The Kentucky Historical Society has installed Hoptown Chronicle editor and founder Jennifer P. Brown as president of its governing board.
Brown, who has served on the board since 2013, was sworn in Friday by Franklin Circuit Judge Phillip Shepherd during the group’s annual meeting held via videoconference. She will succeed Tommy Turner, former LaRue County Judge-Executive.
Also installed as officers for 2022 were: Cynthia Torp, Louisville, first vice president; Wayne Onkst, Erlanger, second vice president; and Sheila Mason, Frankfort, third vice president.
Prior to launching Hoptown Chronicle, Brown worked at the Kentucky New Era for nearly 30 years, most recently serving as editor and opinion editor. She is the co-chair of the national advisory board to the Institute for Rural Journalism and Community Issues at the University of Kentucky and is a co-founder of the Kentucky Open Government Coalition. Brown also served on the board of the Museums of Historic Hopkinsville and Christian County from 2017 to 2021. She was instrumental in the installation of the historical marker for journalist Ted Poston — the first African American to receive the distinction in Hopkinsville — and is a frequent speaker on topics of historical importance in the region. She founded Hoptown Chronicle, a nonprofit news organization, in 2019.
The Kentucky Historical Society is both a state agency — under the Kentucky Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet — and a membership organization. Founded in 1836, it seeks to educate and engage the public through that history in order to meet the challenges of our future.
Julia Hunter is the engagement editor for Hoptown Chronicle. Reach her at julia@hoptownchronicle.org.
