Hopewell Museum / Historic Paris-Bourbon County

09/02/2026

🐎🔥 THIS ONE IS GOING TO BE A SHOWSTOPPER! 🔥🐎

One of the most exciting pieces in The Bill Coleman Jazz Gala Silent Auction is a CUSTOM JOCKEY, generously donated by Riders Up in Georgetown, KY!

And there’s an extra-special local connection - Riders Up - Custom Cavalier Lawn Jockeys owner Katy Jones is a NEW downtown Paris resident! 🏇❤️ We’re thrilled to welcome Katy to our community and grateful for her support of the Hopewell Museum and Jazz Weekend.

But here’s the BIG news…

🎉 THE SILENT AUCTION IS GOING ONLINE! 🎉

That means you DO NOT have to attend the Jazz Gala to bid! Whether you’re joining us at Hotel Thoroughbred on September 12 or cheering us on from somewhere else, you’ll have the opportunity to bid on incredible items like this custom jockey.

THE AUCTION GOES LIVE MONDAY!

And trust us…you’re going to want to keep an eye on this auction. There are some seriously good items coming your way!

👉Details on how to register and start bidding are coming in the next few days.

Start thinking about where you’re going to put your custom painted jockey…because someone is taking it home! 🏇

09/01/2026

Remembering Wendell Berry and a Kentucky connection close to home -

The news of the passing of Wendell Berry, one of Kentucky’s most important writers, farmers, poets and thinkers, is being felt across the Commonwealth. Berry died August 31 at his home in Port Royal at the age of 92.

For those of us in Bourbon County, there is a special connection to his story. As a young man, Wendell Berry attended Millersburg Military Institute, graduating in 1952. The school, located just a few miles from Paris, was an important part of his formative years. He later attended the University of Kentucky and went on to become one of America’s most influential voices on farming, land, community and our relationship with the places we call home.

Berry spent his life reminding us that place matters - that the land, our neighbors, our communities and the stories we inherit are worth knowing and protecting.

That message feels particularly appropriate here at HPBC/Hopewell Museum.

As we remember Wendell Berry, we also remember the places that helped shape him - including Millersburg and the Kentucky landscape he would spend his life writing about and defending.

May we honor his legacy by paying attention to our own place: its history, its people, its land and the stories that make it ours.

Rest in peace, Wendell Berry. A Kentucky voice, a Kentucky son, and a part of our region’s story. 🌿

Friends,

The Berry Center and Berry family are heartbroken to announce the death of Wendell Erdman Berry, writer and farmer of Port Royal, Henry County, Kentucky. He passed suddenly and peacefully at home yesterday afternoon, August 31st. His work continues, here and in every place where people aim to live according to nature’s measure, on and with and of their beloved home place.

Please help us respect the privacy and the wishes of the family by directing all correspondence, remembrances, inquiries, and good wishes to The Berry Center at [email protected] or by post ℅ The Berry Center, PO Box 582, New Castle KY 40050. The family has asked that in lieu of flowers please consider a donation to The Berry Center or a like-missioned organization doing the good work in your home place in Wendell’s memory.

Photo by James Baker Hall

08/28/2026

Don’t forget! 📣 You’re Invited to Our Next Board Meeting this Saturday at 10:30 am.

Curious about what’s happening at the Hopewell Museum/Historic Paris-Bourbon County? We’d love to have you join us!

Our board meetings are open to current members and anyone interested in becoming a member. It’s a great opportunity to learn about upcoming exhibits, events, preservation projects, and ways to get involved in preserving and celebrating the history of Paris and Bourbon County.

We hope to see you there! 🩵

08/25/2026

🚨🎺 JAZZ GALA RSVP DEADLINE APPROACHING! 🎺🚨

STOP SCROLLING — THIS IS YOUR REMINDER! ⏰

Planning to join us for the Bill Coleman Jazz Gala on September 12? Your RSVP MUST be in by SEPTEMBER 1!

More info and RSVP here - https://givebutter.com/c/BillColemanJazzWeekend

That deadline is coming up FAST, and we don’t want you to miss out on this Jazz, dinner, dancing, and celebration at Hotel Thoroughbred. 🥂🎶

📅 RSVP DEADLINE: SEPTEMBER 1, 2026
🎷 GALA: SEPTEMBER 12, 2026
📍 Hotel Thoroughbred | Paris, KY

Haven’t RSVP’d DO IT NOW! ⏰
We’ll see you on the dance floor! 🎺💃🥂

08/24/2026

Kick spooky season off right at The Hopewell Museum! 🎃👻

Coming in 2 months, Joel Brashear at Hopewell Museum / Historic Paris-Bourbon County

08/16/2026

Thank you to Preserve Paris KY for organizing the Downtown Clean-Up Day! 🩵