgo Tree Cafe, Arkansas-based musical artist Craig Colorusso has set up his solar-powered sound installation called “Sun Boxes.”
