The Kentucky Historical Society (KHS), established in 1836, is committed to helping people understand, cherish and share Kentucky's history. The KHS history campus, located in historic downtown Frankfort, Kentucky, includes the Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History, the Old State Capitol and the Kentucky Military History Museum at the Old State Arsenal.
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The Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History is the headquarters of KHS. A multimillion dollar museum and research facility, the Center features both permanent and temporary exhibitions, a research library and a gift shop.
Guests can explore "A Kentucky Journey," the Center's signature exhibition, and put themselves in the shoes of Kentuckians who lived through both struggles and triumphs, from the Civil War to the Civil Rights movement. At the Martin F. Schmidt Research Library, the commonwealth's premier genealogical research library, researchers can trace their family roots and benefit from the expertise of professional staff. In the Keeneland Changing Exhibits Gallery, guests can view temporary exhibitions on a wide variety of topics throughout the year. Recent examples include "Beyond the Log Cabin: Kentucky's Abraham Lincoln" and "Made to be Played: Traditional Art of Kentucky Luthiers." The Steward Home School 1792 Store is the perfect place for guests to purchase a Kentucky keepsake.
A National Historic Landmark, the Old State Capitol served as Kentucky's capitol from 1830 to 1910. Visitors are invited to delve into the politics and everyday life of the tumultuous 19th-century while touring this stately building. In the galleries of the Old State Capitol, guests will witness the evolution of decorative styles in "Great Revivals: Kentucky Decorative Arts Treasures," an exhibition showcasing never-before-seen artifacts from KHS collections.
Built in 1850, the State Arsenal is now home to the Kentucky Military History Museum, which explores Kentucky's rich military tradition through personal stories and artifacts. A fortress-like building that overlooks downtown Frankfort, the State Arsenal is currently undergoing renovations to return the building to its 19th-century appearance, and will reopen to the public at 2 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 11, 2011.
KHS members are entitled to special benefits, like free admission to the KHS history campus, KHS publications and reduced admission to KHS events and programs.
KHS has a variety of eye-catching facilities for rent, including majestic Commonwealth Hall, spacious conference rooms and the beautiful Cralle-Day Garden.