Interview with Mary Caperton Bingham,

Interview Summary

This interview was conducted in Mary Bingham's Louisville office in the early 1990’s. The focus was on the Louisville Falls Fountain which had been paid for initially by the Binghams. She also shared thoughts about Louisville as a community.

A distinguished, articulate woman, Mary Bingham was a major presence on the Louisville scene for more than 60 years. With her husband, Courier-Journal publisher and media magnet Barry Bingham, Sr., The Bingham's were known for their philanthropic efforts and great hosts especially during the Kentucky Derby time when their invitations were among the most coveted.

The Binghams were generous supporters of the arts, educational, and social programs. Mrs. Bingham was a civic leader, environmentalist, and driving force behind the efforts to send book mobiles to rural Kentucky. After her husband died in 1988, Mrs. Bingham took over as the head of the family foundation, the Mary and Barry Bingham Sr. Fund, which gave $59 million to a wide variety of institutions.

Interview Keyword

Career Philanthropy Louisville Falls Fountain Mary and Barry Bingham Sr. Fund Leadership Civics

Interview LC Subject

Louisville, (Ky.) Bingham, Barry, 1906-1988--Family. Bingham, Barry, Mrs., 1904-1995 Bingham, Barry, 1906-1988 Courier-journal (Louisville, Ky.)

Interview Rights

All rights to the interviews, including but not restricted to legal title, copyrights and literary property rights, have been transferred to the University of Kentucky Libraries.

Interview Usage

Interviews may only be reproduced with permission from Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, University of Kentucky Libraries.