Church, the assistant director at the Conrad-Caldwell House in the historic Old Louisville neighborhood, didn’t dream of working in historic houses as a child. In fact, it wasn’t until pursuing his associate degree that Church became interested in history.

“Growing up, my mom researched our family history constantly, and I never understood why she enjoyed it,” Church said. “Now, all of a sudden, I find myself researching families I have no genealogical connection with and loving what I do.”

After transferring to UofL from Jefferson Community Technical College, Church continued to grow in his passion for history. Even today there are still many things he learned at UofL that he uses in his career.

“Historical methods is the first required course you have to take at UofL in order to graduate with a degree in history. This course is meant to train students on how to use primary and secondary sources to conduct research and write your findings,” Church said. “The course itself was fantastic, and I look back to what I learned in that course when I’m conducting research, presenting a lecture or writing an article. Whatever research I’m doing, I’ll always look back to the things I learned in that historical methods course.”

Though many people might not consider having a career in historic homes at first, Church found this path to be the perfect fit for who he is and what he wanted to do.

“My initial goal when I switched my major was to become a history teacher. I had always intended on going into teaching,” Church said. “When I started working in historic houses, I realized that I could still be a teacher, interacting with and teaching new people every day.”

Some of the topics Church gets to teach visitors of the Conrad-Caldwell House include what Louisville’s Gilded Age looked like, the stories of the families who lived in the house, the historic St. James Court and details about the 10,000 square-foot Victorian home.

After graduating, Church had the opportunity to connect his schooling field with his career field right away. With connections he created by working at the College of Arts & Sciences Dean’s Office, Church’s first job was at , a historic house museum across the river. From there, he was able to gain the experience he needed to apply for the position with the Conrad-Caldwell House.

“Professionally, my biggest accomplishment is being able to work in my field of study,” Church said. “It’s been amazing to be able to take my degree from UofL along with my passion for history and thankfully transition into a career field where that degree is useful.”

In October, Church is even busier with additional spooky events at the Conrad-Caldwell House. One of the programs offered is an evening tour of the house where visitors can expect to learn about different Victorian mourning cultures. Outside of October, the Conrad-Caldwell house is a staple of Louisville history and provides many opportunities for events and programs.

For other students interested in a career connected to history, Church suggests getting involved. It might not be easy to know where to start, but being in a city with such a rich history is a good beginning place.

“I received my degree from UofL, but I find that all of the hands-on experience I learn on site every day is just as, if not more, valuable to my career,” Church said. “The more I’m working, writing, studying and being in my career, I’m advancing all of my professional skills that lead me to bigger and better places.”

Photography by Andrew Dean.

“It breaks my heart that kids lose their homes for expressing their identity,” said Chavis, a host of Dining at the Mansions for the second year. “We have to make sure everyone feels like they have a home and somewhere they belong.”

Dining at the Mansions is a fundraiser benefiting UofL’s LGBT Center that offers a night of fine dining in one of six Old Louisville mansions. The night includes a reception and a full-course, gourmet meal.

“Dining at the Mansions is such a fun event and a chance to have an elegant meal in Louisville’s most beautiful mansions, but it’s so much more than that,” said Brian Buford, assistant provost for diversity and executive director of the LGBT Center. “To me, it’s our community coming together to wrap its arms around LGBT young people and make sure that they have the support and resources they need to be successful. It’s everything I love about our compassionate city.”

This year’s event is Saturday, April 14. The reception starts at 6 p.m. at the 1888 Historic Rocking Horse Manor Bed & Breakfast. Attendees can choose which mansion to dine at by reserving a seat . Each mansion has different chefs and a different menu.

Reservations for the event are free, however attendees are encouraged to donate a minimum of $100 dollars per plate.

The hosts will have a friendly competition to see who can raise the most money. Last year, they raised over $18,000 collectively.

“I think for our students to see the surrounding community doing this for them is a tremendous feeling,” Buford said. “It’s what many LGBT youth missed growing up — the sense that they belong somewhere and that they are cherished for who they are. Old Louisville and these generous homeowners are having an impact that reinforces our vision for inclusion here on campus.”

Local sponsors for the event include Proof on Main, Jack Fry’s and Butchertown Grocery.

More information about Dining at the Mansions is .Ìę

The UofL College of Arts and Sciences, Commonwealth Center for the Humanities and Society and Kentucky Shakespeare are encouraging audience members to wear red to The Bard’s Cards evenings at in Central Park in Old Louisville.

UofL English professors and literature scholars will give pre-show talks, beginning at 7:15 p.m. on the C. Douglas Ramey Amphitheater stage, where the Kentucky Shakespeare performances will follow at 8 p.m. The events and speakers will be:

• June 4: talk by Joseph Turner before the comedy “Much Ado About Nothing”
• July 16: talk by Andrew Rabin before the history play “Richard II”
• July 26: talk by Matthew Biberman before “The Merchant of Venice,” a production of Kentucky Shakespeare’s Globe Players high school training program.

Seating on benches is first come, first served, but patrons also are allowed to bring chairs and blankets. Food and beverages are available for purchase. Central Park is at 1340 S. Fourth St.; parking is available along the bordering Fourth, Magnolia, Sixth and Park streets.

More information is .Ìę

The the Belknap campus’ setting in historic Old Louisville, “stunning” Grawemeyer Hall, cast of Auguste Rodin’s The Thinker and “plenty of foliage flanking the classic red brick structures.”

The 274-acre Belknap Campus, which includes seven of the 12 academic colleges, has more than 1,100 trees representing many species and even hosts a .Ìę

In selecting each state’s school, Travel + Leisure considered setting, scenery, building designs and upkeep of the campus grounds. The publication also considered campus visits, in-depth virtual tours, first-person references and general research.

“Sure, picking the most beautiful college in every state of the union isn’t an exact science 
 But for travelers seeking an all-around positive experience —whether you’re on a college tour with the kids or looking for a place to wander on a balmy afternoon — these scholarly institutes all get top marks for good looks,” the publication states.