KMHM WILL BE CLOSED FOR RENOVATIONS DECEMBER 9, 2024 - JUNE 1, 2025.
In 2025, the State Arsenal will celebrate its 175th anniversary, proudly overlooking the city of Frankfort. In partnership with the Kentucky Department of Military Affairs, the Kentucky Historical Society serves as custodian of this historic building, ensuring it remains in top condition for future generations. The building currently operates as the Kentucky Military History Museum and safeguards Kentucky’s military treasures. We are committed to preserving this structure and creating an optimal environment for our collections.
Please be aware that the Kentucky Military History Museum will be closed to the public starting December 9th, with plans to reopen on June 1st. This closure is necessary for essential roof replacement and HVAC renovations. To ensure the safety of our visitors, staff, and the collection, the museum will remain closed throughout this critical work.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and look forward to welcoming you back in June. In the meantime, our other venues— the Kentucky History Center and the Old State Capitol—are open as usual and ready for you to explore. Several key items from the Kentucky Military History Museum collection will be displayed in A Kentucky Journey at the Kentucky History Center. We will continue to offer military-themed programming, and the exhibit Our Stories, Our Service: Kentucky Women’s Veterans will remain open until the renovations at the Arsenal are complete.
Just How Rich Is Kentucky's Military History? Let's See...
Fact: Kentucky provided more soldiers in the War of 1812 than any other state and suffered approximately 60 percent of the war’s total casualties.
Fact: During the Civil War, Kentucky’s government declared the Commonwealth to be neutral – then sided with the Union. The state’s people were deeply divided, however, and approximately 35,000 Kentuckians actually fought for the Confederacy.
Fact: Since 1862, 60 Kentuckians have received the Medal of Honor, the highest military honor the United States government awards.
Fact: It’s obvious that Kentucky has a rich military history.
That history is both preserved and explained at the Kentucky Military History Museum. The State Arsenal for more than 100 years and a Civil War-era munitions factory, this Gothic Revival style building houses the exhibits Kentucky Military Treasures and George M. Chinn: Sights Set on Innovation and 19th-century war records (available for use by appointment).
The Kentucky Historical Society operates the museum with the Kentucky Department for Military Affairs.
Guided Tours
Guided by museum staff, visitors will explore the State Arsenal’s history, architectural features, and unique artifacts. The role of the Arsenal in the Civil War era will be highlighted, including its capture by Confederate forces in 1862 and its centrality in the Union defense of Frankfort against John Hunt Morgan’s final raid in 1864. This tour convenes at the Kentucky Military History Museum Tuesday - Saturday at 1:00 pm. Duration: 30 minutes.
Want to see it from home? WATCH a tour of the Kentucky Military History Museum from our Virtual Visitor page!
Location: 125 E. Main St., Frankfort, a short walk from the Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History. Please note: parking at this location is limited. Overflow parking is available a block west at 100 W. Broadway, across the street from the Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History.
Hours of Operation: Tues – Sat: 10 am – 5 pm. Self-guided tours only. Tickets must be purchased online or at the Kentucky History Center.
Your ticket is good for admission to all three sites on the KHS Campus-- the Kentucky History Center, the Old State Capitol, and the Kentucky Military History Museum.