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
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 kids' activities, historic games, giant checkers, Jenga, and cornhole — plus free hot dogs while supplies last! Collect stamps in your Hands on History Passport while enjoying a myriad of activities in both galleries and Commonwealth Hall.
Step Back in Time — Sign a replica of the Declaration of Independence with quill and ink, watch KY Corp of Longriflemen firing demonstrations, and experience living history through Chautauqua performances featuring Henry Clay, Charlotte Dupuy, Abraham Lincoln, and Loretta Lynn.
End the Day with a Bang — The evening culminates in an unforgettable celebration on the Old State Capitol grounds. Enjoy bluegrass from Kentucky Blue, followed by 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, including the Martin F. Schmidt Research Library, Commonwealth Hall, Cralle Day Garden, the Keeneland Gallery, Old State Capitol, and Downtown Frankfort, 10:00 am – 10:00 pm.
Schedule of Events
A detailed schedule will be posted soon.
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: Coming soon!
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.