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Kentucky Historical Society

Teachers who want to incorporate art into social studies and history will find an array of excellent resources through the Kentucky Historical Society. The society was founded in 1836 to collect and preserve the artifacts, papers, and other documentation of Kentucky’s history. In the 21st century, the society’s mission has grown broader: to engage all people in the discovery and interpretation of Kentucky’s past. Three museums, research libraries, special tours and workshops, and educator materials are some of the society’s many resources that will be useful to teachers.

Museums

• The Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History is located at 100 West Broadway in Frankfort. The museum houses a permanent exhibit, A Kentucky Journey, as well as changing exhibits on a variety of topics relating to Kentucky people, events, and culture.
  
• The Old State Capitol is located at 300 West Broadway in Frankfort. Unique architectural features include a famous self-supporting stone stairway within the Old State Capitol, re-created to bring to life the building as it was in the 1850s—complete with fine paintings, sculpture, prints, and furniture.
  
• The Kentucky Military History Museum is located in the Old State Arsenal at 128 East Main Street in Frankfort. This museum emphasizes the service of the Kentucky Militia, State Guard, and other volunteer military organizations, from the Revolution through the Gulf War. Displays include firearms, edged weapons, artillery, uniforms, flags, photographs, personal items, and other equipment that illustrates the Commonwealth’s martial heritage.

Education and Outreach

• Kentucky Historical Society school programs are based on the belief that learning about the past can be engaging and meaningful and fun. The education staff offers student programs that promote an understanding and appreciation of the state’s diverse heritage. Teacher services help educators find and use heritage resources at all grade levels. The Society has been working with young historians since 1962, when the Kentucky Junior Historical Society was founded. Students across the state can participate in this network of history clubs or create projects for annual regional and state National History Day competitions. Groups that can travel to Frankfort can take advantage of school tours at the society’s three museums or experience the biennial Kentucky Folklife Festival.
  
• The Kentucky Historical Society believes that good teaching is the key to heritage education. The education staff offers professional development programs that combine content, teaching methods, and resources. Heritage Education Grants provide funds for field trips to local sites, projects, and collaborations with community heritage groups. The society also makes available numerous publications for teachers featuring primary sources, classroom activity plans, and other resources on topics from the frontier to World War II. Many include photographs and other visual arts images.

For more information about the KHS, contact:

Kentucky Historical Society
100 W. Broadway
Frankfort, KY 40601
(502) 564-1792
(877) 444-7867
KHS@ky.gov
history.ky.gov

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