David sits down with acclaimed local historian and author Maryjean Wall to talk about her latest book, She’s the Mother of Us All: Sweet Evening Breeze and the Queer Community of Lexington Kentucky. They discuss Sweet Evening Breeze’s influence on Lexington, Kentucky, and how she challenged conventional ideas of who could access and wield power in midcentury Lexington. They also talk about Lexington’s rich queer history, centering especially on the building now known as the Bar Complex. Maryjean’s book is available for checkout from the library, and for purchase from your favorite bookstore.

Today we’re joined by Keven McQueen to discuss his newest book, The Judge Mulligan Poisoning and Other Historic Lexington Crimes. Keven reads a selection from his book featuring the failed murder trial of Lafayette Shelby, grandson of Kentucky’s first governor Isaac Shelby. He also highlights his research into the 1890 Louisville tornado, and a favorite Richmond, Kentucky ghost story from his book, Kentucky Book of the Dead. Keven’s books are available for checkout from the library, and for purchase from your favorite bookstore.

Keven McQueen is one of the featured speakers at the Kentucky Genealogy and History Conference hosted by Lexington Public Library on August 6th and 7th, 2026. Registration opens for the conference on June 1st, 2026. You can register on the conference website.

Kevin Lane Dearinger joins us again to talk about his new book, a beautifully put together scrapbook of photos and history of The Opera House. David asks him about the early history of the theater building, and Lexington’s history as a theater town and regional cultural hub.

At the Lexington Opera House: a Scrapbook 1887-2026 by Kevin Lane Dearinger is available for checkout and for purchase from your favorite bookstore.