Kentucky History Day
Title: Kentucky History Day
Start: June 6, 2026, 9:00 am EDT
End: June 6, 2026, 5:00 pm EDT
Address: 300 W Broadway St Frankfort, KY 40601
Cost: FREE
Sponsors:
Presenting Sponsor - WesBanco
Awards Breakfast Sponsor: Stewart Home & School
Main Stage Sponsors - Republic Bank & Whitehead-Hancock Plumbing, Heating, & Cooling, Inc.
Kids Zone - Expree Credit Union & Perfection Group
Community Sponsors - First Southern National Bank • Monticello Bank • Passport Radio
Celebrate the Commonwealth in style as Kentucky turns 234! Join us for a full day of music, living history, performances, and hands-on experiences that showcase the people, traditions, and stories that make Kentucky truly one of a kind. As we look ahead to the nation’s 250th anniversary, this special event highlights Kentucky’s role in America’s story—bringing together tourism, arts, heritage, and history in one unforgettable celebration. Come explore, learn, and experience the rich cultural blend that defines the Bluegrass State. See the full lineup below.
Click here for a .pdf of the schedule of events.
Online Registration Links (walk-ins welcome if space allows)
9:00 am Kentucky History Awards Breakfast
Join KHS staff, members, and guests as we celebrate the 2026 Kentucky History Awards. Breakfast and networking begin at 9:00 a.m., followed by the awards presentation. Plan to stay after and enjoy a condensed screening of The American Revolution with KET and other Kentucky History Day festivities!
10:00 am - 5:00 pm - TinType Photos with River City Tintype
Experience the magic of historical photography with River City Tintype! Rudy Salgado of River City Tintype will bring his mobile darkroom and antique photo equipment to make original tintype portraits on metal. Based in Louisville, Rudy uses a 19th-century photographic process to make heirloom forever portraits. Book a session with Rudy to see yourself in silver.
10:30 am - 11:00 am - Service to Stories: Navigating Military Records
A 30-minute presentation on the pros and cons of the website, what type of records to expect to find, and limitations based on privacy standards. There will be time for questions at the end.
11:30 am - 1:00 pm - KET Screening of The American Revolution
Celebrate America250KY and join KET for a free condensed screening of Ken Burns’ six-episode documentary, The American Revolution. This six-part, 12-hour documentary directed by Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein and David Schmidt, examines how America’s founding turned the world upside-down. A panel discussion featuring Dr. Stephanie Lang, KHS, moderator, Dr. Andrea Sutherland, NKU, and Dr. Brad Wood, EKU, will follow the screening.
About The American Revolution
Thirteen British colonies on the Atlantic Coast rose in rebellion, won their independence, and established a new form of government that radically reshaped the continent and inspired democratic movements around the globe.
The film follows dozens of figures from a variety of backgrounds. Through their individual stories, viewers experience the war through the memories of the men and women who experienced it.
The Revolution declared American independence with promises that we continue to strive for, opened the door to advance civil liberties and human rights, and asked questions that we are still trying to answer today.
Watch the trailer here.
2:30 pm - 3:00 pm - Genealogy Workshop: Using Library Resources
A 30-minute presentation/tour about the Martin F. Schmidt Research Library and some of the genealogy resources that are available. There will also be talk of how using these resources can help you with your family research.
4:00 pm - 5:30 pm - Frankfort History On A Stick: Marker Walking Tour
Did you know that 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 KHS Historical Marker Program through the years!
Our 90-minute tour will start at the Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History (100 W. Broadway) loop west through downtown Frankfort, and conclude back up East Main Street at the Kentucky Military History Museum (125 E. Main St.). We encourage you to wear good walking shoes and dress for the weather!
OLD STATE CAPITOL GROUNDS
10:00 am–5:00 pm - Enjoy demonstrations, kids’ activities, interpreters, artisans, and booths that highlight the Kentucky Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet.
Tour the Old State Capitol (1830-1910) and see the space where lively political debates occurred as lawmakers grappled with issues of the day, such as slavery and war. Today, it is undergoing necessary preservation work to serve as a place of civic education for future generations.
Visit local history organizations, photo opportunities, WWII/Vietnam War military convoy and tank, food vendors, and more on Broadway Street.
KENTUCKY HISTORY CENTER
10:00 am – 5:00 pm - From bourbon to baseball bats, horse racing to sports cars, Kentucky’s impact is wide. Take a 12,000-year “journey” with us from prehistoric times to the modern day and learn how Kentucky became part of the U.S. consciousness.
Keeneland Gallery
Our brand new exhibit - Revolution to Statehood: Kentucky's Founding from History and Memory: This exhibit explores how historical accounts, imagery, and objects are shaped by memory and perspective rather than just facts. Kentucky's early history involves themes of displacement, revolution, and state-building. While complex narratives may be harder to remember, stories of heroes, villains, and symbols are more accessible but offer a less complete picture of the past.
10:00 am – 5:00 pm - Visit local history organizations, photo opportunities, historic military vehicles, food vendors, and more on Broadway Street.
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A special thanks to our partners at the Department of Parks, Kentucky Heritage Council, Kentucky Historical Society, Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, Kentucky Arts Council, the Kentucky Humanities Council, Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s KY Proud Program, Kentucky Department of Library and Archives and many more.
Interested in volunteering for this event? Click here!