*Guidelines for the Kentucky Historical Marker Program
Marker applications are reviewed once per year. Acceptance of an application is based on the proposed marker’s subject, which must accurately present verifiable historical information. The Kentucky Historical Society is responsible for verifying the accuracy of each marker’s text and accompanying documentation. Supporting documentation should be based on reliable, original sources whenever possible. KHS is responsible for certifying the validity of each source and does not accept applications without documentation.
KHS does not approve markers for:
- A living person or person who died less than 15 years ago. However, applications for individuals whose historical contributions were made more than 30 years ago will be considered.
- Purely genealogical or family subjects
- An individual or business if the primary value of the marker is to provide financial benefit to or advertising for that person or business
- A cemetery, unless someone significant and well-known to Kentucky history is buried there, or unless a historically significant event relates to it
- A church, unless it is connected to a significant historical event or person that is meaningful to Kentucky’s overall history.
Markers commemorating the history of physical structures should emphasize significance to Kentucky history rather than the site’s architectural features.
Physical locations of each marker cannot create traffic hazards and must be acceptable to the property owner or the governmental agency having jurisdiction. Markers must be placed in locations easily accessible to the public. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet retains the final decision for marker placement on public highways.
Help Us Maintain the Historical Markers
Send questions or reports of a damaged or missing marker to Jim Seaver, Community Engagement Coordinator, or call (502) 782-8115.