Paducah is a city that has played a pivotal role in American history, from the Civil War to civil rights, and beyond. To celebrate Black History Month, Betty Dobson, a Western Kentucky native and a passionate advocate for African American history, has curated an itinerary that takes you on a journey through Paducah’s rich African American heritage, where each stop tells a story of resilience, creativity and cultural significance.
Visit The Hotel Metropolitan
Betty suggests beginning your journey by taking a step back in time at the Hotel Metropolitan. This landmark, preserved for future generations by Betty herself and a board of volunteers, stands as a testament to Paducah’s African American history. The restored 1908 historic hotel, a former member of the "Chitlin’ Circuit" and later listed in the Green Book, served as a sanctuary for African Americans seeking comfortable quarters during times of segregation. Grace the halls that once hosted legends like Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington and B.B King. Tours are available by appointment on Fridays and Saturdays, offering a firsthand experience of the African American history encapsulated within these walls.
Hotel Metropolitan is a piece of living history in Paducah.
Experience the African American Heritage Tour
In addition to visiting the Hotel Metropolitan, Betty recommends extending your exploration to the remaining 25 stops on the African American Heritage Tour. This self-guided driving tour allows visitors and locals alike to gain a comprehensive understanding of the people, places and events that played a significant role in the advancement of equality. Some of its stops include Burks Chapel A.M.E church, the MLK Jr. monument and the slave plots at Oak Grove cemetery. Each of the 26 stops on the tour displays yet another important piece of history that shaped Paducah into the city it is today. Tours can be planned using the interactive online map, and then taken on the road using the printable version.
Wall-to-Wall Floodwall Murals depict Paducah's history, including the annual Eighth of August Emancipation Celebration.
View Local Art Exhibitions
Continue your journey by immersing yourself in the captivating world of quilt and fiber art at The National Quilt Museum. With a large permanent collection and a schedule of rotating traveling exhibitions, the Museum seeks to highlight diverse artists in its over 30,000 square feet of gallery space. Recent exhibitions by African American artists include "Say Your Piece - Black Women: Mothers, Martyrs and Misunderstood," "Black Renaissance: Lola Jenkins & Precious Caroll" and "Sunshine Joe Mallard: Threading His Grandmother's Needles."
In 2024, Paducah took a meaningful step in preserving its rich cultural heritage by acquiring a collection of works by the late Helen LaFrance, a revered artist known for her poignant “memory paintings” that beautifully capture the essence of rural Black life in Western Kentucky. Led by the Paducah Historic Preservation Group (PHPG), this initiative ensures LaFrance’s vivid depictions of community gatherings, local landmarks and family life will inspire and educate future generations. Now housed at the Paducah School of Art & Design, these paintings offer a unique opportunity to connect with the stories and experiences of the Black community in a deeply personal way.
"Remedy" by Precious Caroll, courtesy of The National Quilt Museum
Visit Black Owned Businesses in Paducah
To conclude your itinerary, Betty suggests visiting the many vibrant Black-owned businesses in Paducah. Try Big Ed’s, a buffet serving Southern cuisine near Downtown Paducah. Betty highly recommends indulging in their award-winning ribs, but with a diverse menu featuring everything from fresh seafood to soulful classics, there's something for everyone to savor. For a mid-day pick-me-up, grab a macchiato or specialty sandwich from The House of Ross Coffee Bar. Owned by George E. Ross Jr., this cozy spot is intended to connect Southern charm to cultural responsiveness, described as a “utopic spot where history lives.” And of course, no visit to Paducah is complete without exploring its unique, locally owned boutiques and shops. Self-E Beautique and Creative Fitz are women’s clothing stores packed with trendy and stylish statement pieces, while Paducah’s Black-owned barbershops offer a refreshing experience for men.
Enjoy fine coffees and other treats at The House of Ross Coffee Bar
For more information about Betty and her work at Hotel Metropolitan, read Betty Dobson and Ms. Maggie's Memories on the Paducah.travel Blog. In Betty's words:
"Being a woman of color, I wanted to know more about the contributions of local African Americans to the world. So for the past twenty years, I have researched Paducah's African-American history – which is amazing – and shared it with visitors through the Hotel Metropolitan."
