Last updated: 3/8/2015
Bowling Green, Kentucky
Street Address
1444 Kentucky Street
Bowling Green, KY 42101
Mailing Address
1906 College Heights Blvd.
#11092
Bowling Green, KY 42101
phone: 270-745-2592
e-mail: kymus@wku.edu
web: www.wku.edu/kentuckymuseum

Hours

Kentucky Museum
Monday - Saturday
9 AM - 4 PM
Sunday
1 PM - 4 PM
Harrison-Baird Reading Room
Monday - Saturday
9 AM - 4 PM
Sunday
closed

Admissions

Free to Friends of the Museum, WKU students, children under 6 50% discount admission for WKU faculty and staff and members of AAM, AASLH & KMHA.

Staff

Brent Bjorkman
phone: 270-745-6261
Donna Parker
phone:
Sandy Staebell
phone:
Christy Spurlock
phone:
Description

Since 1939 we have been collecting the objects and papers that describe our state and our world from the perspective of Kentuckians and others. These materials, together with our exhibits, give glimpses into the extraordinary nature of daily life. Through their own words, Kentuckians tell their stories of President Abraham Lincoln, the liberation of a Nazi concentration camp, the swamps of Viet Nam, and slavery. See Kentucky through its postcards, sheet music and photographs. Discover folk customs and school traditions. Explore life in Kentucky during the Civil War and learn about a national food icon from Kentucky in our exhibit galleries.

Mission

The Kentucky Museum is dedicated to the preservation and appreciation of the cultural heritage of Kentucky. We see our work as impacting not only today's audience, but also future generations who may come to this place with a desire to learn about our state and its people. Our resources and services provide visitors, researchers, and scholars with a broad-based overview of the events and beliefs having lasting importance.

History

The Kentucky Museum was envisioned by Western's first president, H.H.Cherry, as a building which would hold the knowledge of Kentucky and its people, a place where people could enhance their understanding about this state. Begun in the late 1920s, the building finally opened in 1939, and doubled in size in 40 years later. The Kentucky Building houses the Museum, research Library, Manuscripts, Folk Life Archives and the University Archives.

Artifact Collections

Anyting and everything having a connection with Kentucky. Native American artifacts, furniture, costumes, art, toys, glass, ceramics, quilts, as stated, anything and everything related to Kentucky. Also, the 1815 Felts log house.

Research Collections

Rare books, maps, photographs, census records, The Center for Civil War Studies in the West, newspapers from the earliest times, genealogical information. Letters, diaries, account books, etc. from the 18th century to today. Huge collection of folk life resources collected from the 1930s to today. The history of Western Kentucky University.

Programs

We offer a wide range of programs from teacher workshops to art classes, appraisal days, folk life festivals, lectures, tours. School programs in Early Kentucky Life, Native Armericans in Kentucky, Kentucky in the Civil War, Slave life/UGRR in Kentucky, etc.

Governance

WKU Board of Regents

Library

Access: General Public, Students, Scholars, Members

Appointment required: False

Services
Event Rental
Group Tours
ADA
Exhibitions
Museum Events
DISCLAIMER
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MUSEUM CONFERENCES

Public Lands Alliance 2025 Convention and Trade Show

February 2 - 6, 2025

Las Vegas, Nevada

Georgia Association of Museums 2025 Conference

February 5 - 7, 2025

Milledgeville, Georgia

Small Museum Association 41st Annual Conference 2025

February 17 - 19, 2025

Gaithersburg, Maryland

2025 California Association of Museums Conference

February 18 - 22, 2025

San Fransico, California

2025 Tennessee Association of Museums Conference: HOPE

March 11 - 14, 2025

Knoxville, Tennessee

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