Revolution to Statehood: Kentucky's Founding in History and Memory

Revolution to Statehood: Kentucky's Founding in History and Memory

Does an image or an idea come to mind if you were asked to think about Kentucky's early history?  

Did you think about a fort, or a log cabin? Native Americans? Daniel Boone in a coonskin cap? Something completely different —or nothing at all? 

This exhibit examines how past historical accounts, imagery, and collected objects are often products of memory and perspective rather than strictly factual accounts of the events and people of the time. Kentucky's early history is a complex story of displacement, revolution, and state-building. Complicated stories are not as easy to remember—but stories of heroes, villains, tragedy, triumph, and symbols are more accessible, but less complete ways to recall the past.