Kentucky Historical Society

Our Mission
The Kentucky Historical Society engages people in the exploration of the commonwealth’s diverse heritage. Through comprehensive and innovative services, interpretive programs, and stewardship, we provide connections to the past, perspective on the present, and inspiration for the future.

Our Vision
The Kentucky Historical Society will be the recognized leader in helping people understand, cherish and share Kentucky's stories.

Our Work
The Society collects, preserves, conserves, interprets and shares information, memories and materials from Kentucky’s past to assist those interested in exploring and preserving that heritage. This mission is served through:

-Museum collections, housing over 120,000 artifacts

-Oral History collection, containing 8,000 oral history interviews

-Libraries and Special Collections housing over 67,000 volumes, 9,100 rare books, 200,000 historic photographs, 1,900 cubic feet of manuscripts, and 2,000 maps.

The Center’s Stewart Home School 1792 Store offers Kentucky books and crafts, as well as unique items inspired by the Society’s collections and exhibits. The Brown-Forman Kentucky Room provides a rental venue to groups and individuals.