Historic
Locust Grove
Louisville, Kentucky

Locust Grove is a National Historic Landmark on 55 acres of the original 694 acre farm established by William and Lucy Clark Croghan in 1790. William Croghan was the brother-in-law and surveying partner of George Rogers Clark, founder of Louisville and Revolutionary War hero. George Rogers Clark spent the last nine years of his life at Locust Grove, from 1809 until his death in 1818.

Locust Grove also hosted three U.S. Presidents, Monroe, Jackson and Taylor, and was a stopping point for famed explorers Meriwether Lewis and William Clark upon their return from their expedition to the Pacific. In addition, Locust Grove was home to numerous enslaved African-Americans who lived and worked on the farm and contributed to its success. Locust Grove tells the story of George Rogers Clark, early Kentucky history, western expansion and everyday life on the frontier.

Above, portrait of George Rogers Clark by Matthew Jouett courtesy of The Filson Historical Society

Locust Grove is owned by Louisville Metro Government and operated by Historic Locust Grove, Inc.

Learn more about Locust Grove

Locust Grove is accredited by the American Association of Museums.

Locust Grove is a National Historic Landmark.

 

 

Locust Grove Glows in December
Candlelight Tours: The Year is 1809 - Expanded Hours - Now featuring George Rogers Clark

Friday and Saturday, December 11 & 12
Friday: 5:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m
.; Saturday: 1:00 - 9:00 (expanded hours!)
New time period this year! We've turned the clock back to the year 1809. George Rogers Clark has just come to live at Locust Grove... the house shines with the warmth of dozens of candles, as the illustrious Clark and Croghan families greet their guests. The House is decorated with holly and fruit according to custom. Out in the kitchen, the cook directs the preparation of the meals, while carpenters in the woodshop finish repairs to farm tools. This wonderful family event takes you back to an earlier time as you tour Locust Grove under the glow of candlelight. And it’s all at our regular prices — $8 for general admission, $4 for children 6-12, free to children under 6 and members of Locust Grove.

AND... this year treat your friends and family to afternoon tea on Saturday in the Visitor Center Auditorium. Seatings are at 2:00, 3:00, and 4:00 pm. Assorted teas will accompany sandwiches, scones, and sweets at each seating. The cost is $20 per person ($15 for children 12 and under) which includes admission to the Candlelight Tour. Reservations required; call 897-9845 after Nov. 1st.

And, also in the Auditorium, our Holiday Book Sale, offering gift-quality used and special books, perfect for gift-giving. Friday and Saturday, 12 noon to 9 pm.


Renewing Locust Grove/2009

Locust Grove is in the middle of an exciting project - we are re-restoring the interior of the 1790s home of William and Lucy Croghan. With support from a preservation-minded foundation, we have researched the paint and other finishes of the rooms of the main house, then combined this new information with documentary research, and we are repainting, papering, replacing rugs and other textiles, and re-interpreting the use of rooms of the house.

We intend to remain OPEN throughout (unless safe access through the House is not possible). This means that you'll be able to see the work of transformation as it happens, and ask questions about the research, the techniques, and the new interpretations of the world that the Croghans and Clarks made at Locust Grove. At times, some rooms may be unavailable, or unfurnished, or even unfinished, but it's all part of the process. Each tour will be unique and memorable.

To keep you informed about our progress with the re-restoration of the 1790 House's interior, we're blogging at: http://locustgrovelouisville.blogspot.com/


Read about our recent Jane Austen Festival on Austenblog.

Local filmmaker Brent Humes has made a short documentary about Locust Grove - watch it on YouTube


A Country Worth Defending
Land & Family in Early Kentucky

Locust Grove's permanent exhibit

The building expands the area available for interpretation of the American Revolution in the West and the people who settled and built this region. The exhibit also focuses on the surveying work of George Rogers Clark, Louisville’s founder, and his brother-in-law, William Croghan, who built Locust Grove. A recreated surveyors’ office exhibit in the 1810 log building is incorporated into the new exhibition, which is called “A Country Worth Defending: Land & Family in Early Kentucky.”

Other sections of the exhibit look at the interactions of the Croghan family and their enslaved workers in the daily life of an early Kentucky farm.

The new building wing was designed by JRA Architects of Louisville, and the exhibit was created by the award-winning local firm Solid Light. Funds for the project were raised by Historic Locust Grove, Inc., a private non-profit organization, but the building is owned by the people of Louisville through Metro Parks. The new wing of the building includes collections storage space and offices as well as the gallery.


Visit the Kentucky Tourism and the Derby Region websites for more information about visiting the area.

To add your name to our email mailing list, send an email message to Bonny Wise. Let us know which events or programs you are most interested in, or ask to receive all emails. This gives you first notice and reminders of upcoming events and programs, and cuts down on costs for us. Thanks!


Links to associated organizations & sites

Locust Grove's Annual Report for 2008 is available as a .pdf file


 

Upcoming Events

The current issue of the Grove Gazette, Fall 2009, is here.

Closed Thursday, November 26 (Thanksgiving)


Locust Grove Holiday Sampler

Friday, Nov. 27, 10:00 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.
(special programs 11 am-2 pm)
Spend the day after Thanksgiving exploring our region’s heritage. We’re open during our regular hours (10:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.). Costumed demonstrators will be on site from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. And you can even do holiday shopping in the museum store, with all items 20 percent off regular price. It’s all included in the regular price – $8 for general admission, $4 for children 6-12, free for children under 6 and members.

Museum Store Sale
Friday, Nov. 27 thru Sunday, Dec. 6
10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

For special Christmas gifts without traffic hassles, visit our museum store. For 10 days after Thanksgiving, you’ll receive a 20 percent discount on all purchases. The museum store carries a wide array of books, toys, stationary and Kentucky-made crafts. The museum store is open Monday thru Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and on Sundays, 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Afternoon Lecture Series
Wednesday, Dec. 2, 1:00 p.m.
Louisville Dulcimer Society

The annual concert by the Louisville Dulcimer Society will kick off our holiday season. Get here early to get a good seat for this popular event! The Locust Grove Afternoon Lecture Series is held the first Wednesday of each month. Dessert and coffee are served at 1:00 pm with the lecture immediately following at 1:15 PM. Admission is $5, $3 for Friends of Historic Locust Grove.

Researching and Preserving Your Family Tree
Thursday, December 3, 2009 10:00 am-12:00 pm
Thursday, January 14, 2010 10:00 am -12:00 pm

Genealogist Betty Stokes gets into specifics about the methods and resources available for conducting genealogical research. She’ll also describe ways to assure that valuable family information is preserved and made available to other family members. The cost is $60 for both Thursday sessions in December and January. Reservations are required; please call 897-9845 to register.

Emilie Strong Smith Chamber Music Series
Sunday, Dec. 13, 5:30 pm, in the Ballroom at Locust Grove
"An Early American Christmas", Keith Collins & Associates
The Emilie Strong Smith Chamber Music Series is a rare opportunity to enjoy music much as the Croghans and Clarks would have in the early 1800s. Light refreshments are served at 5:00 pm; the concert begins at 5:30. Season subscriptions are available - call 502-897-9845. Individual concert tickets are $20. Reservations are requested.

Closed December 24 & December 25

Closed December 31, 2009 & January 1, 2010

View all events

Rentals

Rent Locust Grove for your event
Weddings, meetings, celebrations and commemorations of all kinds are welcomed at historic Locust Grove.

Visit Locust Grove

Locust Grove
561 Blankenbaker Lane
Louisville, KY 40207

Map and directions

Hours & admission

Volunteer at Locust Grove

Locust Grove volunteers are essential to the daily operation of the site.

Learn more about volunteering

New! Find out how you can help support Locust Grove without even leaving your chair... check out our new shopping link here.