Cassius Marcellus Clay, crusading newspaper publisher and radical emancipationist, was one of the most fascinating and tempestuous figures in Kentucky’s history.
His beloved 44-room Italianate-style mansion, White Hall has had a pretty tempestuous journey itself, and will soon embark on yet another chapter in its story.
Sometime in May (the exact date has not yet been announced), the mansion will re-open for visitors under new stewardship.
Eastern Kentucky State University, which has overseen White Hall since taking it over from Kentucky State Parks in 2019, recently transferred the mansion and its grounds to the city of Richmond.
That change came after Mayor Robert Blythe went to his City Manager to determine the feasibility of such a move.
“The university had done a good job with White Hall, but the upkeep of a state shrine wasn’t really its top priority,” says Mayor Blythe.
The city, however, had plenty of previous experience managing other historical sites such as the Battle of Richmond mansion (now the battlefield’s visitor center) and Irvinton House Museum, an 1820 mansion containing rare Revolutionary War articles.
Upon approval of the transfer, Blythe appropriated the necessary funds for what he describes as “a total cleanup which will make this beautiful house and grounds ready for its close-up.”
Hopefully, it will also make it ready for an influx of tourists to come and learn more about the amazing life of “the Lion of White Hall.”
“Our goal is definitely to step up the Clay experience for guests,” says Mayor Blythe.
Toward fulfilling that goal, the city hired Mathew Parrish, a former tour guide at the mansion as its curator.
Parrish has come full circle. While working on his master’s degree in history at EKU, he had an internship at White Hall. He then spent four years as a tour guide, unraveling all the drama that took place during Clay’s residency.
Parrish will continue to do that in his new role, showing visitors the library where, Clay, clad in his nightshirt, sat reading when three men broke in and attacked him. It didn’t end well for the attackers.
He will take visitors to the formal dining room where Clay entertained heads of state and royalty, and the third floor hallway where a glass case displays a copy of the “True American,” the newspaper Clay started when other papers refused to publish his anti-slavery views.
Working with Richmond Tourism, Parrish has plans that will make White Hall a “must see” for any visitor to the city.
New signs in every room act as informative signposts for guests wanting to do a self-guided tour.
Other signs throughout the mansion are the product of the 2025 “Say My Name” project, where EKU faculty and students spent months researching all the names of enslaved people at White Hall in order to tell their stories.
Parrish plans history-themed special events, as well as historical talks throughout the year. The talks will focus on topics such as the Clay family’s involvement in the American Revolution; Clay’s time as a Civil War general, and what Parrish cites as one of his personal favorites – 18th century river pirates in Kentucky.
He also plans on hosting an event in September that he did for the first time last year.
“Vintage Day is an antique fair and classic car show which proved extremely popular,” says Parrish. “Like last year, vendors will set up booths on the lawn in front of the mansion, and there will be classic cars and food trucks in the parking lot.”
On a more serious note, to celebrate America’s 250th, a special Veterans of Richmond exhibit will be displayed at the mansion.
The exhibit will tell the stories of Richmond’s most famous veterans – from the Revolutionary War to World War II. Rare artifacts, including weapons, flags and uniforms, will be on display.
Following White Hall’s re-opening June 3rd, it will welcome visitors through the end of October when it closes for the season.
However, Parrish suggests people follow White Hall’s Facebook page, White Hall State Historic Site, as the mansion will be open to the public on selected dates in December for planned holiday events.
Parrish believes that White Hall – beautiful and gracious as it is – is far more than just an imposing mansion typical of its time.
“It’s also about the history of our nation – oppression, equal rights, war, crushing defeat and great triumph,” he says.
“Under the City of Richmond’s stewardship, White Hall is ready to take on this new stage of its 227-year history.
For more information about White Hall’s re-opening, go to https://visitrichmondky.com/whitehall/