Kentucky Celebrates America250
Title: Kentucky Celebrates America250
Start: July 4, 2026, 10:00 am EDT
End: July 4, 2026, 10:00 pm EDT
Address: Kentucky Historical Society Campus, 100 W Broadway St Frankfort, KY 40601
Celebrate Kentucky: A Day of History, Culture & Community
Start your weekend celebration on Friday, July 3rd, in downtown Frankfort at Liberty Hall-er America250 Music Festival! Click here
Join the Kentucky Historical Society and the Kentucky Sestercentennial Commission for a full day of free family fun in historic downtown Frankfort! From the Martin F. Schmidt Research Library to the Old State Capitol grounds, this celebration brings Kentucky's rich heritage to life through tours, talks, performances, and activities for all ages.
Explore History — Dig into Kentucky's past with genealogy workshops, gallery talks on topics ranging from the Civil War to Kentucky fashion, and guided tours through historic cemeteries and downtown landmarks. Visit the Oral History Listening Booth, pick up a free copy of the Register of the Kentucky Historical Society, or try your hand at a scavenger hunt.
Discover the Collections — Drop into the Keeneland galleries for expert-led talks on Daniel Boone, the Burgoyne Cannon, and the Weight of Old Glory. Explore A Kentucky Journey and the Civil War Governors of Kentucky exhibitions with special tours running throughout the day.
Fun for the Whole Family — Head to the Cralle Day Garden for dancing lessons with the Capital City Historic Dancers, kids' activities, historic games, giant checkers, Jenga, and cornhole. Collect stamps in your Hands on History Passport while enjoying a myriad of activities in both galleries and Commonwealth Hall.
Step Back in Time — Join us on the Old State Capitol Lawn to watch KY Corp of Longriflemen firing demonstrations and enjoy a free hot dog while supplies last! Experience living history through Chautauqua performances featuring Henry Clay, Charlotte Dupuy, Abraham Lincoln, and Loretta Lynn. Chautauqua programs are funded in part by Kentucky Humanities and the National Endowment for the Humanities.
End the Day with a Bang — The evening culminates in an unforgettable celebration on the Capital Plaza Hotel Green Space. First, enjoy a mainstage performance by Walker Montgomery. The night closes with a stirring program featuring The Louisville Orchestra. Dr. Everett McCorvey will sing the National Anthem and "America the Beautiful," and Ben Sollee will perform "My Old Kentucky Home." Governor Andy Beshear will give welcoming remarks, followed by orchestral selections and a grand fireworks finale set to music.
All daytime activities are free and open to the public. EVENT LINEUP SUBJECT TO CHANGE. Events take place across the KHS Campus and the Capital Plaza Hotel Green Space in Downtown Frankfort, 10:00 am – 10:00 pm.
Schedule of Events
CLICK HERE FOR A TENTATIVE SCHEDULE.
A few of the day's activities have a limited number of spots, and registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. The following activities currently have spots available. Walk-ins are welcome to take any remaining spots.
10:00 am - Genealogy Workshop: Using Library Resources
Time: 10:00 am
Location: Kentucky History Center - Martin F. Schmidt Research Library
Description: Curious about the genealogy resources at the Martin F. Schmidt Research Library? Discover what’s available for your family research at KHS.
10:30 am - Revolutionary War Cemetery Tour at the Frankfort Cemetery
Time: 10:30 am
Location: Frankfort Cemetery - Meet at Daniel Boone's Gravesite
Description: Historic Frankfort Cemetery is the final resting place for many soldiers and leaders from the Revolutionary War. Join KHS staff to discover the stories and contributions of notable individuals, including Daniel Boone, Reverend John Gano, and General Charles Scott.
11:00 am - Battle of Blue Licks Talk
Time: 11:00 am
Location: Kentucky History Center - Martin F. Schmidt Research Library
Description: “Blue Licks and Beyond” is a modern analysis of the decisions of Kentucky leaders John Todd, Daniel Boone, and Steven Trigg to pursue British commander Captain William Caldwell, Simon Girty, and their Native American allies after the siege of Bryan’s Station. This analysis discusses how desires for career progression in Kentucky politics, trust between commanders, and personal egos led to hasty decision making with deadly consequences. This discussion explains how the battle affected military operations in Kentucky and contributed to a high rate of volunteerism among Kentucky citizen-soldiers in future conflicts.
11:30 am - Weight of [Old] Glory: Our Flag and What it Means Tour
Time: 11:30 am
Location: Kentucky History Center - Keeneland Gallery
Description: Learn the story behind the Stars and Stripes at the Kentucky Historical Society! These special tours trace the tale of America through the fabric of the flag, highlighting the history of Kentuckians who defended Old Glory in times of national conflict. The tour will also cover the logistics of flag-folding and properly caring for the most famous of our national symbols.
1:00 pm - People in this Place: Stories of Change in the Old State Capitol
Time: 1:00 pm
Location: Old State Capitol
Description: Countless people have walked through the grand halls of the Old State Capitol, shaping the fabric of Kentucky’s history. From crafting groundbreaking laws to overseeing the state library, these pioneers were at the center of it all. Join us for a tour that will bring to life the powerful stories of the people who influenced our state during the years when Kentucky’s government resided in the Old State Capitol, from 1830 to 1910. Don’t miss this chance to step back in time and discover the legacy left by these extraordinary figures!
2:00 pm - Frankfort History on a Stick: A Walking Tour of the Capital City's Historical Markers
Time: 2:00 pm
Location: Kentucky History Center
Description: Did you know Franklin County has the fourth-highest concentration of roadside historical markers in the entire Commonwealth? Please join us for a walking tour of some of our favorite historical markers and associated sites conveniently located around downtown Frankfort. In addition to these stories, we’ll share some fun facts about the history of the Kentucky Historical Society's Historical Marker Program through the years!
Our 90-minute tour will start at the Kentucky History Center on Broadway, loop west through downtown Frankfort, and conclude back up East Main Street at the Kentucky Military History Museum.
3:30 pm - Our Shot: Kentucky's Revolutionary Story Tour of Downtown Frankfort
Time: 3:30 pm
Location: Downtown Frankfort Tour. Meet at the Kentucky History Center.
Description: Did you know that Kentucky played a key role in the American Revolution? From Boone to Burr, discover the men and women who shaped our state—and the nation—from its very beginning. Visitors will also get the chance to explore KHS’s newest exhibit, Revolution to Statehood.
15% Off Sale in the 1792 Museum Store
As part of Kentucky Celebrates America 250, explore the Stewart Home & School 1792 Museum Store, where many of our products connect directly to artifacts and stories preserved in the Kentucky Historical Society collections through our Collection Connections program.
On Independence Day, enjoy 15% off your purchase (some exclusions apply), then discover the history behind your favorite finds through QR codes, videos, and collection stories.
Find a story that speaks to you, and take a piece of Kentucky history home.
July 4th, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
