Kentucky to the World

08/04/2026

We're headed to the Kentucky State Fair. 🎉

Kentucky to the World will be part of the America 250 exhibit, United We Stand at 250, running August 20–30 at the Kentucky Exposition Center. Our piece features video stories of extraordinary Kentuckians, and we can't wait for you to see them.

A huge thank you to Maggie Menderski of the Courier Journal for including KTW in her guide to the 2026 Kentucky State Fair. Read it here: https://www.courier-journal.com/story/life/events/statefair/2026/08/03/your-guide-to-the-2026-kentucky-state-fair/90955369007/

If you're at the fair, stop by the South Wing and check it out!

The 2026 Kentucky State Fair returns Aug. 20-30 with free concerts, new exhibits, and family fun.

07/22/2026

America250 is in full swing, and Kentucky's showing up in a big way. 🇺🇸

Our short film Louisville Slugger: The Sound of a Nation is screening daily at the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory — and free to watch anytime on our YouTube channel. Funded in part by a Kentucky Historical Society America250KY grant, it honors the bat behind America's pastime. The Sound of a Nation is directed and produced by our Director of Strategy & Documentary Film and Board Member, Tommy Johns.

Next stop for KTW: The Kentucky Lens, our video installation previously at the Frazier History Museum: the Kentucky State Fair, August 20–30 at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville. Come see the stories that show just how far Kentucky's reach extends.

And the celebration doesn't stop at KTW — events honoring Kentucky's history are running statewide through the fall, from a Young Patriots Scavenger Hunt in Pike County to a Trailblazer's Tour of Central Kentucky's battlefields.

Read more about how Kentucky is marking 250 years of America: https://www.kentuckytotheworld.org/blog/kentucky-to-the-world-celebrates-america250

Happy birthday, America 🎂

As the U.S. commemorates its 250th anniversary of independence in 2026, organizations across the nation are celebrating the people, places, and events that make up our country’s shared history. That’s certainly the case at Kentucky to the World, which is proud to honor the legacy of our Commonwe...

06/05/2026

From Kentucky to Hollywood and back again.

Jonathan Wolff shared the fascinating story of his journey from growing up in Kentucky to becoming one of the most recognizable composers in television. Best known for creating the iconic theme to —named one of the greatest TV theme songs of all time by TV Guide—Wolff gave a behind-the-scenes look at his career in Hollywood, the creative process behind television music, and how he landed opportunities others didn’t.

From playing bar mitzvahs and weddings as a teenager to composing for 75 prime-time series and creating 43 TV themes, Wolff helped shape the sound of modern television.

After decades in the industry, Wolff ultimately returned home to Louisville with his family—closing the loop on a remarkable Kentucky story.

Listen to the conversation Mr. Wolff had with KTW: https://www.kentuckytotheworld.org/video-youtube/a-conversation-with-jonathan-wolff

05/20/2026

ÅNGEL 004 grew up in Goshen, Kentucky (in a home her grandfather built by hand), wrote her first two albums by 17, and invented her own genre before the world had a category for her. The genre fuses country storytelling with K-Pop structure, honoring both the Kentucky girl and the Korean American woman she's always been.

When she lost her grandfather, she packed 3 suitcases, got in her Hyundai, and drove. What she found on the road only deepened the roots.

When people hear her voice and ask "You're from Kentucky?!" she gives them grace. And directions. She worked with KTW and founder Shelly Zegart long enough to learn Kentucky's legacy cold. Then she left and took it with her. Her words: "I am no longer working for Kentucky to the World. I am Kentucky to the World."

Read her Kentucky to the World story at the link in our comments.

05/11/2026

What happens when a girl who wanted to be a lawyer or an astronaut stumbles into a performing arts school? She finds her voice, and herself.

YPAS student Madeline Alt shares how YPAS transformed what she once considered a hobby into her life's direction. From singing with the Louisville Orchestra to applying to music programs in Nashville and LA, her story is proof that Kentucky builds world-class artists.

Kentucky doesn't just produce talent. It shapes it. Read Madeline's blog at the link in our comments.

05/08/2026

Which team are you? 👇 (We are both. We contain multitudes.)

KentuckyToTheWorld.org

05/05/2026

Kentucky produces world-class talent — and our friend and KTW collaborator Tracy Drain is proof!

A Louisville native and alumni of our Republic Bank Foundation Speaker Series, Tracy is a NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration flight systems engineer who is hosting a National Geographic Explorer Classroom virtual event on Thursday, May 7th — open to everyone!

When Kentucky kids see someone from their own backyard doing work this extraordinary, it sparks something. That's the kind of pride and inspiration that keeps talent rooted here.

National Geographic Explorer Classroom virtual event times: 10am ET / 7am PT and 2pm ET / 11am PT
Perfect for kids ages 6–14. Live polls, space and engineering insights, and real-time Q&A: https://education.nationalgeographic.org/event/engineering-adventures-in-space/

Share with a parent, teacher, or anyone investing in Kentucky's next generation. 🌍✨

05/01/2026

This weekend, the Kentucky Derby draws the attention of the world to our Commonwealth.

At Kentucky to the World, we believe that attention should extend far beyond the finish line.

Founded in 2012, KTW is a nonprofit dedicated to elevating the cultural and intellectual reputation of Kentucky on the global stage — through the stories of extraordinary Kentuckians in arts, science, innovation, civic leadership, and beyond.

The Derby tells the world that Kentucky is world-class. We tell them why it always has been.

If you’re a partner, sponsor, educator, or storyteller who believes in the power of this narrative — we’d love to connect.

Who we are:

1 like. "Who We Are: Kentucky To The World"

04/18/2026

Louisville Slugger: The Sound of a Nation

Istanbul. Kolkata. Chile. London. Stockholm. New York / Istanbul (twin festival).

From across the globe to right here at home—KTW’s Slugger short documentary is making waves with international film festival selections in five global cities and a 100% acceptance rate on all announced submissions to date.

This is Kentucky to the World in action—our stories traveling, connecting, and resonating on a global stage.

A huge congratulations to KTW board member and Director of Strategic Planning & Documentary Film Tommy Johns and the entire creative team for this incredible momentum and global recognition!

Special thanks to KTW board member Rick Redman for championing the opportunity to loop and showcase the film at the Slugger Museum—bringing this international story home in a powerful, full-circle way.

And thank you to the Kentucky Heritage Council - SHPO for supporting this work through America250 funding, helping propel Kentucky’s story onto the world stage.

Video in comments.