Kentucky Historical Society

06/15/2026

We're honored to share that the Kentucky Historical Society has received a 2026 Award of Excellence from the American Association for State and Local History for Our Stories Our Service: Kentucky's Women Veterans.

The exhibit, on view from June 2023 to November 2025, highlighted the courage, leadership, and service of Kentucky women veterans while exploring the evolving role of women in the U.S. Armed Forces.

This national recognition reflects the power of their stories and the importance of preserving and sharing Kentucky's history. Thank you to the veterans who shared their experiences and to everyone who helped bring this exhibit to life.

Read more here:
https://ow.ly/AbbH50ZaB06

06/15/2026

98 years ago, Rosemary Clooney was born in Maysville, Kentucky. Clooney scored her first major hit in 1951 with “Come On-a My House.” In 1954, she released her best-known song, “Mambo Italiano.”

Clooney’s reputation as a singer blossomed alongside her movie career. She appeared in her first film, The Stars Are Singing, in 1953. The following year, she starred in White Christmas alongside Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye.

Following her death in 2002, more than seven hundred people attended her funeral at St. Patrick’s Church in Maysville, where she had been baptized more than fifty years earlier.

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06/13/2026

On June 3, 1925, a large gathering of the relatives and descendants of Daniel Boone met in Frankfort for a family reunion. That year, KHS moved its Boone Day Celebration to June 13, so as not to conflict with the family memorial gathering.

William Boone Douglass and Alvira Luckett Douglass are pictured third and fourth from the left. Hazel Atterbury Spraker is third from the right. Boone family members are identified in the photo wearing ribbons and others are wearing ribbons that say Missouri.

The Boone Family Association was founded June 30, 1924, under the first President, and organizer, William Boone Douglass. Mrs. Hazel Atterbury Spraker, the author of The Boone Family, was the historian, registrar, and secretary of the organization. The BFA continued in existence until sometime in the late-1930s holding special reunions, conventions, and trips.

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06/12/2026

Join us on Juneteenth, next Friday, for a day of reflection, discovery, and remembrance at the Kentucky Historical Society.

Explore the innovations of inventor Garrett Morgan, learn about the heroism of United States Colored Troops who fought in the Civil War, and reflect on the resilience of generations of Black Kentuckians whose stories continue to shape our Commonwealth.

This event includes hands-on activities, special tours, and opportunities to engage with Kentucky history in meaningful ways.

📅 June 19
🕚 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
📍 Kentucky Historical Society, 100 W. Broadway, Frankfort
🎟️ Free with Admission

Learn more:
https://history.ky.gov/events/juneteenth-at-khs

06/11/2026

The Keeneland Library in Lexington has received the Thomas D. Clark Award of Excellence from the Kentucky Historical Society, the organization's highest honor.

06/10/2026

Their work preserves stories, strengthens communities, and keeps Kentucky history alive.

Last weekend, the Kentucky Historical Society recognized five outstanding recipients during the 2026 Kentucky History Awards Service Awards ceremony. From military history and genealogy to education, preservation, and community engagement, these honorees have made lasting contributions to the Commonwealth.

Watch their stories and celebrate their achievements:

Service Awards recognize individuals or organizations that have made outstanding contributions to Kentucky history through long-term commitment, volunteer wo...

06/09/2026

Calling all KY Artists & Writers: Submit to the New Kentucky Home Arts and Writing Contest! 🎨📝 To celebrate Kentucky History Month, Kentuckians of all ages are invited to submit artwork, photos, videos, poetry and short essays via social media by June 18.
Governor Andy Beshear and First Lady Britainy Beshear provided three inspirational prompts:
❤️ What do you love most about your New Kentucky Home?
💡 What moment or person in Kentucky’s history inspires you?
💭 What is your dream for Kentucky?

Kentuckians can post photos or videos of your work on Facebook, Instagram or YouTube (or multiple platforms).

To join the contest:
📸 Post your work (or a photo of your work);
🏷 Tag the Governor (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube) and First Lady (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube) in your post;
➡ Include the hashtags and in your post;
🎒If you are a student, also include a hashtag with your age group: , , , or .
⏰Contest entries must be posted by midnight local time on June 18, 2026.
🏆Winners in each age group will be announced throughout the month of July.
Each winner will receive a complimentary two-night stay at Kentucky State Parks and a complimentary one-year membership to the Kentucky Historical Society.

06/09/2026

The Liberty Tree Project has planted Tulip Poplars all across the state. The project is a collaboration between the Kentucky Historical Society's America 250KY commemoration, the Kentucky State Society, NSDAR, and the Kentucky Division of Forestry. These trees honor our shared history while creating a living legacy for future generations. Roots in the past, and growth for the future.

Watch KET’s feature on this statewide effort.
https://www.pbs.org/video/liberty-tree-project-celebrates-americas-roots-zh8wtj/

Project is planting trees in all 120 Kentucky counties in honor of America's 250th birthday.

06/08/2026

84 years ago, Muhammad Ali was born in Louisville, Kentucky. Known simply as “The Greatest,” Ali won six Golden Gloves tournaments in Kentucky, became a gold medalist at the 1960 Olympics, and held the title of world heavyweight champion three separate times.

Later in life, Ali entered other arenas, donating millions to youth education in the U.S. and fighting hunger. His political work included joining President Jimmy Carter on a diplomatic mission to Africa and supporting Ronald Reagan’s 1984 re-election campaign.

Ali donated his polyester satin boxing robe to the Kentucky Historical Society during a visit to the Old State Capitol Annex in 1990. He passed away in 2016 and is buried in Louisville.

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06/07/2026

Railbird weekend is here! 🎸 What began as a small gathering has grown into a Kentucky tradition, blending music, bourbon, and equine heritage.

Featured here: a tote from the very first Railbird Festival, held August 10-11, 2019 at Keeneland in Lexington. “Blink & You’ll Miss It”—a reminder of how quickly history is made. Explore this piece of festival history in our collection: https://kyhistory.pastperfectonline.com/webobject/A2B970AE-9C90-4C16-9BD5-988969655446