HARLAN, Ky. (WYMT) – A piece of “Cawood’s Court” from Rupp Arena has been added to the Cawood Ledford exhibit at the Historic Harlan Museum, honoring the late Kentucky Wildcats broadcaster and Harlan County native.
Family members said they are grateful for the memorabilia to be included in the museum’s newest collection.
“It means the world because Cawood is an absolute icon in this area and in the state of Kentucky,” said Mike Cawood, Ledford’s cousin. “To be able to bring this back home, like I said, it would be nice to be in my house, but that’s not where it deserves to be.”
Museum leadership moves quickly on donation
Museum staff said the decision to accept the court piece was immediate after an email arrived from Mike Cawood about the donation
“Me and Brandon talked about how we were going to do it, how we were going to put it in the museum, and we went and told our board and everyone was just so excited,” said Bronwyn Haynes, director of the Historic Harlan Museum. “We knew we had to have it here.”
Brandon Pennington, executive director of Harlan Tourism, said the addition connects visitors to a piece of history.
“I know there are people that have seen the dedication of Cawood’s Court, and to be able to see that piece on display, it’s like reliving some nostalgia, reliving some history,” Pennington said.
Harlan County claims Ledford as its own
Harlan County is home to more than 20,000 residents. Harlan Mayor Joe Meadors said Ledford consistently acknowledged his roots.
“It makes me feel good that he always recognized Harlan County as his home,” Meadors said. “Any chance he had to toot that trumpet, he would do it.”
Annie Fox, chair of Harlan Tourism and a friend of the Ledford family, said the broadcaster’s impact endures.
“There are some things that are timeless,” Fox said. “And I would like to think that Cawood Ledford, and his legacy and his voice of the Kentucky Wildcats is timeless.”
The court will soon be on display at the Historic Harlan Museum. The exhibit is open for visitors Tuesday through Saturday, and more information can be found here.
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