The Jack Jouett House offers great events throughout the year. Learn more about our local history with a visit and tour.
Visit the Home of the “Paul Revere of the South”
On the night of June 3-4, 1781, Captain John “Jack” Jouett, Jr. rode 40 miles through the backwoods of Virginia to warn Governor Thomas Jefferson and the Virginia legislature of the approach of 250 British troops.
Jack Jouett’s heroic act saved the American Revolution by preventing the capture of its most important political leaders.
Jouett migrated to the Bluegrass after the war, where he played an important role in the Kentucky statehood convention, served in the legislature, and became a prosperous planter and breeder of fine horses and cattle.
He and his wife Sally Robards reared twelve children, including renowned portrait painter Matthew Harris Jouett.
This rural homestead includes a 1780’s frontier stone cabin, used as a kitchen by the Jouetts. The 1797 Federal-style brick house features a formal parlor, a dining room, and three bedrooms. Period furnishings complement the rooms.
Trained docents provide tours on days of operation and by appointment. Special tours for children and the hearing-impaired are available.
2016 CALENDAR OF EVENTS*
*All details are subject to change. Please call ahead or visit our website and facebook page for updates. All events are sponsored by the Woodford County Fiscal Court and the Woodford County Heritage Committee unless otherwise noted. Information on the Jack Jouett Archaeology Project can be found at www.jouetthouse.org/Learn/Archaeology/Distillery Project. (04/12/16 Printing)
June 18 (Sat.) JACK JOUETT PATRIOT DAY: Riding the Trail of Colonial History-Join us as we celebrate the 235th anniversary of Jack Jouett’s ride to save American Independence with the dedication of a new marker on our grounds. Learn about Jack’s life in Virginia and Kentucky, enjoy refreshments, and take a tour of his home. Time: 2:00 pm, Jack Jouett House Historic Site Grounds. Admission: Free. Presented in partnership with the National Society of the Children of the American Colonists, the Bluegrass Chapter of the Daughters of the American Colonists, and the Gov. Isaac Shelby Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution.
July 4 (Mon.) A COUNTRY 40 MILES: The Captain Jack Jouett Ride-Participate in a recreation of Jack Jouett’s famous ride to warn Thomas Jefferson and the Virginia legislature with a special bicycle ride and picnic. Registration required; information available on the calendar at www.bgcycling.net. Presented in partnership with the Bluegrass Cycling Club.
Aug. 6 (Sat.)–MATTHEW HARRIS JOUETT DAY: New Items in the Collection—Our annual tribute to this other famous resident of the Jack Jouett House will include a talk by Jouett descendent Steven Ray Menefee and the first opportunity for the public to view new items related to Matthew and his sons George Payne Jouett and James Edward Jouett. Time: 2:00 pm, Jack Jouett House Historic Site Visitor Center. Admission: Free.
Sept. 11 (Sun.) DIGGING OUT 2016: Jack Jouett Archaeology Project Update-Archaeologist Nick Laracuente will review what we’ve done and learned during the 2016 season, with a display and discussion of some of the recovered artifacts. A reception following the program will give guests and Archaeology Team members an opportunity to interact and celebrate. Time: 2:00 pm, Jack Jouett House Historic Site Visitor Center. Admission: Free. Additional sponsors are the KY Heritage Council and the KY Distillers’ Association.
Sept. 29 + 30 (Thurs. + Fri.) FRONTIER DAY-(Note: This is a closed event, open to Woodford County 4th grade students only.)
Oct. 31 (Mon.) SEASON ENDS-Our regular tour season ends in October, but tours by appointment are available November-March. Call the Jack Jouett House Historic Site to schedule a visit!
Nov. 12 (Sat.) EXPLORING EARLY FURNITURE OF THE KENTUCKY BLUEGRASS REGION (1790-1820)-Early Kentucky arts collector and independent scholar Mack Cox will present a graphic-rich program which examines several furniture groups produced by Bluegrass cabinetmakers Porter Clay, William Challen, William Lowry, and Campbell. This lecture was previously presented at the Colonial Williamsburg Antiques Forum in February, 2015. Time: 2:00 pm, Jack Jouett House Historic Site Visitor Center. Admission: TBA.