By Kelly Berger

Bess Abell, Tyler Abell and Bobby Baker, who all had close ties with former President Lyndon B. Johnson, will tell of their encounters with him and changes they have seen in Washington from the 1950s and ‘60s until now.

The event, titled “LBJ and Kentucky: An Inside Account,” is the 26th edition of the Edward F. Prichard lecture.

Bess Abell is a 1954 UK graduate and the daughter of former Kentucky Governor Earle C. Clements and was the social secretary to Lady Bird Johnson, according to an event news release.

Tyler Abell, son of an earlier White House chief of protocol, served as chief of protocol himself under Johnson. Baker was secretary to the majority leader and was Johnson’s chief legislative aide, according to the news release.

UK history professor Tracy Campbell will moderate the event.

Campbell said the event is not a lecture, but more just three people talking. He said there will be a question-and-answer portion where students are invited to address the speakers.

Terry Birdwhistell, associate dean for special collections and digital programs for UK Libraries, said it is important to encourage the attention on Washington and hear firsthand stories from the speakers.

“It’d be perfect for anyone interested in government or politics,” Birdwhistell said.

Campbell said this event is a one-of-a-kind opportunity for students. Students will learn “how politics really are from the people who worked on the inside of the White House during a crucial time in history,” he said.

“They will give their views on how the decisions in Washington directly affected Kentucky as well,” Campbell said.

The panel discussion will begin at 3 p.m. in the W. T. Young Library Auditorium and is free and open to the public.