Honoring Our Mentors: The Living Treasures Project
In 2007 The Oldham Era and Oldham County History Center launched The Living Treasures Program that publicly recognizes people who have generously served our community with kind hearts and good deeds. Their oral histories and photographs are recorded, archived and made available to the public at the Oldham County History Center. We also have an extension collection of Veterans Oral Histories!
Each month a nominee is selected and featured in a one page spread in the Oldham Era which is a local newspaper in Oldham County. Eleven nominees are selected and then honored in a January reception at the Oldham County History Center.
The Living Treasures program in Oldham County is modeled after the New Mexico Living Treasures Program that was founded by peace activist and minister Mary Lou Cook, along with friends, in Santa Fe, New Mexico in 1984. Inspired by Gandhi’s advice, ‘You must be the change you wish to see in the world,’ the group wanted to do something that wasn’t being done- express appreciation for the important contributions of our Elders. Modeled after traditions from Japan, it is a simple concept of honoring those who make a difference in our communities. We’re working on uploading them all. Check back for more oral history!
- Nancy Oglesby
- Leta Barrow
- Ollie Howard
- Johnny Glauber
Nominate an Oldham Living Treasure
To qualify for nomination the nominee must have some connection with Oldham County- either as a past or current resident or native of the area. The nominee should demonstrate qualities such as civility, respect, authenticity, spirit, continuity, integrity, peace, inspiration, kindness, simplicity, wisdom, courage, serenity and love. Submit a letter, 300-500 words, describing why the nominee should be a Living Treasure recipient. There is no age requirement for this program-it covers a wide range of ages focusing on mentorship and example of the individual. Email us or mail the letter to: Living Treasure, Oldham County History Center, 106 N. Second Ave., LaGrange, KY 40031