Support Us Button Widget

A rare piece of history returns home to Ashland, the Henry Clay Estate

An old stereograph of the profile of a man standing.

The stereograph was given back to the Henry Clay Memorial Foundation from the UK Libraries Special Collections Research Center. | Photo by LEXtoday

Through a 30+ year partnership with the UK Libraries Special Collections Research Center, the Henry Clay Foundation has been able to preserve numerous historical items and family papers, including one that was returned to the historic estate yesterday.

In a few weeks, a rare 19th century recreated stereograph of Aaron Dupuy, an enslaved person to the Clay family, will be on display at Ashland, The Henry Clay Estate.

Curator Eric Brooks said a piece like this is rare as you don’t often find clear images of enslaved people. They typically only see silhouettes or vague images.

So, what is a stereograph? Think about the old-school red viewfinders — where two photos are viewed together to make an early form of a 3-D photo.

Eric added that by having this piece, “we are able to expand the public’s opportunity to know, to understand, and to learn, which is always a great thing.”

More from LEXtoday
Potholes happen, but fixing them starts with a simple report. Here’s how to alert the right team and keep Lexington’s streets in better shape.
Explore these dog-friendly places in LEX — from places to eat, drink, shop, exercise, swim, and stay the night with your four-legged friends.
Lace up for a little pre-feast fitness. Local races across Central Kentucky are bringing runners, walkers, and families together to celebrate the season.
Help keep Lexington’s waterways clean by painting a local storm drain with important pollution prevention messaging.
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.
Spoiler alert: Traffic isn’t great. We dove into the Texas A&M Transportation Institute’s congestion data so you don’t have to.
Including gifts for significant others, retirees, holiday parties, young people, and gifts that ship fast.
From downtown stops to airport routes, Lextran makes navigating the city simple. Learn how to plan your trip, find fares, and make the most of public transit.
Stock up on fresh, local flavors at Lexington’s top farm shops. Family farms and markets offer seasonal picks and homemade treats.
From tiny homes to 21c, Lexington is full of special places to stay that offer guests a break from traditional motels and hotels.