Yours for the Carters,

THANK YOU.

Thanks to all who came out this past weekend for the exhibit opening at the Kentucky Museum and for the collective field trip out to visit with Freeman at his shop in Drake.

Curating an exhibit on this man and his rich and layered history has been the privilege of a lifetime, and I’m glad to say that this event does not end the research on, and partnership with, Freeman Kitchens.

Bringing Freeman’s story to the public through the museum was lovely and—I think—important. However, bringing the exhibit-goers and the string band to Freeman was the icing on the cake. He told me it was the first time he’d heard live music in 20-some years. The church across the street happened to be having an ice cream social and there was a serendipitous spill-over from that gathering, as we crammed people into Drake Vintage Music & Curios to hear the band perform in honor of Mr. Kitchens and his great work in the culture and history of country music, and in the community of Drake. One local man pulled me aside from all the bustle at the shop and entered me into the church’s cake walk - this act meant more to me than you can know.

Those of you who missed the opening can catch the exhibit until Nov. 11, 2011 at the Kentucky Museum at WKU. More importantly, though…don’t miss the opportunity to meet Freeman, who faithfully runs his shop in Drake, Ky. every Monday thru Saturday.

The rest of the photos from Drake are here.

Yours for the Carters,

Jennifer Joy Jameson