Donor Stories

Melba Porter Hay
"I became interested in Kentucky history in the 7th grade when I had a great Kentucky history teacher and our church group toured the Capitol and Old State Capitol. My interest in history grew into a passion that became my life's work. I do not understand how people who do not know history can be active, informed or effective citizens in the present. As the old adage goes, 'Those who don't know their past are doomed to repeat it.'

Of course, my greatest interests at the Kentucky Historical Society are focused in the library, special collections and publications. When my husband, Charles, and I decided to include KHS in our wills with a planned gift, we did so because as two history professionals we realized the Society's ever-present need for extra funds with which to purchase collections. If items are not saved when the opportunity arises, they may be lost forever. It is our hope that our bequest will help save some of the collections important to the interpretation of our state's history."

Richard C. Brown
Richard C. Brown was not a native Kentuckian. He and his wife, Genevieve Canty Brown, moved to Danville, Ky., in the early 1980s after Richard completed a 27-year teaching career as a historian at Buffalo State College in New York. The couple quickly became active in local and state cultural endeavors. Dr. Brown joined the governing board of the Kentucky Historical Society. He led the Danville-Boyle County Historical Society and authored several books and articles about the history of the community. As a historian, he worked to ensure that the story of his adopted Kentucky home was cherished and passed on to future generations.

On Dec. 7, 2007, at the age of 90, Richard Brown passed away in Danville. Yet, he made sure that an organization and a cause he loved, such as preserving and sharing Kentucky's history, would continue to receive his financial support. Thanks to a bequest from Dr. Brown's estate, KHS received a significant gift in 2008 to continue the work that gave Dr. Brown a sense of purpose and joy.

Donations Make a Difference!
Gifts such as those made by Melba Hay and Richard Brown allows are critical to supporting the work of the KHS.

You too can leave a legacy. Help ensure that future Kentuckians come to know, cherish and honor their heritage.

Contact the KHS Development Office at 502-564-1792, ext.4449 to learn more about how you can make a planned gift to ensure Kentucky's history is saved and shared.