In the late 19th century, famed American artist and poet Robert Burns Wilson made Frankfort his adoptive home. During his time here, Wilson had a deep friendship with fellow artist Paul Sawyier and Mary Mason Scott, the last member of the Brown family to live in Liberty Hall. This discussion will not only focus on the connection between Wilson and Frankfort’s most famous house, but it will also highlight the art & poetry he left behind that is now a part of Liberty Hall’s permanent collection.
Executive Director of Liberty Hall Historic Site Jessica Stavros has been a museum professional and local historian for nearly 20 years. She received a Bachelor’s degree in History from the University of Louisville and a Master’s degree in Business Communication from Spalding University, both of which were fully funded by the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation in Washington DC. She is also a graduate of the History Leadership Institute, class of 2016. Her passion lies in 19th century Ohio Valley history, and this focus brought her to work within historic house & community museums in the Louisville area. As the Southeast Regional Director for the Indiana State Museum & Historic Sites, she directed 3 historic sites located in Southern Indiana – Culbertson Mansion in New Albany, Corydon Capitol in Corydon, and Lanier Mansion in Madison. Most recently, she served as Deputy Director of the Kentucky Historical Society.