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.

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.

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.