Marion Co. KY Historical Society

06/12/2026

Today we welcomed some first time visitors to the Marion County Historical Society for a round of Museum Bingo! Museum Bingo encourages visitors to explore our exhibits while searching for items on their bingo card. As they check off each item, they discover a little more about the people, places, and stories that make Marion County unique.

Museum Bingo is always available during regular museum hours, and it isn’t just for kids. Visitors of all ages can participate anytime they stop by.

Looking for something to do with the kids this summer? Join us for our next scheduled youth program on June 25. We’ll debut a special Civil War storybook created exclusively by the MC Historical Society. Based on the true history of Lebanon and beautifully illustrated, it’s a unique way to bring local history to life for young readers.

📸 Photo courtesy of Lebanon Tourist & Convention Commission. Thank you to LTCC for capturing and sharing this moment!

06/04/2026

While the kids are out of school this summer, we’re open with hands-on programs that make history come alive.

These aren’t just general history programs. Each activity is built around our own local history and stories from right here in our community. Designed for kids, these programs are also enjoyable for the adults bringing them. (And you will learn a thing to two while exploring the photos and exhibits throughout our space!)

If you’re looking for something engaging, educational, and close to home this summer, stop in and join us for one of these programs.

05/24/2026

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Here’s an opportunity for these vintage and historic items to find new homes with people who will appreciate and treasure them, while the funds raised will directly support the Historical Society’s continued operations, preservation efforts, and community programming.

If you love vintage finds, local history, and one-of-a-kind pieces, we invite you to take a look at the auction.

https://connect.invaluable.com/aether/auction-lot/vintage-style-outdoor-lamp-post-with-decorative-b_3ed0f51ca4

05/23/2026

As many of you know, the Historical Society moved out of the old courthouse last fall and reopened this year in our new home on Proctor Knott Avenue. While we’re excited about this new chapter, downsizing meant we simply could not bring everything with us.

Over the years, we’ve collected a wide variety of items. Going forward, part of being good stewards is making thoughtful decisions about what we can properly house, preserve, and interpret within our current space and mission. Some pieces that could not come with us are now being offered through an online auction.

This is an opportunity for these vintage and historic items to find new homes with people who will appreciate and treasure them, while the funds raised will directly support the Historical Society’s continued operations, preservation efforts, and community programming.

If you love vintage finds, local history, and one-of-a-kind pieces, we invite you to take a look at the auction.

05/21/2026

🎨 We’re excited to share that selections from our Wallace Kelly art collection are on display at Kentucky Classic ARTS at Centre Square.

Wallace Kelly was a multitalented artist whose work was deeply rooted in Lebanon and Marion County. Many also know him as the author of Days Are as Grass, a novel based on Lebanon and the Hood family.

We find Kentucky Classic Arts to be a fitting home for this collection, not only because it is our local art center, but because of the property’s connection to Wallace’s story. To fully understand how it all ties together, you’ll want to read the book, available through our local library, or visit our Wallace Kelly exhibit at the historical society, where you can learn more about his life, work, and the people and places that inspired him.

The next time you’re at The Blackbox Club, don’t miss the chance to view the Wallace Kelly collection.

05/14/2026

Support the Marion County Historical Society every time you shop at Kroger!

It only takes a minute to enroll, and the purchases you’re already making can help support our mission—at no extra cost to you! Kroger donates a percentage of your eligible purchases to us.

To enroll in the Kroger app:

1. Open the Kroger app.
2. Tap the person icon in the upper corner.
3. Select Payments & Resources.
4. Tap Community Rewards.
5. Search for Marion County Historical Society or enter YW709 (the fastest way).
6. Tap the blue Enroll button.

To enroll on a computer:

1. Sign in to your Kroger account
2. Click the person icon in the upper corner.
3. Select My Account.
4. Click Community Rewards.
5. Search for Marion County Historical Society or enter YW709.
6. Click Enroll.

That’s it! Your everyday grocery shopping will help support local history, exhibits, and educational programs. Message us if you need help signing up!

05/07/2026

New to Marion County? We’re helping connect industry, employees, and community through local history.

Our Community Connections program introduces relocating and international employees to the people, places, and stories that shaped Marion County.

Because feeling connected starts with understanding where you are.

Available in English or Japanese.

Interested in bringing this program to your workforce? Contact the Marion County Historical Society to learn more.

05/05/2026

Our newest issue of Marion Memoirs, “From Our Younger Days” is now live.

This issue looks back at growing up in Marion County: summer memories, neighborhood life, and local hangouts.

Read it here: https://www.marionheritage.org/marionmemoirs

If we want to continue publishing Marion Memoirs three times a year, we need community submissions. If you have stories, photos, or memories to share, please reach out. We’d love to hear from you.

Welcome to Marion Memoirs, our new online journal celebrating the rich history and vibrant stories of Lebanon and Marion County. Published a few times a year, each issue will spotlight a specific theme, weaving together submissions from the community that highlight cherished memories, family tales,....

05/01/2026

We wish you a Happy May Day with our snapshot! This is a 1968 view of the May Day Procession and Crowning at St. Augustine Church in Lebanon, KY.

St. Augustine is one of many churches founded by Father Charles Nerinckx; in 1815 he began the process of erecting the church on four acres which Benedict Spalding had set aside for a Catholic church; Father David A. DeParcq took over in 1820 and completed the church. Father DeParcq also established the first parish school there, in 1833, which was served by the Sisters of Loretto.

[Photo from our online database, dated 1968; the people in the image are unnamed]

To see more views of St. Augustine Church, visit our photograph collection online: https://lorettocommunity.canto.com/v/Archives/landing

05/01/2026

We get orders for Turtleman shirts and autographed photos from all over the United States, but every now and then something comes along that just makes us stop and smile a little longer.

With permission from the family, we wanted to share some photos we received of a fan’s own “mini Turtleman” out in the wild.🐢

We think Roper is absolutely precious, and we’re so glad they reached out and let us share. It’s always fun seeing just how far Turtleman’s fans reach.

We thought y’all might enjoy these as much as we did. 💚

Shop Turtleman merch online or stop by in person: https://marion-county-historical-society-103823.square.site/s/shop