The Disco Ball

Get Your Groove On for History:

Oldham County History Center Announces

The Disco Ball — 2026 Annual Fundraising Gala

Honoring Bob and Genie Fortunato as the 2026 J.C. Barnett Champions of Oldham County History

LA GRANGE, KY — The Oldham County History Center is thrilled to invite the community to its most exciting evening of the year: The Disco Ball, the 2026 Annual Fundraising Gala. The event will be held on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, beginning at 6:00 PM at Barn8 at Hermitage Farm in Goshen, Kentucky. Dust off your platform shoes and put on your best bell-bottoms; this year’s gala promises to be full of funky, fun fundraising.

Celebrating the 2026 Champions of Oldham County History

This year’s gala will honor two extraordinary community members, Bob and Genie Fortunato, with the prestigious J.C. Barnett Champions of Oldham County History Award. The award recognizes individuals whose dedication and service have made a lasting impact on the History Center and the community it serves.

Genie Fortunato has been an integral part of the History Center’s archaeology program since its founding in 2005. With patience and expertise, she has guided countless students — teaching them to dig with a trowel, set transects, and record artifacts. She has also brought history to life through hands-on pioneer cooking demonstrations in the Williamsburg kitchen at the Dahlgren Barn, introducing children to the flavors and traditions of early Kentucky life.

Bob Fortunato, drawing on his experience as a tour guide at the Louisville Slugger Museum, has transformed himself into a rotating cast of historical characters for the History Center, including a Confederate soldier, WWII soldier, frontiersman, colonial settler, riverboat captain, and even Dr. Rob Morris, Kentucky’s legendary Freemason. He can also be found at the Saturday Farmers’ Market, cheerfully representing the organization, sharing artifacts, and sparking curiosity about local history.

Together, Bob and Genie embody a shared commitment to the stewardship of history, education, art, nature, and the well-being of their neighbors. They have rescued animals, championed human rights, supported conservation, and mentored young people. Through it all, they have faced every challenge with warmth and humor.

The Disco Ball: Event Highlights

Louisville, Kentucky, among its many claims-to-fame, is also known as “Glitter Ball City.” Since the early 1900s, Louisville has been home to 90% of the world’s disco ball production. In honor of our region’s sparkling history, we invite you to join us for a night of disco – and fundraising – fever!

Guests are invited to arrive in full disco-era fashion. And there’s extra incentive: a prize for the best-dressed attendee of the night! The evening’s festivities will include:

• A lively cocktail hour to kick off the evening in style

• Silent and live auctions featuring unique items and experiences

• A delicious plated dinner by Barn8

• Far-out games and a Bourbon Pull

• DJ and dancing in Boogie Wonderland

• The evening closes with s’mores on the patio around the firepit

All proceeds from the gala benefit the Oldham County History Center and its ongoing programs in education, archaeology, preservation, and community outreach.

Sponsorship packages and individual tickets will be on sale beginning June 1st. To make sure your name or organization is on the invite list, call or email the Oldham County History Center at 502-222-0826 or office@oldhamkyhistory.com.