Founded in 1836, The Kentucky Historical Society serves to collect and preserve the artifacts, papers and other documentation of Kentucky's history. Its history campus is located in Frankfort, Ky. and includes the Society's headquarters, the Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History, and the Old State Capitol and Kentucky Military History Museum. The Kentucky Historical Society offers educational programs, genealogical research and a wide variety of special events. KHS constantly strives to let all Kentuckians and visitors to Kentucky know about our state's rich, vital and engaging history.
Artifact collections include textiles, machinery, automobiles, firearms, edged weapons, artillery, military uniforms, flags, paintings, maps, original documents, photographs, rare books and much, much more.
The Society's Martin F. Schmidt Research Library provides access to rare manuscripts, maps, oral history tapes, photographs, and books for genealogists, scholars and the general public. For over 100 years, the Society has been collecting a treasure trove of research materials which help shed light on the lives of Kentuckians in earlier times.
The Kentucky Historical Society packages the state's history in programs of all shapes and sizes-from tours and lectures to hands-on workshops for both teachers and students. Programs in Frankfort and across the state provide opportunities for adults, families and children to participate actively in learning about Kentucky's history. For details about educational programming, see www.history.ky.gov.
Access: General Public, Students, Scholars, Members
Appointment required: False
Please see www.history.ky.gov for complete hours and admission information.