Kentucky History & Haunts

05/02/2024

04/24/2024

Dear listeners,

I’ve been putting off the announcement of this decision because it’s been a difficult one to make. After three years of storytelling, the time has come to move on from the podcast.

I started Kentucky History & Haunts a few months into COVID when life felt like it had been put on pause and we all needed another way to communicate. I had no idea what would come of it, that I would meet so many incredible people, be told so many fascinating family stories and see so many beautiful little corners of our bluegrass state.

I believe in the power of preserving history (from the biggest events to the smallest details) through storytelling. If you have stories to tell, don’t hold back.

To my listeners, to everyone who put stickers on their laptops (or dirt bikes 😊), shared social media posts, emailed story suggestions, sent a postcard, invited me into their space to meet a spirit or two, I appreciate you so much.

So for the last time (at least for now),

Thanks for listening. Take care. 🖤

02/23/2024

Hi all,
I forgot to share a few episodes earlier this year so first I want to go back and highlight episode 140- Lucy Hicks Anderson, which released in January.

Lucy was born Tobias Lawson in Waddy, Kentucky in the 1880s.
Lucy, a black, trans woman from rural Kentucky, baked award-winning desserts, cooked for the most prominent families in Oxnard, California, hosted benefits and parties of all kinds, and became a loved and respected figure in her community. She also operated a brothel and was involved in the sale of liquor during Prohibition.

This is a fun one. You can listen on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

From winning baking contests and cooking for wealthy families, to a federal indictment- welcome to episode 140, the fascinating life of Lucy Anderson Hicks. Lucy was born Tobias Lawson in Waddy, Kentucky in the 1880s. Lucy, a black, trans woman from rural Kentucky, baked award-winning desserts, cook...

02/14/2024

Valentine's Day in Kentucky 75 years ago...
(1949)

01/11/2024

THROWBACK THURSDAY! 🎙️

From the archives (Jan. 2022): Episode 81. Exoneration of Joyce Watkins & Charlie Dunn

This is the story of a couple wrongly accused of the murder of a four year old girl named Brandi Jessie in 1987. Listener discretion advised.

01/02/2024

Happy New Year! Wishing you all a peaceful, prosperous year!

Cozy up with your bayberry candles, your Hoppin' John, your whiskey and your black buns. It's time to discuss New Year's traditions. I'm making sure you know how to prepare your meals, who to invite into your home, and how to clean your furniture as we enter the new year. HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!

12/30/2023

Anyone have New Year’s Eve/Day rituals they could share?

12/27/2023

Last episode of 2023 is out now!

Episode 138. Ohio River Stories- Part One

These are stories you all suggested, but with a wildlife fun fact finale. (So far you are all team catfish and I couldn’t agree more.) Listen, review and share with a friend!

https://anchor.fm/jessie-bartholomew/episodes/138--Ohio-River-Stories--Part-One-e2djr6i

12/25/2023

The headlines | Courier Journal
Christmas morning, 1923

Merry Christmas to all who celebrate!

12/20/2023

The world in photos a century ago- courtesy of the Lexington Herald-Leader 📰

Episode 137. A Century Ago in Kentucky- Dec, 1923 is out now wherever you listen to podcasts.

https://open.spotify.com/episode/7rUXfXYnfuuHi1qALihgU3?si=AvHm7_wkR9aqSTgB3x8Udw

12/06/2023

Just a friendly reminder- no cows in the house.

(Via Lexington Herald-Leader, Dec, 1923)

12/05/2023

Episode 136. Eddyville Escape Attempt of 1923

In early October, 1923, three armed inmates at Eddyville prison in western Kentucky attempted to escape. They were unable to make it out the front entrance as planned, so they barricaded themselves in the prison dining building in the center of the prison yard.

The next few days were a standoff between the imates and prison guards surrounding the building. Governor Morrow even called in National Guardsmen from Hopkinsville for backup.

By the time the incident came to an end, both inmates and prison guards lost their lives. And everyone was left wondering- who supplied the weapons?

Listen to the newest episode of Kentucky History & Haunts on Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts.

https://open.spotify.com/episode/5DUDQMJgUMkc92zLNAMR9L?si=Cn2KmLZPTHOSQtpDQaHWsQ

12/02/2023

I'm looking forward to hearing what you all think about Mrs. Lillian Walters after tomorrow's episode...

11/28/2023

Today it’s official! Three years ago, in the first fall of the COVID era, I had no idea my little podcast would become a long term passion project with thousands of listeners across the state and beyond. I’m proud to say this is still a one-woman show. I do 100% of the research, writing, and recording/editing.

Giant thank you to the journalists, librarians, archivists, genealogists and documentarians who’ve preserved the details of the stories I’ve retold. And an even bigger thanks to you, listeners, for sticking with me through the “oops I forgot to look up how to pronounce this” and the “I try not to interject my opinion but here it is.”

If you’d like to help me celebrate, you can send a donation via PayPal or Venmo to . Thank you for your continued support, here’s to the next three!

11/26/2023

Good morning, Kentucky!

And welcome new followers!

Don’t forget to join our group, Kentucky History & Haunts & More! if you enjoy Kentucky history.

Below is a hint about the next episode releasing soon 🎙️ Subscribe to Kentucky History & Haunts on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

11/24/2023

11/24/2023

November, 1923 via Courier Journal

For more stories from a century ago in Kentucky, listen to episode 135 of Kentucky History & Haunts, available on all major listening platforms.

https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/4uu9OnbsZEb

11/23/2023

Happy Thanksgiving! 🦃🧡

Let us be thankful for Kentucky native Walter Campbell! Campbell played a key role in the creation and evolution of the FDA, as well as in getting vital food and drug laws passed in the US!

Listen to Walter’s story: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4Hn14eEV10bKEMmOBkwHZT?si=_jK1UKwQS4694RCX3-nCcQ

11/19/2023

A century ago in Kentucky-
November 19, 1923

11/11/2023

Happy Veterans Day to all who have served! Thank you for your bravery and dedication 🖤

11/01/2023

THANK YOU for making October a record breaking month for KYHH on Spotify!

For those who don’t know, I started the show on a whim during the pandemic in 2020. I had no idea if anything would come of it, but here we are three years later! And the best part is the connections I’ve made.

So please keep emailing, commenting, giving feedback and introducing yourselves. It’s been a pleasure getting to know you all 🖤

10/30/2023

Children and husbands kept dying under strange circumstances. Bad luck seemed to follow Belle, no matter how far she picked up and moved her family. Or was it something other than luck? The truth was revealed in 1908 when authorities started digging up bodies on the Gunness farm. This was after her farmhouse had burned to the ground. At first authorities believed she and her children perished in the fire. But the body seemed much too small to be Belle, and there was that little detail.. the body was missing a head. The mystery remains today, even after failed attempts to match DNA. Did prolific serial killer Belle Gunness die in a fire in 1908, or did she orchestrate the whole thing to escape the impending consequences of her decades long murder spree?

Part one drops tonight. Part two tomorrow morning. Happy Halloween 🎙️💀🖤

https://anchor.fm/jessie-bartholomew

10/23/2023

Eight more sleeps… 🕷️💀🖤
I have a gruesome two-part series dropping this weekend. Any guesses what the topic will be?

What are your plans for Halloween this year?

10/19/2023

THROWBACK THURSDAY 🖤

From the archives- Oct. 2021

This episode contains violence against women- listener discretion advised. When Albert Wing asked Kitty to marry him, he knew what she did for a living, and they went ahead with the marriage anyway. But his jealousy overcame him. Multiple times.

10/18/2023

Thank you MJCooley for the kind review on Apple Podcasts!

If that’s your listening platform of choice, leaving a quick review is a great way to support the show 🖤

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/kentucky-history-haunts/id1542503099

10/17/2023

Episode 131. Kentucky Haunts & Folklore- Halloween Special- Part 1

It’s the time of the season, yall. Enjoy these stories about a 500 year old water moccasin, haunted houses, prohibition, evil creeks, spooky caves, and… N***s. I have a little bit of everything to get you in the spooky mood this October!

10/15/2023

If there are tickets left for tomorrow night’s tours, you must go!!!

The haunted Victorian candle-lit tour of Conrad-Caldwell House Museum was absolutely FANTASTIC!

10/12/2023

Throwback Thursday!

Revisiting the Cemetery Road Murders recorded after my visit to the site last October. The beautiful and iconic home where the murders took place will be auctioned at the end of the month.

Revisit the story here: https://anchor.fm/jessie-bartholomew/episodes/103--Cemetery-Road-Murders--Part-1-e1ppqmm

The 2001 auction was anything but normal. Hundreds of people came out as the large Cemetery Road home was being sold — most were not interested in bidding, they simply