henry
Ah, March Madness is upon us. It’s become as much a looked-forward-to tradition as anything American, especially for Lexingtonians, whose UK Wildcats brought home the NCAA Championship just one short year ago.
Ashland, The Henry Clay Estate is in the March Madness spirit too, but in a different game. The preservation game. And you can get in on the action by becoming a Friend of Ashland during March Membership Madness.
Though Ashland may not be quite as popular as UK basketball, it offers this city just as rich, albeit an entirely different, kind of history.
Each year, thousands of school children and visitors from across the nation and world come to tour the mansion and learn about the life and legacy of Henry Clay, arguably one of this nation’s most important and respected statesmen.
Over the years, hundreds of thousands have enjoyed the estate’s 17 acres of grounds, gardens and walking paths for games of Frisbee and touch football on the lawn, beautiful settings for family photos, or a quiet place for contemplation right in the center of our city. Ashland’s numerous events, including the lighting of its 100-foot, live Norway spruce, jazz concerts, Lawn Party, Henry Clay Croquet Tournament, Civil War living history and more, attract the entire community.
Though enjoyed as open green space, most are unaware that Ashland is not a city park and receives no city, state or federal funding. It is operated by the non-profit Henry Clay Memorial Foundation, run by a small but dedicated staff, an army of volunteers and solely supported by donations.
As you can imagine, it is an important and ongoing task keeping Henry Clay’s estate well maintained. In the past 18 months, the mansion trim was painted, new furnaces installed, ice houses restored, chimney bricks repointed, and outdoor security lighting installed. A comprehensive tree restoration project allowed a third of the estate’s 400 trees to receive removal of undergrowth to improve the life of the tree and visual impact. Over $100,000 was needed for these efforts alone.
Ashland is an irreplaceable part of the very fiber of this city. It improves not only property values, increases tourism and business for Lexington, but more importantly, our quality of life by providing a rich history and green space for all to enjoy. Yet, in our city of over 300,000, Ashland has only 300 Friend memberships. Ask yourself if you would miss Ashland were it not here. If the answer is yes, then fill out our membership form and become a friend during Ashland’s March Membership Madness. You probably have your own favorite memory of Ashland. If that memory is worth something to you and your generations to come, show Ashland some Kentucky love too.
Different levels of memberships begin at just $50. Visit www.henryclay.org to download the Friend of Ashland Member-ship form or call (859) 266-8581.
Christina Bell is the Director of Development at Ashland, The Henry Clay Estate.
Ashland March Events
March Membership Madness Kick-off: Free Mansion Tours • 2 - 4 p.m. March 2
If you have not visited Henry Clay's mansion in many years, or ever, take this opportunity for an open house tour with our knowledgable docents. Register to win prizes if you become a Friend of Ashland that day.
Ashland Poker Tournament • 5:30 p.m. March 22 • Signature Club, 3256 Lansdowne Dr.
With a nod to Henry Clay, a poker enthusiast, join us for a Texas Hold 'Em tournament for players of all levels. Entry fees are $50 or $250. Cash prizes for top winners. Hors d'oeuvres by Season's Catering. Cash bar. Fundraiser for Ashland, The Henry Clay Memorial Foundation (#org0002315). For more details go to www.henryclay.org or call (859) 266-8581 for reservations.