Blue Grass Trust for Historic Preservation

The Blue Grass Trust for Historic Preservation is a grassroots, membership-based nonprofit that serves as Central Kentucky’s resource for protecting, revitalizing, and promoting our historic places, enhancing the quality of life for all.

The Blue Grass Trust was founded in 1955 by a spirited group of Lexington citizens determined to save Hopemont from demolition. This group raised funds to purchase and restore Hopemont, an 1814 residence of the John Wesley Hunt family, located in Gratz Park. In 1958, due largely to this restoration, Gratz Park became Lexington's first local historic district. Today, Lexington has fifteen local historic districts. Still under our stewardship, Hopemont represents the birth of the preservation movement in Central Kentucky.

As the 14th oldest preservation nonprofit in the country, the Blue Grass Trust for Historic Preservation is Central Kentucky’s ultimate guide and resource for historic preservation. Over the years, our iconic symbol has become synonymous with the most celebrated historic places in the Bluegrass, and today we remain a pillar of advocacy, education, and stewardship, making preservation accessible to everyone.