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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260412T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260412T153000
DTSTAMP:20260404T030457
CREATED:20260108T184642Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260108T184642Z
UID:10003867-1776002400-1776007800@things-to-lou.com
SUMMARY:FREE History Lecture Series: Riverfront Reflections | Led by local historian Rick Bell
DESCRIPTION:Waterfront Park is launching a new monthly history series at PlayPort\, closely located to both the Portland and Russell neighborhoods\, right on the site of Jefferson County’s first settlement\, Fort-on-Shore. \nLed by local historian Rick Bell\, each session in the series explores a different topic related to the people\, places\, and events that shaped the city’s early history. \n\nTopics\nTopics will include the founding of Corn Island\, the creation of the Louisville-Portland Canal\, the Great Flood of 1937\, profiles on notable local figures\, and storytelling around the development of our city’s waterfront from wasteland to a beloved community greenspace. Special attention will be given to the history of the Portland and Russell neighborhoods that surround PlayPort\, the new experiential learning and play area. \nEach lecture runs approximately 90 minutes and includes a visual presentation and time for audience questions. Whether you’re a lifelong history buff or just newly curious\, this series celebrates Louisville’s rich past while honoring the neighborhoods that helped shape it. \nHistory lectures are free to attend\, the favor of registration is requested. Click HERE to register. \n\nRick Bell History Lecture Series Tentative Schedule\nSunday\, January 11\, 2026 2:00pm-3:30pm\nLouisville between 1920 and 1940 – historic photographs tell the story of Louisville in the 1920s and 1930s\, a time of unprecedented growth for the city. The photos display a vibrant downtown\, shopping opportunities and fascinating individuals. \nSunday\, February 8\, 2026 2:00pm-3:30pm\nThe Great Flood of 1937 in Louisville – remembered as the greatest natural disaster in American history\, this event impacted Louisville harder than anywhere else in the entire Ohio River valley. Over 175\,000 people evacuated their homes and overcame challenges with ingenuity and courage. \nSunday\, March 8\, 2026 2:00pm-3:30pm\nBig Jim Porter\, the Kentucky Giant – James D. Porter became internationally famous after being interviewed by Charles Dickens. At 7’9” tall\, he maintained a famous tavern at his home in Shippingport and was actively involved in local politics. \nSunday\, April 12\, 2026 2:00pm-3:30pm\nLouisville and Portland Canal – Built from 1825 until 1830\, the canal revolutionized river traffic and commerce in the Ohio Valley. A triumph of engineering\, digging the canal brought thousands of Irish immigrants to Portland and changed the state of transportation in America. \nSunday\, June 14\, 2026 2:00pm-3:30pm\nMemorable characters from Louisville\, Portland and Russell neighborhoods. Some fascinating personalities\, some famous and others not\, are included. People include internationally known film directors\, artists\, paperboys and other folks that make our community special. \nSunday\, July 12\, 2026 2:00pm-3:30pm\nLouisville Waterfront and the story of the Park – PlayPort is part of the award-winning Waterfront Park\, which for the past thirty years has opened access to our riverbanks. We will trace the early history of the Louisville waterfront and how it became a beloved public park. \nSunday\, August 9\, 2026 2:00pm-3:30pm\nTransportation history of Louisville – Louisville is a crossroads of American commerce and industry. We will discuss the rise of steamboats\, railroads and highways and their impact on this community over time. \nSunday\, September 13\, 2026 2:00pm-3:30pm\nProhibition in Louisville – No community in America was more negatively impacted by the Prohibition era (1922-1933). Twenty-five distilleries\, fifteen breweries and countless saloons went out of business\, leaving 10\,000 Louisvillians out of work\, and speakeasies and bootleggers raised the crime rate. \nSunday\, October 11\, 2026 2:00pm-3:30pm\nPhotos from the Herald-Post – 1925-1936 – This newspaper\, a Republican opponent of the Courier-Journal\, featured powerful images of local buildings and people. This era saw the development of Fourth Street entertainment\, industrial development and a changing population. \n\nThis schedule and topics are subject to change. There will not be a lecture in May due to scheduling conflicts. \nHistory lectures are free to attend and held at the PlayPort event building at 1105 Rowan Street\, Louisville\, KY 40203. Click HERE to register. \nThis is a Waterfront Park hosted event. Waterfront Park is a donor supported public park. Your donations help make events like this possible. \n  \nLocation: Waterfront Park PlayPort 1105 Rowan Street Louisville\, KY 40203
URL:https://things-to-lou.com/events/free-history-lecture-series-riverfront-reflections-led-by-local-historian-rick-bell/2026-04-12/
LOCATION:Waterfront Park\, 129 River Rd\, Louisville\, KY\, 40202\, United States
CATEGORIES:Outdoors,Public Speakers,Walking Tour / Food Tour
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260614T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260614T153000
DTSTAMP:20260404T030457
CREATED:20260108T184642Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260108T184642Z
UID:10003868-1781445600-1781451000@things-to-lou.com
SUMMARY:FREE History Lecture Series: Riverfront Reflections | Led by local historian Rick Bell
DESCRIPTION:Waterfront Park is launching a new monthly history series at PlayPort\, closely located to both the Portland and Russell neighborhoods\, right on the site of Jefferson County’s first settlement\, Fort-on-Shore. \nLed by local historian Rick Bell\, each session in the series explores a different topic related to the people\, places\, and events that shaped the city’s early history. \n\nTopics\nTopics will include the founding of Corn Island\, the creation of the Louisville-Portland Canal\, the Great Flood of 1937\, profiles on notable local figures\, and storytelling around the development of our city’s waterfront from wasteland to a beloved community greenspace. Special attention will be given to the history of the Portland and Russell neighborhoods that surround PlayPort\, the new experiential learning and play area. \nEach lecture runs approximately 90 minutes and includes a visual presentation and time for audience questions. Whether you’re a lifelong history buff or just newly curious\, this series celebrates Louisville’s rich past while honoring the neighborhoods that helped shape it. \nHistory lectures are free to attend\, the favor of registration is requested. Click HERE to register. \n\nRick Bell History Lecture Series Tentative Schedule\nSunday\, January 11\, 2026 2:00pm-3:30pm\nLouisville between 1920 and 1940 – historic photographs tell the story of Louisville in the 1920s and 1930s\, a time of unprecedented growth for the city. The photos display a vibrant downtown\, shopping opportunities and fascinating individuals. \nSunday\, February 8\, 2026 2:00pm-3:30pm\nThe Great Flood of 1937 in Louisville – remembered as the greatest natural disaster in American history\, this event impacted Louisville harder than anywhere else in the entire Ohio River valley. Over 175\,000 people evacuated their homes and overcame challenges with ingenuity and courage. \nSunday\, March 8\, 2026 2:00pm-3:30pm\nBig Jim Porter\, the Kentucky Giant – James D. Porter became internationally famous after being interviewed by Charles Dickens. At 7’9” tall\, he maintained a famous tavern at his home in Shippingport and was actively involved in local politics. \nSunday\, April 12\, 2026 2:00pm-3:30pm\nLouisville and Portland Canal – Built from 1825 until 1830\, the canal revolutionized river traffic and commerce in the Ohio Valley. A triumph of engineering\, digging the canal brought thousands of Irish immigrants to Portland and changed the state of transportation in America. \nSunday\, June 14\, 2026 2:00pm-3:30pm\nMemorable characters from Louisville\, Portland and Russell neighborhoods. Some fascinating personalities\, some famous and others not\, are included. People include internationally known film directors\, artists\, paperboys and other folks that make our community special. \nSunday\, July 12\, 2026 2:00pm-3:30pm\nLouisville Waterfront and the story of the Park – PlayPort is part of the award-winning Waterfront Park\, which for the past thirty years has opened access to our riverbanks. We will trace the early history of the Louisville waterfront and how it became a beloved public park. \nSunday\, August 9\, 2026 2:00pm-3:30pm\nTransportation history of Louisville – Louisville is a crossroads of American commerce and industry. We will discuss the rise of steamboats\, railroads and highways and their impact on this community over time. \nSunday\, September 13\, 2026 2:00pm-3:30pm\nProhibition in Louisville – No community in America was more negatively impacted by the Prohibition era (1922-1933). Twenty-five distilleries\, fifteen breweries and countless saloons went out of business\, leaving 10\,000 Louisvillians out of work\, and speakeasies and bootleggers raised the crime rate. \nSunday\, October 11\, 2026 2:00pm-3:30pm\nPhotos from the Herald-Post – 1925-1936 – This newspaper\, a Republican opponent of the Courier-Journal\, featured powerful images of local buildings and people. This era saw the development of Fourth Street entertainment\, industrial development and a changing population. \n\nThis schedule and topics are subject to change. There will not be a lecture in May due to scheduling conflicts. \nHistory lectures are free to attend and held at the PlayPort event building at 1105 Rowan Street\, Louisville\, KY 40203. Click HERE to register. \nThis is a Waterfront Park hosted event. Waterfront Park is a donor supported public park. Your donations help make events like this possible. \n  \nLocation: Waterfront Park PlayPort 1105 Rowan Street Louisville\, KY 40203
URL:https://things-to-lou.com/events/free-history-lecture-series-riverfront-reflections-led-by-local-historian-rick-bell/2026-06-14/
LOCATION:Waterfront Park\, 129 River Rd\, Louisville\, KY\, 40202\, United States
CATEGORIES:Outdoors,Public Speakers,Walking Tour / Food Tour
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260712T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260712T153000
DTSTAMP:20260404T030457
CREATED:20260108T184642Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260108T184642Z
UID:10003869-1783864800-1783870200@things-to-lou.com
SUMMARY:FREE History Lecture Series: Riverfront Reflections | Led by local historian Rick Bell
DESCRIPTION:Waterfront Park is launching a new monthly history series at PlayPort\, closely located to both the Portland and Russell neighborhoods\, right on the site of Jefferson County’s first settlement\, Fort-on-Shore. \nLed by local historian Rick Bell\, each session in the series explores a different topic related to the people\, places\, and events that shaped the city’s early history. \n\nTopics\nTopics will include the founding of Corn Island\, the creation of the Louisville-Portland Canal\, the Great Flood of 1937\, profiles on notable local figures\, and storytelling around the development of our city’s waterfront from wasteland to a beloved community greenspace. Special attention will be given to the history of the Portland and Russell neighborhoods that surround PlayPort\, the new experiential learning and play area. \nEach lecture runs approximately 90 minutes and includes a visual presentation and time for audience questions. Whether you’re a lifelong history buff or just newly curious\, this series celebrates Louisville’s rich past while honoring the neighborhoods that helped shape it. \nHistory lectures are free to attend\, the favor of registration is requested. Click HERE to register. \n\nRick Bell History Lecture Series Tentative Schedule\nSunday\, January 11\, 2026 2:00pm-3:30pm\nLouisville between 1920 and 1940 – historic photographs tell the story of Louisville in the 1920s and 1930s\, a time of unprecedented growth for the city. The photos display a vibrant downtown\, shopping opportunities and fascinating individuals. \nSunday\, February 8\, 2026 2:00pm-3:30pm\nThe Great Flood of 1937 in Louisville – remembered as the greatest natural disaster in American history\, this event impacted Louisville harder than anywhere else in the entire Ohio River valley. Over 175\,000 people evacuated their homes and overcame challenges with ingenuity and courage. \nSunday\, March 8\, 2026 2:00pm-3:30pm\nBig Jim Porter\, the Kentucky Giant – James D. Porter became internationally famous after being interviewed by Charles Dickens. At 7’9” tall\, he maintained a famous tavern at his home in Shippingport and was actively involved in local politics. \nSunday\, April 12\, 2026 2:00pm-3:30pm\nLouisville and Portland Canal – Built from 1825 until 1830\, the canal revolutionized river traffic and commerce in the Ohio Valley. A triumph of engineering\, digging the canal brought thousands of Irish immigrants to Portland and changed the state of transportation in America. \nSunday\, June 14\, 2026 2:00pm-3:30pm\nMemorable characters from Louisville\, Portland and Russell neighborhoods. Some fascinating personalities\, some famous and others not\, are included. People include internationally known film directors\, artists\, paperboys and other folks that make our community special. \nSunday\, July 12\, 2026 2:00pm-3:30pm\nLouisville Waterfront and the story of the Park – PlayPort is part of the award-winning Waterfront Park\, which for the past thirty years has opened access to our riverbanks. We will trace the early history of the Louisville waterfront and how it became a beloved public park. \nSunday\, August 9\, 2026 2:00pm-3:30pm\nTransportation history of Louisville – Louisville is a crossroads of American commerce and industry. We will discuss the rise of steamboats\, railroads and highways and their impact on this community over time. \nSunday\, September 13\, 2026 2:00pm-3:30pm\nProhibition in Louisville – No community in America was more negatively impacted by the Prohibition era (1922-1933). Twenty-five distilleries\, fifteen breweries and countless saloons went out of business\, leaving 10\,000 Louisvillians out of work\, and speakeasies and bootleggers raised the crime rate. \nSunday\, October 11\, 2026 2:00pm-3:30pm\nPhotos from the Herald-Post – 1925-1936 – This newspaper\, a Republican opponent of the Courier-Journal\, featured powerful images of local buildings and people. This era saw the development of Fourth Street entertainment\, industrial development and a changing population. \n\nThis schedule and topics are subject to change. There will not be a lecture in May due to scheduling conflicts. \nHistory lectures are free to attend and held at the PlayPort event building at 1105 Rowan Street\, Louisville\, KY 40203. Click HERE to register. \nThis is a Waterfront Park hosted event. Waterfront Park is a donor supported public park. Your donations help make events like this possible. \n  \nLocation: Waterfront Park PlayPort 1105 Rowan Street Louisville\, KY 40203
URL:https://things-to-lou.com/events/free-history-lecture-series-riverfront-reflections-led-by-local-historian-rick-bell/2026-07-12/
LOCATION:Waterfront Park\, 129 River Rd\, Louisville\, KY\, 40202\, United States
CATEGORIES:Outdoors,Public Speakers,Walking Tour / Food Tour
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260809T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260809T153000
DTSTAMP:20260404T030457
CREATED:20260108T184642Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260108T184642Z
UID:10003870-1786284000-1786289400@things-to-lou.com
SUMMARY:FREE History Lecture Series: Riverfront Reflections | Led by local historian Rick Bell
DESCRIPTION:Waterfront Park is launching a new monthly history series at PlayPort\, closely located to both the Portland and Russell neighborhoods\, right on the site of Jefferson County’s first settlement\, Fort-on-Shore. \nLed by local historian Rick Bell\, each session in the series explores a different topic related to the people\, places\, and events that shaped the city’s early history. \n\nTopics\nTopics will include the founding of Corn Island\, the creation of the Louisville-Portland Canal\, the Great Flood of 1937\, profiles on notable local figures\, and storytelling around the development of our city’s waterfront from wasteland to a beloved community greenspace. Special attention will be given to the history of the Portland and Russell neighborhoods that surround PlayPort\, the new experiential learning and play area. \nEach lecture runs approximately 90 minutes and includes a visual presentation and time for audience questions. Whether you’re a lifelong history buff or just newly curious\, this series celebrates Louisville’s rich past while honoring the neighborhoods that helped shape it. \nHistory lectures are free to attend\, the favor of registration is requested. Click HERE to register. \n\nRick Bell History Lecture Series Tentative Schedule\nSunday\, January 11\, 2026 2:00pm-3:30pm\nLouisville between 1920 and 1940 – historic photographs tell the story of Louisville in the 1920s and 1930s\, a time of unprecedented growth for the city. The photos display a vibrant downtown\, shopping opportunities and fascinating individuals. \nSunday\, February 8\, 2026 2:00pm-3:30pm\nThe Great Flood of 1937 in Louisville – remembered as the greatest natural disaster in American history\, this event impacted Louisville harder than anywhere else in the entire Ohio River valley. Over 175\,000 people evacuated their homes and overcame challenges with ingenuity and courage. \nSunday\, March 8\, 2026 2:00pm-3:30pm\nBig Jim Porter\, the Kentucky Giant – James D. Porter became internationally famous after being interviewed by Charles Dickens. At 7’9” tall\, he maintained a famous tavern at his home in Shippingport and was actively involved in local politics. \nSunday\, April 12\, 2026 2:00pm-3:30pm\nLouisville and Portland Canal – Built from 1825 until 1830\, the canal revolutionized river traffic and commerce in the Ohio Valley. A triumph of engineering\, digging the canal brought thousands of Irish immigrants to Portland and changed the state of transportation in America. \nSunday\, June 14\, 2026 2:00pm-3:30pm\nMemorable characters from Louisville\, Portland and Russell neighborhoods. Some fascinating personalities\, some famous and others not\, are included. People include internationally known film directors\, artists\, paperboys and other folks that make our community special. \nSunday\, July 12\, 2026 2:00pm-3:30pm\nLouisville Waterfront and the story of the Park – PlayPort is part of the award-winning Waterfront Park\, which for the past thirty years has opened access to our riverbanks. We will trace the early history of the Louisville waterfront and how it became a beloved public park. \nSunday\, August 9\, 2026 2:00pm-3:30pm\nTransportation history of Louisville – Louisville is a crossroads of American commerce and industry. We will discuss the rise of steamboats\, railroads and highways and their impact on this community over time. \nSunday\, September 13\, 2026 2:00pm-3:30pm\nProhibition in Louisville – No community in America was more negatively impacted by the Prohibition era (1922-1933). Twenty-five distilleries\, fifteen breweries and countless saloons went out of business\, leaving 10\,000 Louisvillians out of work\, and speakeasies and bootleggers raised the crime rate. \nSunday\, October 11\, 2026 2:00pm-3:30pm\nPhotos from the Herald-Post – 1925-1936 – This newspaper\, a Republican opponent of the Courier-Journal\, featured powerful images of local buildings and people. This era saw the development of Fourth Street entertainment\, industrial development and a changing population. \n\nThis schedule and topics are subject to change. There will not be a lecture in May due to scheduling conflicts. \nHistory lectures are free to attend and held at the PlayPort event building at 1105 Rowan Street\, Louisville\, KY 40203. Click HERE to register. \nThis is a Waterfront Park hosted event. Waterfront Park is a donor supported public park. Your donations help make events like this possible. \n  \nLocation: Waterfront Park PlayPort 1105 Rowan Street Louisville\, KY 40203
URL:https://things-to-lou.com/events/free-history-lecture-series-riverfront-reflections-led-by-local-historian-rick-bell/2026-08-09/
LOCATION:Waterfront Park\, 129 River Rd\, Louisville\, KY\, 40202\, United States
CATEGORIES:Outdoors,Public Speakers,Walking Tour / Food Tour
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260913T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260913T153000
DTSTAMP:20260404T030457
CREATED:20260108T184642Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260108T184642Z
UID:10003871-1789308000-1789313400@things-to-lou.com
SUMMARY:FREE History Lecture Series: Riverfront Reflections | Led by local historian Rick Bell
DESCRIPTION:Waterfront Park is launching a new monthly history series at PlayPort\, closely located to both the Portland and Russell neighborhoods\, right on the site of Jefferson County’s first settlement\, Fort-on-Shore. \nLed by local historian Rick Bell\, each session in the series explores a different topic related to the people\, places\, and events that shaped the city’s early history. \n\nTopics\nTopics will include the founding of Corn Island\, the creation of the Louisville-Portland Canal\, the Great Flood of 1937\, profiles on notable local figures\, and storytelling around the development of our city’s waterfront from wasteland to a beloved community greenspace. Special attention will be given to the history of the Portland and Russell neighborhoods that surround PlayPort\, the new experiential learning and play area. \nEach lecture runs approximately 90 minutes and includes a visual presentation and time for audience questions. Whether you’re a lifelong history buff or just newly curious\, this series celebrates Louisville’s rich past while honoring the neighborhoods that helped shape it. \nHistory lectures are free to attend\, the favor of registration is requested. Click HERE to register. \n\nRick Bell History Lecture Series Tentative Schedule\nSunday\, January 11\, 2026 2:00pm-3:30pm\nLouisville between 1920 and 1940 – historic photographs tell the story of Louisville in the 1920s and 1930s\, a time of unprecedented growth for the city. The photos display a vibrant downtown\, shopping opportunities and fascinating individuals. \nSunday\, February 8\, 2026 2:00pm-3:30pm\nThe Great Flood of 1937 in Louisville – remembered as the greatest natural disaster in American history\, this event impacted Louisville harder than anywhere else in the entire Ohio River valley. Over 175\,000 people evacuated their homes and overcame challenges with ingenuity and courage. \nSunday\, March 8\, 2026 2:00pm-3:30pm\nBig Jim Porter\, the Kentucky Giant – James D. Porter became internationally famous after being interviewed by Charles Dickens. At 7’9” tall\, he maintained a famous tavern at his home in Shippingport and was actively involved in local politics. \nSunday\, April 12\, 2026 2:00pm-3:30pm\nLouisville and Portland Canal – Built from 1825 until 1830\, the canal revolutionized river traffic and commerce in the Ohio Valley. A triumph of engineering\, digging the canal brought thousands of Irish immigrants to Portland and changed the state of transportation in America. \nSunday\, June 14\, 2026 2:00pm-3:30pm\nMemorable characters from Louisville\, Portland and Russell neighborhoods. Some fascinating personalities\, some famous and others not\, are included. People include internationally known film directors\, artists\, paperboys and other folks that make our community special. \nSunday\, July 12\, 2026 2:00pm-3:30pm\nLouisville Waterfront and the story of the Park – PlayPort is part of the award-winning Waterfront Park\, which for the past thirty years has opened access to our riverbanks. We will trace the early history of the Louisville waterfront and how it became a beloved public park. \nSunday\, August 9\, 2026 2:00pm-3:30pm\nTransportation history of Louisville – Louisville is a crossroads of American commerce and industry. We will discuss the rise of steamboats\, railroads and highways and their impact on this community over time. \nSunday\, September 13\, 2026 2:00pm-3:30pm\nProhibition in Louisville – No community in America was more negatively impacted by the Prohibition era (1922-1933). Twenty-five distilleries\, fifteen breweries and countless saloons went out of business\, leaving 10\,000 Louisvillians out of work\, and speakeasies and bootleggers raised the crime rate. \nSunday\, October 11\, 2026 2:00pm-3:30pm\nPhotos from the Herald-Post – 1925-1936 – This newspaper\, a Republican opponent of the Courier-Journal\, featured powerful images of local buildings and people. This era saw the development of Fourth Street entertainment\, industrial development and a changing population. \n\nThis schedule and topics are subject to change. There will not be a lecture in May due to scheduling conflicts. \nHistory lectures are free to attend and held at the PlayPort event building at 1105 Rowan Street\, Louisville\, KY 40203. Click HERE to register. \nThis is a Waterfront Park hosted event. Waterfront Park is a donor supported public park. Your donations help make events like this possible. \n  \nLocation: Waterfront Park PlayPort 1105 Rowan Street Louisville\, KY 40203
URL:https://things-to-lou.com/events/free-history-lecture-series-riverfront-reflections-led-by-local-historian-rick-bell/2026-09-13/
LOCATION:Waterfront Park\, 129 River Rd\, Louisville\, KY\, 40202\, United States
CATEGORIES:Outdoors,Public Speakers,Walking Tour / Food Tour
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261011T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261011T153000
DTSTAMP:20260404T030457
CREATED:20260108T184642Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260108T184642Z
UID:10003872-1791727200-1791732600@things-to-lou.com
SUMMARY:FREE History Lecture Series: Riverfront Reflections | Led by local historian Rick Bell
DESCRIPTION:Waterfront Park is launching a new monthly history series at PlayPort\, closely located to both the Portland and Russell neighborhoods\, right on the site of Jefferson County’s first settlement\, Fort-on-Shore. \nLed by local historian Rick Bell\, each session in the series explores a different topic related to the people\, places\, and events that shaped the city’s early history. \n\nTopics\nTopics will include the founding of Corn Island\, the creation of the Louisville-Portland Canal\, the Great Flood of 1937\, profiles on notable local figures\, and storytelling around the development of our city’s waterfront from wasteland to a beloved community greenspace. Special attention will be given to the history of the Portland and Russell neighborhoods that surround PlayPort\, the new experiential learning and play area. \nEach lecture runs approximately 90 minutes and includes a visual presentation and time for audience questions. Whether you’re a lifelong history buff or just newly curious\, this series celebrates Louisville’s rich past while honoring the neighborhoods that helped shape it. \nHistory lectures are free to attend\, the favor of registration is requested. Click HERE to register. \n\nRick Bell History Lecture Series Tentative Schedule\nSunday\, January 11\, 2026 2:00pm-3:30pm\nLouisville between 1920 and 1940 – historic photographs tell the story of Louisville in the 1920s and 1930s\, a time of unprecedented growth for the city. The photos display a vibrant downtown\, shopping opportunities and fascinating individuals. \nSunday\, February 8\, 2026 2:00pm-3:30pm\nThe Great Flood of 1937 in Louisville – remembered as the greatest natural disaster in American history\, this event impacted Louisville harder than anywhere else in the entire Ohio River valley. Over 175\,000 people evacuated their homes and overcame challenges with ingenuity and courage. \nSunday\, March 8\, 2026 2:00pm-3:30pm\nBig Jim Porter\, the Kentucky Giant – James D. Porter became internationally famous after being interviewed by Charles Dickens. At 7’9” tall\, he maintained a famous tavern at his home in Shippingport and was actively involved in local politics. \nSunday\, April 12\, 2026 2:00pm-3:30pm\nLouisville and Portland Canal – Built from 1825 until 1830\, the canal revolutionized river traffic and commerce in the Ohio Valley. A triumph of engineering\, digging the canal brought thousands of Irish immigrants to Portland and changed the state of transportation in America. \nSunday\, June 14\, 2026 2:00pm-3:30pm\nMemorable characters from Louisville\, Portland and Russell neighborhoods. Some fascinating personalities\, some famous and others not\, are included. People include internationally known film directors\, artists\, paperboys and other folks that make our community special. \nSunday\, July 12\, 2026 2:00pm-3:30pm\nLouisville Waterfront and the story of the Park – PlayPort is part of the award-winning Waterfront Park\, which for the past thirty years has opened access to our riverbanks. We will trace the early history of the Louisville waterfront and how it became a beloved public park. \nSunday\, August 9\, 2026 2:00pm-3:30pm\nTransportation history of Louisville – Louisville is a crossroads of American commerce and industry. We will discuss the rise of steamboats\, railroads and highways and their impact on this community over time. \nSunday\, September 13\, 2026 2:00pm-3:30pm\nProhibition in Louisville – No community in America was more negatively impacted by the Prohibition era (1922-1933). Twenty-five distilleries\, fifteen breweries and countless saloons went out of business\, leaving 10\,000 Louisvillians out of work\, and speakeasies and bootleggers raised the crime rate. \nSunday\, October 11\, 2026 2:00pm-3:30pm\nPhotos from the Herald-Post – 1925-1936 – This newspaper\, a Republican opponent of the Courier-Journal\, featured powerful images of local buildings and people. This era saw the development of Fourth Street entertainment\, industrial development and a changing population. \n\nThis schedule and topics are subject to change. There will not be a lecture in May due to scheduling conflicts. \nHistory lectures are free to attend and held at the PlayPort event building at 1105 Rowan Street\, Louisville\, KY 40203. Click HERE to register. \nThis is a Waterfront Park hosted event. Waterfront Park is a donor supported public park. Your donations help make events like this possible. \n  \nLocation: Waterfront Park PlayPort 1105 Rowan Street Louisville\, KY 40203
URL:https://things-to-lou.com/events/free-history-lecture-series-riverfront-reflections-led-by-local-historian-rick-bell/2026-10-11/
LOCATION:Waterfront Park\, 129 River Rd\, Louisville\, KY\, 40202\, United States
CATEGORIES:Outdoors,Public Speakers,Walking Tour / Food Tour
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR