Kentucky Historical Society

The Kentucky Historical Society (KHS), originally established in 1836 as a private organization, is an agency of the Kentucky state government that "collects, preserves, conserves, interprets and shares information, memories and materials from Kentucky's past to assist those interested in exploring and preserving that heritage".[1] The KHS history campus, located in downtown Frankfort, Kentucky, includes the Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History, the Old State Capitol and the Kentucky Military History Museum at the State Arsenal.

Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History

Lobby of the Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History

The Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History is the headquarters of KHS. A multimillion dollar museum and research facility, the center features permanent and temporary exhibitions, a research library and a gift shop.

The center contains an exhibition called "A Kentucky Journey" that covers the period from prehistoric times to the present. At the Martin F. Schmidt Research Library, which is a genealogical research library, researchers can trace genealogy and consult with professional staff. The center also contains the Keeneland Changing Exhibits Gallery for various temporary exhibitions – some examples of which include "Beyond the Log Cabin: Kentucky's Abraham Lincoln" and "Made to be Played: Traditional Art of Kentucky Luthiers." The gift shop is called the Steward Home School 1792 Store.

Old State Capitol

A National Historic Landmark, the Old State Capitol served as Kentucky's capitol from 1830 to 1910. Exhibits at the building feature the politics and daily life of the 19th-century. In the galleries of the Old State Capitol, exhibits show the evolution of decorative styles in an exhibition entitled "Great Revivals: Kentucky Decorative Arts Treasures".

Kentucky Military History Museum

Built in 1850, the State Arsenal contains the Kentucky Military History Museum, which illustrates military history using personal stories and artifacts. A fortress-like building that overlooks downtown Frankfort, the State Arsenal was recently renovated. The museum is a member of the Army Museum System.[2]

Other activities

Members of the public can purchase KHS memberships, which offer benefits such as free admission to the KHS history campus, KHS publications and reduced admission to KHS events and programs.

Kentucky students, in kindergarten through high school, have the opportunity to participate in the Kentucky Junior Historical Society (KJHS), administered by KHS. Members of KJHS have the opportunity "to participate in activities, academic competitions and service projects throughout the school year and summer."[3]

KHS has a variety of facilities available for rent, including the Commonwealth Hall, some conference rooms and the Cralle-Day Garden.

References

  1. ↑ About Us, Kentucky Historical Society official web site.
  2. ↑ Directory of Active Army and National Guard Museums, U.S. Army Center of Military History
  3. ↑ "Kentucky Junior Historical Society," Kentucky Teacher, September 8, 2011.

External links