Kentucky schools: Free KHS field trips are coming in 2026 for America 250! Funded by the Elizabeth Lloyd “Libby” Jones Student Scholarship Fund, this program expands student access to Kentucky history. Teachers can learn more at history.ky.gov.

172 years ago, Craig Newton published a defense of his actions to reduce the sentence of abolitionist Delia Webster, a teacher who helped enslaved people cross the Ohio River. She served two-year sentence in state penitentiary. ➡️https://ow.ly/piua50Y1jHx #76for250 #America250KY

Thank you, Linda May, a retired teacher who volunteers as a virtual transcriber, reviewing and reproducing manuscripts. Linda lives in Indiana but has ties to Kentucky and wants to expand public access to our collections through our digital catalog. https://history.ky.gov/participate/volunteer

In 1954, Muhammad Ali lost his prized red Schwinn bike. That twist of fate led him to the Columbia Gym at Spalding University in Louisville, where he met Joe Martin, a local police officer and boxing coach and thus built an iconic career in boxing. 🥊 https://explorekyhistory.ky.gov/items/show/892

Upcoming funding deadline #skystorians. KHS is accepting applications for the KHS research fellowship program, which offers access to an array of KHS archival and museum collections across topics and time periods. Spring deadline is MARCH 1, 2026. 🐎 📖 history.ky.gov/khs-for-me/f...

*LAST CALL Join KHS Oral Historian, Michael Kilmore, for a VIRTUAL workshop explaining the oral history grant application process and answering your questions. Feb. 18, 11 am - 12:00 pm EST Feb. 19, 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm EST Register here: https://ow.ly/tSMS50XWWRZ

LAST CALL FOR VOLUNTEER JUDGES: 👀 National History Day in Kentucky regional competitions begin soon, and you can help make a difference by volunteering as a judge for competing students. Register here: ➡️https://register.nhd.org/Contests Learn more: ➡️https://history.ky.gov/nhdky

190 years ago, Thomas and Eliza Jan Harrison sold a home to Dennis Doram in Boyle County, an African American family in Danville. Dorams purchased their own freedom, became successful business owners, and were wealthy landowners. ➡️https://ow.ly/AgHT50Y1juh #76for250 #America250KY

What happens when a high-stakes Kentucky scandal meets the world of undercover female spies? The newest podcast from Kentucky Chronicles features Professor Elizabeth De Wolfe to discuss her book Alias Agnes. 🎧 https://youtu.be/ycB9D4J_2QQ #KYHistory #TrueCrime #WomenInHistory

💜Check out our Black History Highlights series this month on the KHS Instagram page: ➡️https://www.instagram.com/kentuckyhistoricalsociety/ Each Tuesday in February, we will share an inspiring story from Kentucky history. #BlackHistoryMonth

162 years ago, a muster roll was created to document African Americans who joined the United States Colored Troops from 7th, 8th, and 9th KY Districts. ➡️https://www.kyhistory.com/digital/collection/MS/id/957/rec/6 #76for250 #America250KY @america250.bsky.social

In 1844, seamstress Jane Stephens Stout boldly campaigned for James K. Polk, in Henry Clay territory. Her handmade banner urged voters to switch sides, and showed how public, spirited, and risky political life was in the 19th century. Read the blog: https://ow.ly/mCOV50XvPKQ

National History Day in Kentucky regional competitions begin soon, and you can help make a difference by volunteering as a judge for competing students. Register here: ➡️https://register.nhd.org/Contests Learn more: ➡️https://history.ky.gov/nhdky

148 years ago, Robert Doram wrote to his mother about his experience at Fort Concho, Texas, and his service in the 10th US Cavalry, a unit of African Americans, known more commonly as “Buffalo Soldiers.” #76for250 #America250 @america250.bsky.social

*LAST CALL: Nominate a dynamic history organization in your community that is doing great work for a Kentucky History Award. Deadline closes on January 30, 2026. Apply here: chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://ow.ly/KHht50XWHpX

Speech of Hon. Lazarus W. Powell, on the state of the Union: delivered in the Senate of the United States, January 22, 1861. Powell served as the 19th Governor of Kentucky from 1851-1855 and then as a U.S. Senator from 1859-1865. https://www.kyhistory.com/digital/collection/RB/id/7643/rec/54

Interested in oral history grant funding? 💸 Join KHS Oral Historian, Michael Kilmore, for an informative VIRTUAL workshop explaining the application process and answering your questions. Feb. 18, 11 am EST Feb. 19, 5:30 pm EST Register here: https://ow.ly/33F850XWWCU

164 years ago, Mary Ann Clark was taken prisoner by the Union Army and was discovered to be a woman disguised as a man serving in the Confederate Army. She was quickly released, but rejoined as “Lt. Henry Clark.” #76for250 #America250 @america250.bsky.social

Each year, KHS sponsors the Kentucky History Awards, recognizing the achievements of history-related organizations and the people connected with them. Nominate an organization in your community: chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://ow.ly/JQve50XWHpW

Continental Army veteran Samuel Gerock took part in the Battle of Princeton, fought #onthisday in 1777. Explore his wartime papers, presented as proof of his military service for his 1818 pension application, with our online interactive: https://bit.ly/41Q99lg

Make a difference and volunteer as a judge for students competing in National History Day in Kentucky. Find the Kentucky contest date and location that works best for you. https://register.nhd.org/Contests

Congratulations to our Volunteer of the Month, Jeff Damron! Jeff is a retired attorney who has been volunteering as a moderator on our Kentucky Ancestors Facebook page since 2024. He enjoys spending time with his grandchild and helping families with their genealogy.

Fight hunger in Franklin County! Martin Luther King Jr. Day is all about serving and meeting the needs of your community. KHS and America250KY are collecting food pantry donations at the Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History from Jan. 12-24, Tues. – Sat. 10 am-5 pm. https://ow.ly/4nOr50XNmjL

250 years ago, Simon Oxer took an Oath of Allegiance. It is likely related to Oxer’s service in a militia during the Revolutionary War, rather than US citizenship. #76for250 #America250 America 250KY America250

Many new books have been added to the shelves of the Martin F. Schmidt Research Library in the last several weeks. The library is open Wednesday through Saturday, 10am-5pm. General admission to our campus includes access to the library. https://history.ky.gov/visit/martin-f-schmidt-research-library

The Kentucky History Center and research library will be closed on Wed., Jan. 7th, to prepare for Governor Andy Beshear’s annual State of the Commonwealth address. Kentucky’s Old State Capitol and the Kentucky Military History Museum are open 10 am to 5 pm. Watch here: https://ow.ly/2ybg50XQ7FP

184 years ago, Edward Jarvis, KHS’s first librarian, wrote to state gov. thanking them for sending official docs, including legislative materials. #76for250 #America250

🎙️ NEW PODCAST EPISODE! Dr. Jed DeBruin explores how African Americans in KY used the extension service to improve farming and challenge segregation. Streaming everywhere!

Planning research projects/trips for 2026? KHS is accepting applications for the KHS research fellowship program. Spring deadline is March 1, 2026. Funding available for wide range of research topics & time periods. #skystorians 🐎 history.ky.gov/khs-for-me/f...

144 years ago, an unidentified physician began recording patient visits and treatments in a notebook, 1881 to 1884. The medical field during this time was changing as doctors with varying levels of education fought over which methods were most effective. #76for250 @america250.bsky.social

From Sept 25–27, 2025, KHS brought together grad students and historians for hands-on learning, site visits, and Civil War History Day. Participants gained powerful insights into public history in action. Read the blog : https://history.ky.gov/stories-and-blogs/civil-war-history-day-2025-debrief

Ever heard of "Old Christmas?" Watch the Kentucky Life segment on KET (Kentucky Educational Television) featuring KHS Digital Archivist, Alyssa Ollier: https://ow.ly/YiWE50XKyvj

108 years ago, Nena Shelton issued military identity card for service as a nurse during WWI. She joined US Army Nurse Corps in 1910 and was stationed in the Philippines for 2 years in 1912. In February 1918, was recalled to active duty in France. #76for250 #America250 @america250.bsky.social

Hey Mom, we made the Honor Roll! The Pomeroy Foundation has added KHS to their Honor Roll for our efforts to celebrate and care for historical markers!! So, we treated ourselves to some sweet treats at a favorite local marker, Rebecca Ruth Candy Factory.

208 years ago, William Henry Harrison wrote to Thomas Bodley defending his military actions during the War of 1812. Harrison, brigadier general of the KY militia, defended his military actions for losing at the Battle of River Raisin, 1813. #76for250 #America250 @america250.bsky.social

Our little friend, Gus, stopped by this week to try out a new coloring station in the gift shop. Children can enjoy a selection of different coloring sheets, with crayons or "crayon rocks" available for purchase in the store. Spin to win discounts on merch too! https://ow.ly/rZ0w50XHFrM

KHS has named the 2025 recipients of the KY Local History Trust Fund grants, which help local organizations protect and promote Kentucky history. This year, groups in eleven counties were awarded nearly $10,000 in total funding. https://ow.ly/PlQB50XIC1T

Happy Holidays to all! Several staff members attended the Governor's State Employee Open House yesterday.

164 years ago, Julia Marcum’s family home was attacked by Confederate soldiers in Scott County, Tennessee. After brandishing an axe, she was hit with a bayonet that caused the loss of one eye and one of her fingers. #76for250 #America250 @america250.bsky.social

Dec 7, 1941, KY soldiers fought for their lives at Pearl Harbor in a surprise attack that drove America to join WWII. https://kyhistory.pastperfectonline.com/webobject/32027AB5-986C-4EFC-B4E0-843343221951

Nancy Hanks Lincoln, the mother of future President Lincoln, died from milk sickness in Spencer County, Indiana, in 1818. Dr. J. Matthew Ward joins us for a discussion on the medical, environmental, and social implications of milk sickness in antebellum America. Streaming now!

Transparent pie has become a Maysville signature, but it didn't originate there. Read the whole story in Food & Wine magazine, featuring an interview with Community Engagement Coordinator Jim Seaver. #foodhistory #kyhistory www.foodandwine.com/transparent-...

164 years ago, the Covington, Kentucky, chapter of the “Band of the Union” published a pamphlet to explain their organization. They were dedicated to resisting Kentucky’s secession from the United States during the Civil War. #76for250 #America250

"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

📬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

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.

Family visiting for the holidays? Experience our women veterans exhibit before it closes at 5pm on Sunday! Our Stories, Our Service honors Kentucky’s women veterans and explores how their courage and leadership made significant military contributions. https://ow.ly/559950XwXs8

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

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

Happy Veteran's Day! 🎖️🪖 Join us for the reopening of the Kentucky Military History Museum today at 1 pm. https://history.ky.gov/events/kentucky-military-history-museum-reopening-ceremony