Frequently Asked Questions

Heritage Walk of Fame Frequently Asked Questions 

Q: What is the purpose of the Heritage Walk of Fame? 
A: To memorialize permanently persons who have had a significant impact on Madison County’s heritage.

Q: Where is the Heritage Walk of Fame located? 
A: Unique bronze plaques shaped like Madison County with the name of a person are embedded in colored concrete on the sidewalk around the Madison County Courthouse in Richmond. Educational brochures (tour guides) are found in a weatherproof box on the courthouse lawn. The Madison County Fiscal Court is responsible for installing and maintaining the plaques.

Q: Who pays for the plaques?
A: The project is funded through a partnership between the Madison County Historical Society, governmental entities, and private sponsors.

Q: How can I make a nomination?
A: Complete a paper form and mail to Madison County Historical Society, Heritage Walk of Fame Committee, P. O. Box 397, Richmond, KY 40476 or submit a nomination form online. There is no fee to make a nomination.

Q: What is the selection criteria for a nomination?
A: The selection criteria is as follows: 

• Person must have been deceased at least five years; Mandatory
• Was born in, lived in at one time, or spent a portion of his/her life in Madison County and has created a positive impact within the county, state, or nation; Mandatory
• Regionally or nationally recognized in his/her field of work;
• Recipient of a major national award.

Q: How can I obtain a paper nomination form? 
A: A form is attached to the educational brochure (tour guide). Educational brochures are located on the Madison County Courthouse lawn; inside the courthouse.

Q: Who can do the nominating? 
A: Anyone.

Q: Can I make more than one nomination per year?
A: Yes, make as many as you want. Remember, however, each nomination must have a biographical/historical sketch of the person with appropriate documentation and an explanation of why you think a plaque is deserved. A photocopy of a photograph of the person is also suggested.

Q: What is the latest date to send in the nomination? 
A: April 1st of each year. However, if you fail to meet the deadline, your nomination will automatically be considered with future nominations.

Q: If the person I nominate is not selected, do I need to resubmit my nomination in future years? 
A: No. The Selection Committee will keep your nomination permanently.  Your nomination automatically will be reconsidered with future nominations, and you can submit updated information anytime. You will receive a letter acknowledging your nomination.

Q: How is the Selection Committee chosen? 
A: The committee is composed of six persons—one appointed by the city of Richmond, one by Berea, one by the Madison County Fiscal Court, two from the Madison County Historical Society, and an outside expert. Committee members serve three-year, staggered terms, with a maximum of three consecutive terms.

Q: Does the Selection Committee have an outside expert to assist in the selection process? 
A: Yes, an established Kentucky historian selected by the committee.

Q: What are the responsibilities of the Selection Committee? 
A: The committee is responsible for developing nomination criteria; reviewing all nominations (paying special attention to achieving a geographical, ethnic, and gender balance); selecting persons for plaques; researching, writing, and editing of information to be placed in the educational brochure and on plaques; arranging for the plaques to be made and installed; and assisting in the recognition ceremony. All decisions of the committee are final.

Q: When does the committee meet and when will plaque recipients be announced? 
A: Shortly after the April 1st nomination deadline. The public will be informed as soon as possible about the committee’s selection.

Q: Will there be a recognition ceremony for plaque recipients? When and where will the ceremony be held? 
A: Yes, a public ceremony will be held annually at the Madison County Courthouse around August 22nd, the date Madison County was established. A ceremony for the initial class of inductees was held in 2009. Thereafter, three to five inductees will be selected annually.

Q: How can I become a plaque sponsor?
A: Join our Sponsorship Honor Roll.  Please click here.