Educator Resources

Learn about Kentucky’s history in the classroom.

Educator Packets

Use this material as stand-alone units or as supplements to a visit to the Kentucky Historical Society. These open as PDFs.

Object Observation & Analysis: A Surveyor’s Essentials, 1700s

Analyzing a Photograph: The Assassination of Gov. William Goebel, 1900

Analyzing a Photograph: The Last Legislative Session at the Old State Capitol, 1908

Analyzing a Portrait: The Story of Julius Richner, Franklin County, KY Bugler, 1916

Object Observation and Analysis: A Soldier’s Essentials

John H. Rodman: Letters from a POW, World War II

Primary Sources and More

Access digital collections to find artifacts, documents and images. Or, check out the KHS Pinterest page to find primary and secondary sources along with discussion prompts. For more in-depth information search in The Register of the Kentucky Historical Society (accessible via JSTOR).

Civil War Governors of Kentucky

Many people interacted with the Kentucky governor’s office during the Civil War – this database holds their stories. Use collections of curated primary sources, discussion prompts and suggested classroom activities in CWGK’s thematic teacher guides.

KY MEdia Bank

Help tell Kentucky’s history! In the KY MEdia Bank Kentuckians can upload photos, oral histories and videos that tell the stories of their families and communities. A perfect project for Kentucky Junior Historical Society clubs and students looking to help preserve their local history.

Online Exhibits

Kentucky Military History Treasures

Beyond the Log Cabin: Kentucky’s Abraham Lincoln

Picturing America: Faces, Spaces and Places in Art

Explore KY History

Use the Explore KY History website and app to explore historic places throughout the state!