Photography Policy
Personal Use Photography in Galleries and Public Spaces
Still photography for personal, non-commercial use is permitted in the Kentucky Historical Society (KHS) galleries and public spaces like Commonwealth Hall and the Brown Forman Room. Restrictions may apply to specific pieces or exhibitions. If you are uncertain if photography is permitted, please ask a visitor services associate or other curatorial staff before taking any photos. Please observe the following rules:
- Flash photography is prohibited in all galleries.
- Stabilization devices such as tripods and monopods are prohibited.
- Auxiliary lighting is prohibited.
- Video recording with small, non-intrusive hand-held devices is permitted in most exhibit galleries for personal use only unless otherwise noted. Commercial photography and videography are prohibited without prior explicit and written approval. Fees may apply (please see the Commercial Filming/Videography Policy below).
- Photography must not be disruptive to other visitors or block walkways.
- All photography must take place during KHS’s normal business hours. KHS reserves the right to restrict photography at any time.
Professional Photographers and Amateur Photography Shoots
Formal portraits and commissioned photography require a photography permit from KHS. Please observe the following rules:
- $50 Photography Permit Fee.
- Permits are good for one hour and are issued on a first-come, first-served basis.
- No advanced reservations.
- Photography permits for the Kentucky History Center, the Old State Capitol, or the Kentucky Military History Museum can be purchased at the admissions desk in the Kentucky History Center.
- Permits are limited to regular business hours.
- Only two photography permits will be issued at a time.
- Permits allow for the limited use of public spaces only.
- Stabilization devices, lighting equipment, wardrobe changes, props, and make-up stations are prohibited.
- Photography must not be disruptive to other visitors or block walkways.
- Groups may include up to 5 people. Pets are prohibited inside any KHS buildings.
Groups larger than five people must request permission through the KHS Rental Department one month in advance. Additional fees may apply. Please contact khsrentals@ky.gov or (502)782-3912 for more information. KHS reserves the right to prohibit photography in any area at any time. Failure to adhere to guidelines or staff direction may result in being asked to cease activities and leave the premises.
Click here to download a .pdf of the KHS Photography Policy.
Commercial Filming/Videography Policy
All events shall harmonize with the character and mission of the Kentucky Historical Society (KHS). Events may not create any hazard or impose undue hardship on KHS and its collections, exhibits, facilities, staff, or visitors. Events must be in conformance with established regulations and not interfere with KHS operations.
Providing the information requested on the application helps us determine if the project is appropriate for KHS and consistent with its mission and objectives. Institutional policies and procedures require that we have a complete understanding of all aspects of a project before KHS participation can be considered. Each request to film at KHS is reviewed on an individual basis, using information from the application and through discussions between the KHS Rental Department and the filmmaker. The application also serves as the basis for preparing a contract.
Fees
To recover costs, KHS has a standard location fee schedule based on the length of time crews will spend at KHS.
The fees are as follows:
- Up to one hour: $500
- One to four hours: $1,000
- Five to eight hours: $2,000
- After eight hours: $350 per additional hour
These fees cover the costs incurred by KHS in making its facilities, collections, and staff available. When filming goes beyond eight hours in a day, additional fees may be charged to cover specific costs of security, building services (i.e., electrical, cleaning, etc.), audiovisual needs, and equipment operation. These overtime charges are over and above the $350 per hour overtime location fee. In special circumstances, the fee may be reduced or waived.
All in-house details pertaining to commercial photography/filming must be coordinated by the KHS Rental Department. To get the process started, please read the rules and regulations carefully and fill out the Filming Request Form at the bottom of the page. For questions about commercial photography or filming, contact khsrentals@ky.gov or (502) 782-3912.
Rules & Regulations
- KHS reserves the right to deny photography/filming of any item(s) or exhibit(s) that may be harmed by such activity.
- Organizations must provide a certificate of liability insurance and sign a liability release form for organizations and a copy of a tax-exempt certificate (if applicable). Private individuals must sign the liability release form for individuals.
- All reproduction of photography/filming taken on the campus of KHS must bear acknowledgment to the "Kentucky Historical Society." Any exceptions to this condition must be mutually agreed upon in writing.
- To preserve artifacts and exhibits, spotlights (if pre-approved) must remain off until required for actual photography/filming.
- Exhibits on display are subject to change without notice.
- A three-foot passageway to all exits must be maintained. Photography/filming cannot block public access to any exhibits. Cords and other equipment must be monitored to ensure the safety of our public.
- Due to exhibit preservation issues, flamed candles, smoke machines, confetti, rose petals, glitter, and biological materials are prohibited on the KHS campus. Items that are brought to KHS without authorization will not be allowed inside.
- Reservations for commercial photography/filming are required, and 30-day advance notice is necessary. No date is considered confirmed until the Rental Department has received a signed contract and fee. If cancellation occurs less than 30 days prior to the event, no refund will be issued. Payment of photography/filming fee must be arranged in advance.
- At least one KHS staff member will be present during the entire shoot.
- Same-day set-up and tear down of a shoot is required unless prior arrangements are made with the KHS Rental Department. The lessee’s contractors must be made aware of such requirements by the lessee.
- Photographers/Videographers are solely responsible for any violation of copyright law (Title 17, United States Code).
Other Requests
Credentialed members of the media may contact the KHS Marketing & Communications Department at kbrengelman@ky.gov or (502)782-8141 about photography and videography at public events, in the galleries, or elsewhere on the KHS campus, to request images and for permission to use images from the KHS Photographic and Object Collections, and to set up interviews with KHS personnel.
Click here to download a .pdf of the KHS Filming Policy.