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University of Kentucky Walking Tour
Item 7 of 9
This is a contributing entry for University of Kentucky Walking Tour and only appears as part of that tour.Learn More.
This historical marker informs passersby of the founding of the University of Kentucky’s student newspaper, the Kentucky Kernel. The Kentucky Kernel published its first edition in 1915 and has since become an independent paper with a focus on UK events and Lexington-area news. The historical marker was placed in front of the Grehan Building in 2005.

1937 Issue of the Kentucky Kernel

1937 Issue of the Kentucky Kernel

Grehan Building, 1951

Grehan Building, 1951

Kentucky Kernel marker

Kentucky Kernel marker

Though the Kentucky Kernel was founded in 1908, it would not produce its first publication until 1915. The Kentucky Kernel is not the first student-run paper at the University of Kentucky (UK), but it is the longest running. What began as a brief student paper focused on UK topics, has grown into an independent publication covering local news. The paper became independent in 1972. Today, it continues to publish physical copies in addition to the digital content available on their website. Print editions are published weekly during the regular semester and are free to members of the campus community.  

The historical marker honoring the paper was placed in front of the Grehan building in 2005. The building has been the home of the paper since it was completed in 1951 and became the home of the Communications Department. Today it is also known as the Grehan Journalism Building.  

About Us, Kentucky Kernel. Accessed September 13th 2020. http://www.kykernel.com/site/about.html.

Riddle, Becky. Kentucky Kernel, Explore Kentucky History. Accessed September 13th 2020. https://explorekyhistory.ky.gov/items/show/151?tour=8&index=7.

Image Sources(Click to expand)

https://explorekyhistory.ky.gov/items/show/151?tour=8&index=7

https://explorekyhistory.ky.gov/items/show/151?tour=8&index=7

https://www.youvisit.com/tour/photos/uky/80687?id=1014301