Past Exhibitions

Kentucky Military Treasures
November 11, 2009--April 9, 2011
Treasures are often considered things, but the real value in “Kentucky Military Treasures: Selections from the Kentucky Historical Society Collections” is the stories behind the things. Even the well-versed in military history can learn more about Kentuckians’ contributions in the service by experiencing this exhibition.

Spanning nearly 200 years of conflicts--from the War of 1812 to more recent engagements in Afghanistan and Iraq--“Kentucky Military Treasures” shared the personal stories of Kentuckians who fought and sometimes lost their lives in these battles. Explore the "Kentucky Military Treasures" online exhibition.


These materials are also available for students:
"Kentucky Military Treasures" Packet--Elementary School
"Kentucky Military Treasures" Packet--Middle School
"Kentucky Military Treasures" Packet--High School


"Beyond the Log Cabin: Kentucky's Abraham Lincoln"
October 20, 2008 - February 19, 2010

During the bicentennial commemoration of Abraham Lincoln's birth, visitors were invited to see Lincoln in a different light. "Beyond the Log Cabin" illuminated Lincoln's connections with Kentucky, the perspectives his Kentucky friends and acquaintances provided his life and actions, and the inspiration his legacy continues to contribute to American ideals. Kentucky's signature Lincoln exhibition, "Beyond the Log Cabin" featured vivid imagery and unique artifacts from across the nation. A traveling exhibit, "Beyond the Log Cabin" premiered at the Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History before moving to The Speed Art Museum and its last stop, the Highlands Museum and Discovery Center. You can still experience Kentucky's Abraham Lincoln through the online exhibition.

"Magic in the Weaving: The Churchill Weavers Collection Revealed"
May 10 - Sept. 6, 2008

For 85 years, Churchill Weavers produced distinctive handwoven clothing and home textiles in Berea, Ky. This exhibition showed how the Kentucky Historical Society is preserving the Churchill Weavers Collection so that the company's story can be told. The curators and archivists that are working on the collection are finding that we have much to learn.

Learn more about the "Magic in the Weaving" exhibition.

"Our New Kentucky Home: Immigrant Experiences"
April 21, 2007 - March 29, 2008

What's your story? Who were the first Kentuckians in your family? Where did they come from? Why do immigrants choose Kentucky as their new home?

Are they pulled to Kentucky by the American dream? Or pushed out of their native home? Do they hope to obtain land? Give their children greater opportunity? Enjoy religious freedom? What are their stories?

While each family is different, there are clear connections among Kentucky's immigrant stories. The exhibition inspired visitors to look for clues that tell your family's story.

This Kentucky Historical Society exhibition offered perspective on why new Kentuckians of all eras uproot established lives to embark on uncertain futures. Visitors were inspired by accounts of courage and tenacity in "Our New Kentucky Home: Immigrant Experiences."

View the "Our New Kentucky Home" online exhibition.

"Lewis & Clark: The Exploration of the American West, 1803-1806"
Oct. 6, 2006 - Jan. 27, 2007

The Lewis and Clark Expedition, 1803-1806, was the first organized U.S. exploration of the territory west of the Mississippi River. The journey is the story of courage, discovery and the expansion of the American spirit. In Oct. 1803, Meriwether Lewis joined his friend and coleader, William Clark, in Louisville, Ky., Clark's home, to form their legendary partnership. Here they enlisted a group of young Kentuckians to form the nucleus of the Corps of Discovery. On Oct. 26, they pushed off from the Falls of the Ohio on the greatest adventure of their lives.

"History Unfurled: Flying Kentucky's Flags"
March 18 - Aug. 12, 2006

"History Unfurled" explored the meaning and function of flags representing Kentucky groups from all walks of life--from Civil War regiments to suffragists. The exhibition combined over 20 flags from the Society's extensive collection with images, audio and interactive elements. Among the items on view were Union and Confederate regimental flags from the civil war; a flag carried by an African American unit in World War I; a Kentucky Equal Rights Amendment suffrage banner; home front flags from World War II; a MIA/POW flag from the Vietnam conflict; and the original 1928 Kentucky state flag.

"History Unfurled" explored the origins of flags from design to conservation and flags as literal symbols as well as how they gain meaning through conflicts and causes. Other topics included how flags are used in ceremonies and celebrations; flag etiquette and handling; flag burning; and flags as artifacts--conservation and study.

Learn more about the flag collection.

"A River Runs Through Us: The Rivers of Kentucky"
Nov. 6, 2004 - Dec. 31, 2005

"If you would know the soul of Kentucky, visit its rivers" (C.M. Dupier, Jr.). From Indian villages on riverbanks in Western Kentucky to bustling riverfronts in cities from Augusta to Louisville to Paducah, rivers permeate the history of Kentucky. In this exhibition visitors came face-to-face with riverboat captains, fur trappers, factory workers, and folk from Fulton to Louisa who live on the shores of the many waterways that run through the commonwealth.

Learn more about the Ohio River Portrait Project.

"The Softer Side of Hard Times: Kentucky Depression-era Quilts"
April 17 - Aug. 28, 2004

The years of the Great Depression were some of the darkest and most uncertain times in Kentucky's history and yet they gave rise to some of the most striking artistry of the twentieth century. Among such creative pursuits was the national quilt revival of the 1930s, in which Kentucky secured a celebrated role.

Examples of craftsmanship and beauty, the quilts in this exhibition were born as much out of necessity as they were of artistic enterprise. They remain the physical embodiment of the important role women played in holding families together. Throughout the gallery artifacts, imagery, a room setting and inter.active elements will explore this theme and capture the context in which these quilts were made.

"Joining the Ranks: African Americans in the Military"
Sept. 13, 2003 - Feb. 27, 2004

This exhibition featured individuals, events and stories of the African American military experience and will cover the period from the Civil War through Desert Storm.

View the entire "Joining the Ranks: African Americans in the Military" catalog (8.03 MB).

"Heart & Hands: Musical Instrument Makers of America"
Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service
June 7 - Aug. 3, 2003

Across America, hundreds of artisans are keeping alive the age-old tradition of designing and handcrafting fine musical instruments. Whether constructing folk instruments for backyard amateurs, saxophones for jazz bands, or violins for world-class orchestras, these talented craftspeople all share the inspiration and ability to transform raw materials into acoustically sophisticated and visually stunning works of art.

"Hearts & Hands" provided viewers with a colorful glimpse of the rich musical heritage of their communities and their nation.

"A Matter of Opinion: Hugh Haynie's Cartoons"
Dec. 14, 2002 - April 12, 2003

This collection of cartoons highlighted Hugh Haynie's illustrious career at the Louisville Courier-Journal where he was hired in 1958. Haynie was one of the leading political cartoonists of his time, and his artwork and viewpoints enraged and enraptured readers for 38 years.

Paul Sawyier: A Kentucky Impressionist
Aug. 17 - Nov. 16, 2002

From "thumbnail" watercolor landscapes along Elkhorn Creek in Frankfort to paintings in the Catskills of New York, Paul Sawyier has become one of the Bluegrass's most famous painters. The exhibition featured works from the John J. King collection. The paintings in this exhibition were donated or loaned by Mary Discher Kelly, the niece of John J. King.

"A Dressing Change: Clothing in Kentucky, 1792-2000"
Feb. 22 - July 7, 2002

The history of clothing and the basis for what is considered socially acceptable dress today surprised, educated, entertained and amused adults and children alike. This exhibit featured technological changes, gender identifications, childrens clothing and changing trends in fashion during Kentucky's first 200 years of statehood.

"In The Dark"
Oct. 6, 2001 - Jan. 13, 2002

Audiences were invited to explore different elements of darkness and the unique life forms that inhabit them through a combination of hands-on and whole-body interactives and walk-through dioramas. Visitors discovered how darkness has intrigued and influenced humans for thousands of years and learned how to help preserve the fragile worlds without light.

"Front Page Fifties"
Dec. 9, 2000 - Sept. 2, 2001

A review of the 1950s, Kentucky-style--from roads to Rockabilly.

"The Weapon As Art"
July 15 - Sept. 24, 2000

An exquisite collection of weapons that illustrate the history of firearms and weapon decoration.

"A Kentucky Master: John James Audubon"
July 15 - Sept. 24, 2000

A reflection of both art and nature, this exhibit features prints of 27 Kentucky birds.

"Saving Kentucky's Treasures"
March 3 - June 4, 2000

An intimate look at the stories behind the Society's collections and the way they are preserved.

"Requiem: The Vietnam Collection"
Oct. 1 - Nov. 13, 1999

A photography exhibit dedicated to the 135 photojournalists who lost their lives in Vietnam.

"Warm Memories: Quilts from Kentucky's Collection"
June 5 - Sept. 19, 1999

A comprehensive selection of quilts from private and public collectors.