Posts
WHAT THE DICKENS? Did Charles Dickens Visit Paducah?
It’s one of our persistent local legends… that famed English author Charles Dickens actually came to Paducah in the 1850’s!
Notes on Paducah Musical History: Jack Staulcup
While best known as a Midwest big band leader, Jack Staulcup was also a musician, vocalist, recording artist, composer, businessman, and union advocate.
Notes on Paducah Musical History: Ida Mae Maples
Pianist, Ida Mae Maples was one of Chicago's premier female band leaders during the 1920s.
Notes on Paducah Musical History: Boyd Atkins
Paducah native Boyd Atkins was a musician, composer, and band leader, whose career began playing violin in the original riverboat jazz band of Fate Marable.
New Community Support Advocate at the Library
We are excited to announce our new Community Support Advocate! Stop in to the Library on Mondays and Wednesdays between 3 and 7 pm to meet Katie!
PADUCAH'S GIANT TURKEY CONTEST OF 1903
At the beginning of October 1903, the Paducah Daily News-Democrat announced a unique contest: BRING US THE BIGGEST TURKEY AND WIN a $10 GOLD PIECE.
THE GREAT PUMPKIN FLOOD OF 1906
During the first week of October 1906, Paducahans saw something they probably hadn’t seen before. Pumpkins, scores of them, floating down the Tennessee and Ohio Rivers!
Banned Book Week 2025
Banned Books Week was launched in 1982 in response to a sudden surge in the number of challenges to books in libraries, bookstores, and schools.
Notes on Paducah Musical History: Julian "Matty" Matlock
Paducahan Matty Matlock was a jazz musician and arranger who performed with Bob Crosby and his Bob Cats, Louis Armstrong, Judy Garland, Bing Crosby and more.
A LOOK AT PADUCAH’S HISTORICAL MARKERS: WHO WAS ANNA I. BAKER?
The historical marker honoring Anna I. Baker holds a prominent place on Kentucky Avenue, right across the street from the Carson Center. Even still, a lot of Paducahans may not recognize the name.
So, who was Anna I. Baker?
THE SCOPE OF SCOPES: LELA SCOPES VS. THE PADUCAH BOARD OF EDUCATION
July 2025 marks the 100th anniversary of the Scopes Monkey Trial at which Paducah-born John Scopes was tried in Tennessee courts for the crime of teaching evolution in his classroom.