Russ Hatter

Russ Hatter retired in 2021 following 20 years of service as City Historian at Frankfort’s Capital City Museum. Prior to that, he spent 37 years as the morning announcer on Frankfort’s WFKY/WKYW radio stations. Since arriving in Frankfort in 1965, he has appeared in or directed numerous Pegasus Players, Frankfort High School, and Bluegrass Theatre productions, acted in three local movies, and can still be seen occasionally on Frankfort Plant Board’s Cable 10 with his popular walking tours. He has written and researched numerous books on Frankfort’s incredible history available through Frankfort Heritage Press. Hatter resides with his wife Karen and their little dog MacKaye in South Frankfort.

Cover of Historic Frankfort Yesterday and Today

Historic Frankfort: Yesterday & Today

When walking or driving through sections of Frankfort, how many times have you found yourself asking, "I wonder what used to be here before this was?", or "What did that look like years ago?" Frankfort Heritage Press sold out of the original Frankfort coffee table book Historic Frankfort Yesterday & Today and now brings back the popular book in a reprint of the original by Nicky Hughes, Russ Hatter, and Gene Burch. This book is formatted as a visual trip down some of the most used byways of North and South Frankfort. Herein is a revelation of memories for those who have counted Frankfort as their home for many years. For others, the town's uniqueness and quaint architecture demonstrates memorable experiences around every corner.