Women, Confinement, & Race in the Gilded Age

Stephen Foster’s 1852 ballad, "My Old Kentucky Home," evokes nostalgia for a peaceful and nurturing home, but for many women in the Gilded Age—especially African American women in Kentucky—home was often a place of violence and oppression. In this compelling episode, PhD candidate Charlene Fletcher takes us deep into her research on Home Ain’t Always Where the Heart Is: Women, Confinement, and Domestic Violence in the Gilded Age Bluegrass. She shares the untold stories of two African American women from Lexington, Kentucky—Fannie Keys Harvey and Lila B. White—who were imprisoned at the Frankfort Penitentiary after fighting back against years of family abuse. Learn how systemic racism, gender inequality, and domestic violence shaped the harsh realities of life in the 19th century. Fletcher’s insights offer a powerful look into the intersection of race, gender, and resistance, making this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in women's rights, African American history, and the hidden struggles of the Gilded Age. Visit us at https://www.lfpl.org

Recorded 2-20-2020