Frankfort, Kentucky History Day Trip

Kentuckians or tourists in search of a history-oriented day trip need look no further than a drive to the state capital of Frankfort. There they will find the state's excellent military history museum, and its educational Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History.

Located in the Old State Arsenal, the one-time repository of Kentucky's state militia and then National Guard armaments, the Kentucky Military History Museum is truly a secret gem for military history buffs. The building dates from 1850, and when National Guard officers took state-owned weapons to assassinate to Governor William Goebbel in 1900, it was from this arsenal. The building now houses a first rate display of firearms, small artillery pieces, edged weapons, uniforms, and personal effects depicting the military history of the Bluegrass State. The best part is that the museum is not especially well-known, so unless a school group arrives, one is likely to find that they to share the entire museum with only a few other visitors.

The Old State Arsenal used to be free, but since the Kentucky Historical Society opened their Thomas D. Clark Center, the two have been yoked together. The modest fee of $4 (2009 rate) is good for both museums.

The Thomas D. Clark Center is a more modern type of museum. It maximizes explanation and illustration over displaying old things, but it has a handsome collection despite that. It also makes for a marvelous educational opportunity on Kentucky history, beginning 12,000 years ago and extending into modern times.

The admission ticket also includes a third site, the Old State Capitol. This building served as the seat of state government from 1830 until 1910, and was therefore the sight of much dramatic history. Examples include the bitter politicking surround secession and neutrality in the early years of the Civil War, and the assassination of Governor Goebbel on the very steps of the building.

Kentucky Military History Museum at the Old State Arsenal
128 East Main Street

Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History
100 West Broadway

Old State Capitol
300 West Broadway