Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History – Kentucky Historical Society

This expansive Smithsonian Affiliate museum traces 12,000 years of Kentucky history. Follow along through the centuries from an indigenous hut to pioneer days and the coal mining era, and into the cultures of bourbon, baseball, and horse racing that live on today. Listen to speeches from Kentucky’s Civil Rights leaders, learn about Camp Nelson, where thousands of Black soldiers enlisted in the Union Army, and see portraits of Dennis and Diadamia Doram, a Black couple whose hemp business made a fortune pre-emancipation. Admission also includes access to the Old State Capitol and Kentucky Military History Museum.

Accessibility: The museum offers extensive accessibility accommodations. Entrance ramps and elevators provide full building access, and manual wheelchairs may be borrowed at no cost. There are also large print gallery guides and maps, sensory backpacks, and rest areas across the campus. An American Sign Language interpreter can be provided upon request for guided tours.