Exhibitions
Birth of an Icon
Failing to strike it rich in the California Gold Rush, Levi Strauss went on to make a fortune selling sturdy denim britches to prospectors. Today, "jeans" are a staple in nearly everyone's wardrobe.
“WWII: 48 Local Stories”
October 10,2009 – March 28, 2010
Kentuckiana’s Greatest Generation
Kentuckiana’s Greatest Generation earned this title in so many ways. In every arena, whether at home, in a combat zone, as support troops, or even if they disagreed with the nation’s policies, they accepted what was asked of them as a duty, and just did it. Most deny the title hero, stating their accomplishments with humility, as if they had done nothing special.
Forty-eight surviving members of this generation shared their stories with Frazier History Museum staff. Some we invited, some volunteered, and many brought friends. They offer poignant memories of sacrifice, hardship, adventure, and survival, that when put together provide an insight and provoke a question: Why did this generation step up so well?
Our interviewees came of age during the twentieth century’s most severe economic crisis—the Great Depression. It taught them lessons of frugality, making do with the barest necessities, and helping others in time of need. That era helped to shape their response to the War.
But, to the question asked above, Morgan Bradford’s statement sums it up:
“…You just do what you have to do, and that’s the way it is.”
