Kentucky Historical Society
@kyhistsoc.bsky.social
🏛️ The guardian and voice of Kentucky’s past – documenting, clarifying, and preserving the stories that define our Commonwealth.
"The concept of the mailed Christmas cards came about with commercial printing, in the late 1800s..." KHS Digital Archivist, Alyssa, shares a look at holiday customs of the past in a new article from Kentucky Farm Bureau News:
https://ow.ly/kQVy50XqIp4
https://ow.ly/kQVy50XqIp4
November 29, 2025 at 2:00 PM
"The concept of the mailed Christmas cards came about with commercial printing, in the late 1800s..." KHS Digital Archivist, Alyssa, shares a look at holiday customs of the past in a new article from Kentucky Farm Bureau News:
https://ow.ly/kQVy50XqIp4
https://ow.ly/kQVy50XqIp4
📬During WWII, mail from home meant everything to the 16.4 million Americans serving overseas. From heartfelt letters to innovative V-mail that saved precious cargo space, wartime communication was a lifeline.
Read the blog by Dr. Jim Seaver here:
https://ow.ly/5m3v50XvO9f
Read the blog by Dr. Jim Seaver here:
https://ow.ly/5m3v50XvO9f
November 28, 2025 at 7:00 PM
📬During WWII, mail from home meant everything to the 16.4 million Americans serving overseas. From heartfelt letters to innovative V-mail that saved precious cargo space, wartime communication was a lifeline.
Read the blog by Dr. Jim Seaver here:
https://ow.ly/5m3v50XvO9f
Read the blog by Dr. Jim Seaver here:
https://ow.ly/5m3v50XvO9f
KHS is proud to announce the launch of an updated website for the Civil War Governors of Kentucky Digital Documentary Edition (CWGK) with a fresh look, improved access, and new avenues to learn about Civil War Kentucky.
Please explore and enjoy here:
➡️https://discovery.civilwargovernors.org.
Please explore and enjoy here:
➡️https://discovery.civilwargovernors.org.
November 26, 2025 at 1:01 PM
KHS is proud to announce the launch of an updated website for the Civil War Governors of Kentucky Digital Documentary Edition (CWGK) with a fresh look, improved access, and new avenues to learn about Civil War Kentucky.
Please explore and enjoy here:
➡️https://discovery.civilwargovernors.org.
Please explore and enjoy here:
➡️https://discovery.civilwargovernors.org.
90 years ago, U.S. Narcotic Farm opened its doors in Lexington as one of two federal narcotic hospitals in the nation. Created as an alternative to traditional prison systems, operated as a rehabilitation center and research facility.
#76for250 #America250 @america250.bsky.social
#76for250 #America250 @america250.bsky.social
November 24, 2025 at 1:00 PM
90 years ago, U.S. Narcotic Farm opened its doors in Lexington as one of two federal narcotic hospitals in the nation. Created as an alternative to traditional prison systems, operated as a rehabilitation center and research facility.
#76for250 #America250 @america250.bsky.social
#76for250 #America250 @america250.bsky.social
189 years ago, 1st edition of Thomas McKenny and James Hall’s volumes, “History of Indian Tribes of North America” published. Book captured portraits and biographies of influential Native American leaders and elders who visited Washington, D.C.
#76for250 #America250 @america250.bsky.social
#76for250 #America250 @america250.bsky.social
November 17, 2025 at 1:00 PM
189 years ago, 1st edition of Thomas McKenny and James Hall’s volumes, “History of Indian Tribes of North America” published. Book captured portraits and biographies of influential Native American leaders and elders who visited Washington, D.C.
#76for250 #America250 @america250.bsky.social
#76for250 #America250 @america250.bsky.social
107 years ago, WWI ended and George Chescheir witnessed the relief of a nation firsthand while serving in France. He notes, “they were having torchlight parades... singing the Marseillaise, the Star-Spangled Banner, and yelling ‘Vive l'Amérique.’”
#76for250 #America250 @america250.bsky.social
#76for250 #America250 @america250.bsky.social
November 10, 2025 at 1:00 PM
107 years ago, WWI ended and George Chescheir witnessed the relief of a nation firsthand while serving in France. He notes, “they were having torchlight parades... singing the Marseillaise, the Star-Spangled Banner, and yelling ‘Vive l'Amérique.’”
#76for250 #America250 @america250.bsky.social
#76for250 #America250 @america250.bsky.social
The staff, volunteers, board, and members of the Kentucky Historical Society would like to share a highlight reel of just some of our accomplishments this year. Thank you to our audience who loves history and supports what we do.
🎥➡️https://youtu.be/1rBYPpreMBo
🎥➡️https://youtu.be/1rBYPpreMBo
November 8, 2025 at 9:00 PM
The staff, volunteers, board, and members of the Kentucky Historical Society would like to share a highlight reel of just some of our accomplishments this year. Thank you to our audience who loves history and supports what we do.
🎥➡️https://youtu.be/1rBYPpreMBo
🎥➡️https://youtu.be/1rBYPpreMBo
November 2025 marks 200 years since the founding of Choctaw Academy, the first boarding school for Native Americans in the United States, and located in Scott County. Choctaw Academy educated over 600 students from 17 nations.
🎧 https://ow.ly/Spnn50Xo1oG
🎧 https://ow.ly/Spnn50Xo1oG
November 8, 2025 at 1:00 PM
November 2025 marks 200 years since the founding of Choctaw Academy, the first boarding school for Native Americans in the United States, and located in Scott County. Choctaw Academy educated over 600 students from 17 nations.
🎧 https://ow.ly/Spnn50Xo1oG
🎧 https://ow.ly/Spnn50Xo1oG
Did you know that the Old State Capitol in Frankfort opened in 1830? Learn all about it on the most recent episode of Kentucky Life on KET. Host Chip Polston interviewed Museum Programs Administrator Megan Sauter. #kyhistory
Watch:
ow.ly/aVNP50Xn64F
Watch:
ow.ly/aVNP50Xn64F
November 5, 2025 at 4:14 PM
Did you know that the Old State Capitol in Frankfort opened in 1830? Learn all about it on the most recent episode of Kentucky Life on KET. Host Chip Polston interviewed Museum Programs Administrator Megan Sauter. #kyhistory
Watch:
ow.ly/aVNP50Xn64F
Watch:
ow.ly/aVNP50Xn64F
The portrait of Gov. Martha Layne Collins was draped by our staff this morning to honor her passing over the weekend at the age of 88. She served as the first and only woman Governor of Kentucky (1983-1987).
November 3, 2025 at 8:18 PM
The portrait of Gov. Martha Layne Collins was draped by our staff this morning to honor her passing over the weekend at the age of 88. She served as the first and only woman Governor of Kentucky (1983-1987).
186 years ago, drafts of two letters were written to federal officials associated with the removal of Chickasaw Native Americans because of the Indian Removal Act. The Chickasaws of western KY were some of the last removed.
#76for250 #America250 @america250.bsky.social
#76for250 #America250 @america250.bsky.social
November 3, 2025 at 1:01 PM
186 years ago, drafts of two letters were written to federal officials associated with the removal of Chickasaw Native Americans because of the Indian Removal Act. The Chickasaws of western KY were some of the last removed.
#76for250 #America250 @america250.bsky.social
#76for250 #America250 @america250.bsky.social
Witching you a spooky Halloween #skystorians! 🎃👻
From the KHS collections: (MSS59_Box1_10)
(MSS59_Box1_52)
From the KHS collections: (MSS59_Box1_10)
(MSS59_Box1_52)
October 28, 2025 at 5:51 PM
Witching you a spooky Halloween #skystorians! 🎃👻
From the KHS collections: (MSS59_Box1_10)
(MSS59_Box1_52)
From the KHS collections: (MSS59_Box1_10)
(MSS59_Box1_52)
In 2001, First Lady Judi Patton hosted reception for Kentucky breast cancer survivors. Survivors statewide united in Frankfort & during the event, Mrs. Patton & the Kentucky Breast Cancer Coalition unveiled the state's first cancer quilt. The "Celebration of Hope" quilt honors victims & survivors.
October 21, 2025 at 4:31 PM
In 2001, First Lady Judi Patton hosted reception for Kentucky breast cancer survivors. Survivors statewide united in Frankfort & during the event, Mrs. Patton & the Kentucky Breast Cancer Coalition unveiled the state's first cancer quilt. The "Celebration of Hope" quilt honors victims & survivors.
163 years ago, Andrew Phillips wrote family about his experience during the Civil War, which saw more than 700K deaths. Combat killed many but most were disease-related. Per Philips’ letter, disease spread through camps due to cramped and unsanitary conditions. #America250KY #kyhistory #skystorians
October 20, 2025 at 3:18 PM
163 years ago, Andrew Phillips wrote family about his experience during the Civil War, which saw more than 700K deaths. Combat killed many but most were disease-related. Per Philips’ letter, disease spread through camps due to cramped and unsanitary conditions. #America250KY #kyhistory #skystorians
It's #AskAnArchivistDay! Join our Digital Archivist Alyssa Ollier
as she shares what it's like to collect and preserve Kentucky's history. Leave your questions in the comments!
as she shares what it's like to collect and preserve Kentucky's history. Leave your questions in the comments!
October 16, 2025 at 2:46 PM
It's #AskAnArchivistDay! Join our Digital Archivist Alyssa Ollier
as she shares what it's like to collect and preserve Kentucky's history. Leave your questions in the comments!
as she shares what it's like to collect and preserve Kentucky's history. Leave your questions in the comments!
KHS & #America250KY are on the road. Join us at the Bell County Historical Society & Museum at 10:00am on October 18 (THIS SATURDAY), where you’ll dive into the history of the region, hear from a knowledgeable local historian, engage with history at various activity stations, and so much more!
October 16, 2025 at 1:48 PM
KHS & #America250KY are on the road. Join us at the Bell County Historical Society & Museum at 10:00am on October 18 (THIS SATURDAY), where you’ll dive into the history of the region, hear from a knowledgeable local historian, engage with history at various activity stations, and so much more!
Focus on our “Snapshots of History” archival display during lunch tomorrow. Digital Archivist Alyssa frames Kentucky history through photography. Shoot us some questions during the LIVE virtual tour, only on Facebook. #AskAnArchivist
October 15, 2025 at 11:00 PM
Focus on our “Snapshots of History” archival display during lunch tomorrow. Digital Archivist Alyssa frames Kentucky history through photography. Shoot us some questions during the LIVE virtual tour, only on Facebook. #AskAnArchivist
As part of the Ohio Valley History Conference this past weekend, hosted by #KHS, we were pleased to welcome @eladiobobadilla.com as the keynote speaker. Dr. Bobadilla's outstanding talk focused on immigration, identity, and the making of a Latino Bluegrass. #OVHC25
October 15, 2025 at 5:52 PM
As part of the Ohio Valley History Conference this past weekend, hosted by #KHS, we were pleased to welcome @eladiobobadilla.com as the keynote speaker. Dr. Bobadilla's outstanding talk focused on immigration, identity, and the making of a Latino Bluegrass. #OVHC25
Did you know Franklin County has the fourth-highest concentration of roadside historical markers in the state? Ohio Valley History Conference attendees had the option to hit the street for Frankfort History on a Stick: A Walking Tour of the Capital City's Historical Markers led by KHS staff. #OVHC25
October 11, 2025 at 7:46 PM
Did you know Franklin County has the fourth-highest concentration of roadside historical markers in the state? Ohio Valley History Conference attendees had the option to hit the street for Frankfort History on a Stick: A Walking Tour of the Capital City's Historical Markers led by KHS staff. #OVHC25
Final day of the Ohio Valley History Conference hosted by KHS in the books. Panels this morning featured discussions on Black resistance and Civil War era memory, urban Kentucky histories, and race and politics in 20th century US. #OVHC25
October 11, 2025 at 7:04 PM
Final day of the Ohio Valley History Conference hosted by KHS in the books. Panels this morning featured discussions on Black resistance and Civil War era memory, urban Kentucky histories, and race and politics in 20th century US. #OVHC25
This weekend KHS is hosting the Ohio Valley History Conference. We would like to thank our sponsors, @lsupress.bsky.social and @utpress.bsky.social for their support along with all of the OVHC institutions, presenters, and attendees. #OVHC25
October 11, 2025 at 5:11 PM
This weekend KHS is hosting the Ohio Valley History Conference. We would like to thank our sponsors, @lsupress.bsky.social and @utpress.bsky.social for their support along with all of the OVHC institutions, presenters, and attendees. #OVHC25
Afternoon panels at the Ohio Valley History Conference included discussions on environmental, gender, and legal/restorative justice. #envirohist #OVHC25
October 10, 2025 at 9:16 PM
Afternoon panels at the Ohio Valley History Conference included discussions on environmental, gender, and legal/restorative justice. #envirohist #OVHC25
The Ohio Valley History Conference (OVHC) is in full swing at the Kentucky Historical Society. One of the first panels discussed 19th century politics and parties. #OVHC25
October 10, 2025 at 5:10 PM
The Ohio Valley History Conference (OVHC) is in full swing at the Kentucky Historical Society. One of the first panels discussed 19th century politics and parties. #OVHC25
The deadline to register for the Ohio Valley History Conference is fast approaching (October 3). Conference theme is “Borders, Boundaries, and Belonging.” Keynote speaker is Dr. Eladio Bobadilla, historian of social movements in the US. See you there! #skystorians
history.ky.gov/events/ohio-...
history.ky.gov/events/ohio-...
September 29, 2025 at 1:34 PM
The deadline to register for the Ohio Valley History Conference is fast approaching (October 3). Conference theme is “Borders, Boundaries, and Belonging.” Keynote speaker is Dr. Eladio Bobadilla, historian of social movements in the US. See you there! #skystorians
history.ky.gov/events/ohio-...
history.ky.gov/events/ohio-...
88 years ago, the "Great Flood" of 1937 submerged over 70% of Louisville alone. Government worried about the spread of disease so a quarantine barrier was created, but individuals like Lt. Col. Joseph R. Gray were allowed to pass this line to assist with aid. #kyhistory #America250KY #skystorians
September 22, 2025 at 3:43 PM
88 years ago, the "Great Flood" of 1937 submerged over 70% of Louisville alone. Government worried about the spread of disease so a quarantine barrier was created, but individuals like Lt. Col. Joseph R. Gray were allowed to pass this line to assist with aid. #kyhistory #America250KY #skystorians