Kentucky's Veep: A 'Back Row' Perspective of the Life and Legacy of Alben W. Barkley

Doors open 5 PM Presentation 5:30-6:30 PM

As Kentuckians and the nation look to the future by focusing on speeches offered by a throng of local, state, and national political candidates and public officials descending upon the 146th annual Fancy Farm picnic to be held on Saturday, August 1, 2026, Kentucky Supreme Court Justice Shea Nickell will present a historical glimpse backward to highlight the inspiring personal life and impressive public legacy of the late U.S. Vice President Alben W. Barkley.

Born on November 24, 1877, on a farm located in a nearby Graves County crossroads community, Barkley rose to become one of this nation’s greatest orators and most influential government leaders. When he died while delivering a speech on April 30, 1956, his final words were “I would rather be a servant in the House of the Lord than to sit in the seats of the mighty.” Nickell will also display memorabilia from his extensive Barkley

Justice Shea Nickell represents the twenty-three counties comprising the First Appellate District on the seven-member Supreme Court of Kentucky.

All programs are free & open to the public