Kentucky History Museums

Allen County Historical Society and Historical Museum

Focused on the history of Allen County, the museum features historical artifacts and items related to local history.  A genealogical research room is also located at the historical society located at 301 N. Fourth Street in Scottsville, KY.

The mounds were built by Native Americans ca 1100 to 1350.  First excavated by an amateur archaeologist, Colonel Fain W. King in 1932, he opened the site as a tourist attraction called "Ancient Buried City".  Today, the site offers a Visitor Center which introduces the visitor to the Wickliffe Mounds.  There are 3 excavated mounds, the Ceremonial mound and displays of Indian artifacts with information about Mississippian burial practices.  Located at 94 Green Street in Wickliffe, KY.

Historic Diamond Caverns   [History]  [Photos]

Discovered in 1859 and renowned for it's sparkling formations which gave the caverns their name, the caves are located next to the Mammoth Cave National Park.

Highlands Museum and Discovery Center

Visitors to the museum will discover the history and heritage of early pioneers to Ashland, Kentucky.  Located at 1620 Winchester Avenue in Ashland, KY.

The site was Kentucky's first seat of government and the location where the Kentucky constitution was formed, separating KY from VA to become it's own state.  The park has several historical buildings and homes, including Grayson's Tavern, Fisher's Row, the Watts - Bell House, and Alban Goldsmith House, while the courthouse, jail and meeting house are all replicas of the originals.  Location is at 134 South Second Street in Danville, KY.

The Great American Dollhouse Museum

This new museum will be opening in April 2008 .  It will be housed inside a 1939 historical WPA building.  The museum will offer extensive exhibitions of antique, vintage and artisan miniatures and dollhouses.  Features a timeline of US social history in miniature and a 1910 village in 1:12 scale.  For more information, call (859} 583-8000.  Located at 307 N. 6th Street in Danville, KY 40422

McDowell House, Apothecary & Gardens

[History]  [Tours]  [Descendants]

The 18th century house was home to Dr. Ephraim McDowell, the famed physician who performed the first successful abdominal surgery.  Located at 125 S. Second Street in Danville, KY.

Perryville Battlefield State Historic Site

[History of the Battle of Perryville]  [History of Perryville]  [Merchants Row]

Site of the most vicious Civil War battle in the state of Kentucky.  The park museum tells the story of the October 8th, 1862 battle which left over 6000 dead, wounded and missing.  There are many monuments from several states, which honor their dead on the Perryville Battlefield along with both Confederate and Union monuments.

Butler - Turpin Historic House

Historic home built in 1859, was home to Thomas Butler, aide-de-camp to General Andrew Jackson in the War of 1812.  Guides dressed in period clothing will take you on tour of the house and grounds which include the Butler Family Cemetery and an archaeology site of the Butler Log House.  Located at 1608 Highway 227 in Carrolton, KY.

Jefferson Davis State Historic Site

A 351 foot monument dedicated to the site of Jefferson Davis' birthplace.  The visitor's center offers exhibits related to the life of Jefferson Davis along with souvenirs and Civil War memorabilia.  Located at Highway 68 E in Fairview, Kentucky.

Ashland - Henry Clay Estate

[About Henry Clay]  [History of the Mansion]

Built in 1856 on the site of the original home of Henry Clay (statesman and politician), the Italianate style mansion was erected by his son, James Clay.  The original Ashland was a bluegrass farm of over 600 acres but today the home is situated on 17 lovely acres and contains a formal garden with outbuildings.  Location is 120 Sycamore Road in Lexington, KY.

Boone's Station  [Archaelogical Digs]

The location of a pioneer station established in 1779 by Daniel Boone near Athens, KY.  Some members of Daniel Boone's family are buried at the site.  There is not an established museum at this site.

Kentucky Life Museum / Waveland - A Living History House

Built in 1845 by Joseph Bryan, nephew to Daniel Boone.  The home is Greek Revival and considered to be one of the best examples of the architecture in the state of Kentucky.  Outbuildings located on the grounds include a blacksmith shop, carpenter's shop, log house, ice house, country store and more.  The museum is focused on the history of the Bryan family and life on the 19th century KY plantation.  225 Waveland Museum Lane, Lexington, KY.

Known as the decisive Civil War battle for Eastern Kentucky, the battle took place on January 10th, 1862.  Today, you will find an information station which includes historical depictions of the battlefield and there are two loop trails, one for each the Confederate and the Union forces.  The trails include interpretive signs.  Also visit Graveyard Point, the former site of Garfield Place, May House and the May House Grist Mill.  Located near Prestonburg, KY.

Samuel May House  [Photo Archives]

John May Ancestors and Descendants

[May House Archives]

This fine old house is being restored.  Once home to Samuel May, it is known as "The Oldest House in the Valley".  The goal is to make this old home a living history museum.  Located in Prestonburg, KY.

Kentucky History Center

The Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History holds a wealth of Kentuckian historical information which has been preserved for future generations.  This museum offers a research library in addition to the Kentucky history exhibits. offered by the Kentucky Historical Society.  Located at 100 W. Broadway Avenue in Frankfort, KY. 

Kentucky Military History Museum

The museum is housed in the Old State Arsenal which was built in 1850 to hold the weapons and equipment of the Kentucky Militia.  Still standing silent guard on a cliff overlooking the Kentucky River, the museum houses an impressive collection of military memorabilia.  Located on East Main Street at Capital Avenue in Frankfort, KY.

Old State Capitol and Historical Museum

The Old State Capitol is housed in an 1830 Greek Revival structure which looks today much the same as it did in during the 1850s.  Guided tours of this historic building are offered.  Inside you will find photographs, maps and artifacts recovered during archaeological digs.  Located at 300 West Broadway in Frankfort, KY.

Hardin County History Museum   [Virtual Tour]

Located in Elizabethtown, Kentucky, this history museum is devoted to preserving and displaying the history of Hardin County.

General George S. Patton Jr. Museum of Cavalry and Armor

[Virtual Tour]

The Patton Museum is administered by the U.S. Army Armor Center and Fort Knox, KY.  It is dedicated to preserving and displaying historical material related to Cavalry and Armor.  The galleries include armored vehicles, weapons, art and other memorabilia along with the Patton Gallery which includes many personal items used by General Patton in his lifetime.  Located in Keyes Park (home to more historical armored vehicles and equipment) near the main entrance to Fort Knox.

Cynthiana Historical Museum 

[Photos]   [Timeline of Cynthiana History]

Discover the history of Cynthiana, Harrison County, KY through exhibits of early artifacts from the Cynthiana area.  112 South Walnut Street, Cynthiana, KY.

Battle for the Bridge Historic Preserve

Preserving and restoring this historic Civil War site is the focus.  The first trail has only been opened to visitors but restoration is still under way on the Anthony Woodson House and other areas of the preserve.  Fort Craig and the Robert Smith monument are on private land but can be viewed from the trail.  Located in Munfordville, KY.

Hart County Historical Museum

Housed inside the Chapline Building, the museum offers a large collection of historic artifacts, photographs and documents relating to the history of Hart County, Kentucky.  Located on U.S. Highway 31W (Main Street) in Munfordville, KY.

Hidden River Cave  [Cave History]

Tour the mammoth caves.  People have been doing so since the mid 1800s when the town of Horse Cave, KY became a popular tourist destination.   While visiting the caves, be sure to see the American Cave Museum where you will get an in-depth look at the history and science of caves.  Learn about historical caving and modern cave exploration through fascinating exhibits. 

119 E. Main Street

Horse Cave, KY

Woodson House and Farm

Originally the home of the  Anthony L. Woodson family,   The home was involved in the Civil War - Battle for the Bridge. and today serves as the Visitor Center and Museum for that history project.  Located across the Green River in Munfordville, KY.

Locust Grove Mansion

Croghan House

Farmington Historic Home  [History]

Experience life on a Kentucky hemp plantation.  The Federal-style home was built in 1816 for John and Lucy Speed.  the home has been restored and contains period furnishings.  On the grounds, visitors will find a barn, the cook's quarters and kitchen, blacksmith shop, and a 19th century garden.  Located at 3033 Bardstown Road in Louisville, KY.

The Filson Historical Museum

Frazier International History Museum  [Take a Tour]

History and artifacts of heroes, generals and famous leaders of America and the world.  The exhibits include a large collection of armaments and British Royal Armouries.  Located at 829 West main Street in Louisville, KY.

Jeffersontown Historical Museum   [History of Jeffersontown]

The museum features an exhibit of presidential memorabilia along with artifacts from the early times of Jerfersontown, Located at 10635 Watterson Trail in Jeffersontown, KY.

Locust Grove Historic Site

The 1790 Georgian mansion has been restored to it's original splendor.  Owned by William and Lucy Clark Croghan, an Irish immigrant who came to Kentucky with George Rogers Clark (of Lewis and Clarke, Louisiana Territory explorers).  Known visitors to the residence include President James Monroe, and Andrew Jackson.  The fine home was inhabited by various families until 1961 when it as purchased by Jefferson County and restored as a historic landmark and museum.

Camp Nelson Civil War Heritage Park  [Historic Photo Tour]

Van Lear Coal Miner's Museum

Housed inside the former Consolidation Coal Company building, the museum features historical artifacts, memorabilia and other items related to the history of the coal mining town of Van Lear and the surrounding area.  Located at 78 Miller's Creek Road in Van Lear, KY.

[Dr. Thomas Walker's Journal 1750]

Thomas Walker was actually the first frontiersman in Kentucky, arriving in 1750 and built the first cabin.  A replica of this cabin stands on the historic site.  Located at 4929 KY 159 in Barboursville, KY.

Knox Historical Museum  [Daniel Boone Festival]

Admission is free.  Located at 196 Daniel Boone, Drive in Barbourville, KY.

Levi Jackson Wilderness Road State Park & Mountain Life Museum

The Mountain Life Museum offers visitors an early settlement created from historical buildings which were moved to the site along with replicas of original buildings.  The buildings, including McHargue's Mill, are full of pioneer relics and will give visitors insight into the life of the mountain pioneers of early Kentucky.  Inside the park is the site of McNitt's Defeat, Kentucky's worst Indian massacre, occurring in 1786 and you will observe the Defeated Camp Pioneer Burial Ground.  Located at 998 Levi Jackson Mill Road in London, KY.

William Whitley Historic House

The first brick home built in KY, included the first circular racetrack known as Sportsman's Hill.  The home, built in 1794, features a secret chamber for hiding during Indian attacks and was known as a gathering place for famous visitors; George Rogers Clark and Daniel Boone.  Address is 325 William Whitley Rd. in Stanford, KY.

Shaker Museum

Cassius Marcellus Clay

Lived at White Hall.

Blue Grass Railroad Museum

Fort Boonesborough State Park

A reconstructed and working fort, built complete with cabins, blockhouses and furnishings on the site of the original Fort Boonesborough which was established in 1775 by Daniel Boone and his men.  The new Kentucky River Museum offers visitors more insight into lives of the families who lived on the river.  Located at 4375 Boonesborough Road in Richmond, KY.

White Hall State Historic Site

The 1799 Italianate mansion has 44 rooms.  Home to Cassius Marcellus Clay, who was a friend to Abraham Lincoln, an emancipationist, newspaper publisher and Minister to Russia.  His daughter Laura Clay was the first woman to be nominated to the United States presidency by a major political party.  White Hall can be toured with costumed guides.  Located at 500 White Hall Shrine Road, Richmond, KY.

Old Mulkey Meeting House Historic Site

Built in 1840 and known as "The Mulkey Church", the structure is known as the oldest log meetinghouse in Kentucky.  There are many Revolutionary War soldiers and pioneers buried at the site, including Hannah, sister to Daniel Boone.  Located at 38 Old Mulkey Park Road in Tompkinsville, KY.

My Old Kentucky Home

Although not a museum, the house is a well known landmark in Hazard, KY and is a remarkable structure.  Built in 1940 with a goose on the roof and complete with 8 egg shaped windows, it is definitely worth a gander.  Located at 2880 N. Main Street in Hazard, Kentucky.

Octagon Hall Museum   [History & Photos]

A most unusually shaped historic house owned by Andrew and Harriet Caldwell.  Construction was begun in 1843 and completed in 1859.

Simpson County Archives and Historical Museum

Housed inside the old jail building, the Simpson County Museum and archives is operated by the Simpson County Historical Society.  The museum is home to historical artifacts and memorabilia related to the history of Simpson County.  The archives is the repository for old court documents, tax records, vital records, extensive genealogical materials and historical photographs.  Located at 206 N. College Street in Franklin, KY.

The Kentucky Museum  [Exhibits Online]

Focused on the collection, preservation and exhibition of Kentucky artifacts, the museum features hands-on activities for students, teacher workshops and groups tours.  Located on the campus of Western Kentucky University in the Kentucky Building at 1 Big Red Way in Bowling Green, KY.

William Crenshaw Kennedy Jr. - Wayne County History Museum

Jack Jouett House  [Captain Jack Jouett]

Once the home to Jack Jouett (known as the Paul Revere of the south), the rural home features a 1780s frontier stone cabin which was used a kitchen by the prosperous planter, his wife Sally Robards and their twelve children.  Complete with period furnishings, docent guided tours are offered.  Call for times of operation.  (859) 873-7902.

Located at 255 Craig's Creek Road in Versailes, KY.

Pisgah Presbyterian Church   [History]

Founded in 1784, this church is still active.  The first church building was made of logs and stood below the current church site.  The current church building was built in 1812 of stacked stones and remodeled in 1868 to the current poignantly beautiful Gothic appearance. Address: 710 Pisgah Pike, Versailles, KY.

Woodford County Historical Museum

Operated by the Woodford County Historical Society, the museum features exhibits and items of relevant significance to the history of Woodford County.  Civil War artifacts, household and everyday items from the past, relics from Versailles, and other exhibits of interest are offered to visitors.  The museum includes a genealogy library.  Both are free to the public.  Located at 121 Rose Hill in Versailles, KY.

Museum Index for Other States

Kentucky Census Records