Shelbyville, Kentucky · Est. 1959
The Colonel Sanders Collection & Historic Property Auction
Presented by The Menish Group Auction & Real Estate
Live & Online Memorabilia Auction | July 28, 2026 | 6:00 PM EDT
Featured Auction Items
For the first time, the personal collection preserved by the Settle family, along with the historic Claudia Sanders Dinner House and Blackwood Hall, will be offered to the public.
Colonel's Day Planner
Pressure Cooker
Original Kentucky Colonel Certificate
Historic Restaurant & Estate
A legacy measured in decades, seats, and square feet
August 1, 1974
Commercial Acres with
the restaurant and estate
25,000± SF
1
Extraordinary Opportunity
Memorabilia Auction Begins In
The live and online memorabilia auction opens on July 28. Register today to participate and secure bidding access.
A Legacy Rooted in Kentucky Soil
Preserved, protected, and passed down through a direct chain of stewardship spanning more than five decades.
Some stories are too important to be forgotten.
For more than fifty years, the Settle family has served as steward of one of Kentucky’s most remarkable collections of historical artifacts and one of the Kentucky Commonwealth’s most recognizable hospitality landmarks.
On August 1, 1974, Tommy and Cherry Settle purchased Blackwood Hall and the Claudia Sanders Dinner House directly from Colonel Harland Sanders and Claudia Sanders. Along with the property came a collection of personal belongings, business records, furnishings, photographs, documents, and artifacts accumulated throughout the Sanders’ lives and careers.
Unlike many collections assembled through dealers, auctions, and secondary markets, these items remained together. Preserved. Protected. Passed down through a direct chain of stewardship spanning more than five decades.
The collection tells the story of a man whose influence extended far beyond the restaurant industry.
Colonel Harland Sanders helped pioneer modern franchising, built one of the most recognizable brands in the world, and became an ambassador for Kentucky on a global stage. Less widely known is the story of Claudia Sanders, whose partnership, hospitality, and support helped shape the final and most successful chapter of the Colonel’s life.
Their legacy lives on at Blackwood Hall and the Claudia Sanders Dinner House.
Located on more than three acres in Shelbyville, Kentucky, the property includes the historic residence known as Blackwood Hall, the longtime home of Colonel and Claudia Sanders, as well as the Claudia Sanders Dinner House, a landmark restaurant and event destination that continues to welcome thousands of guests each year.
Today, visitors have a rare opportunity to participate in the next chapter of that story.
For the first time, the collection preserved by the Settle family, together with the historic real estate, operating restaurant business, furniture, fixtures and equipment, intellectual property, trademarks, and associated assets, will be offered through public auction and sealed bid sale.
This is more than an auction.
It is the transfer of a legacy.
What's Included in the Historic Property Offering
The sealed bid offering extends beyond historic real estate. It represents the opportunity to acquire a fully operating hospitality business together with valuable tangible and intangible assets.
Historic Real Estate
The Claudia Sanders Dinner House, Blackwood Hall, and approximately 3.03 acres, comprising one of Kentucky’s most significant hospitality landmarks.
Operating Business
FF&E
Commercial kitchen equipment, dining furnishings, event infrastructure, and the operational assets necessary to continue the business.
Intellectual Property
Transferable intellectual property and related intangible assets supporting the continued operation and future growth of the business.
Trademark Rights
Transferable rights associated with the federally registered CLAUDIA SANDERS® trademark (Serial No. 97305234), together with related branding assets included in the offering.
Goodwill & Business Assets
Established goodwill, operating systems, customer recognition, and business assets supporting the continued operation and future growth of the business.
Explore The Opportunity
Discover a rare historic opportunity to own iconic property, valuable assets, and preserved legacy through an exclusive public auction.
Memorabilia Auction
Rare artifacts, personal effects, historical documents, and memorabilia connected to Colonel and Claudia Sanders.
Historic Property Offering
Historic real estate, restaurant business, Blackwood Hall, FF&E, intellectual property, trademarks, and associated assets.
Become Part of the Next Chapter
Become Part of the Next Chapter
Whether you are a collector, investor, historian, entrepreneur, preservationist, or admirer of Kentucky history, we invite you to explore this once-in-a-generation opportunity.