Museum Review: Frazier International History Museum

If your interests lie in either: history, firearms, or rare artifacts, then Frazier International History Museum is definitely the place to be. Located conveniently at the corner of Ninth and Main Street in Louisville Kentucky, Frazier International not only displays these rare artifacts, but also shows you history as it comes alive.

The museum first opened its doors in 2004 when a personal collection of weapons and rare artifacts were donated by Owsley Brown Frazier to the museum as a permanent collection. In 2004 the museum was known as the Frazier Historical Arms Museum.

With three floors of state of the art exhibits, Frazier now displays the only collection of rare artifacts and firearms of its type anywhere in the world. Covering 1000 years of history, this priceless collection is housed in a 100,000 square foot facility in downtown Louisville.

The only museum of its kind, Frazier International History Museum brings history to life every day through live costumed interpretations. Various multimedia presentations are performed daily, and also educational programming through hands on learning.

This is the key component which makes Frazier Museum so unique. You can also take a virtual tour of this museum at www.fraziermuseum.org where you can watch history in the making. So, sit back and enjoy as we take a tour of this marvelous museum, and look back at history's most famous weapons.

Ground floor

The ground floor of the Frazier Museum features the "Arms of Distinction Gallery" which showcases historical artillery as well as multi-cultural artifacts. Also located on this floor is a full spectrum of exciting activities, which are located at the education center, and also the annex. Another educational spot on the ground floor where you can watch history come alive is the "Interpretive Area."

The historical interpretive department at Frazier provides regular presentations daily at the 120 seat auditorium. Character sketches are done by costumed interpreters of historical figures such as: Dolly Madison, Wilhelm Tell, and also Joan of Arc. These interpretations are done not only to demonstrate history, but also to educate the visitors at the museum.

A spacious museum store is also located on the ground floor where you can purchase such items as: books, apparel, collectables, jewelry and many more accessories.

Second floor

The second floor of the museum displays the museum's permanent collection of arms which were made between the 16th and the 20th century. In this section of the museum you can learn about such periods in history as: the American Revolution, the Civil War, and also Louisville's beginning as a river port city.

While you're on the second floor don't forget to check out the exhibits on the lands west of the Mississippi, and also the era of the Pony Express. The great American cowboy is also showcased along with "Hollywood and the Wild West Theatre." Then you can travel just a short distance to see ancient artifacts such as Daniel Boone's family Bible, and Geronimo's legendary bow, and quiver of arrows.

Have you ever wondered what Teddy Roosevelt meant when he stated "Speak softly and carry a big stick?" Now, before you leave the second floor you can see why this 1908 double barreled 405 cordite was nicknamed "the big stick" after his famous quote. More guns displayed on this floor are the Kentucky long rifle, and also General George Custer's encased 1861 Colt model revolvers and accessories. Custer's revolvers were said to have been presented to him for his actions in the battle of Gettysburg.

Third floor

As you arrive on the third floor you venture back into the medieval times of England. This collection of the Royal Armories goes back to 400 B.C.E. This magnificent collection is displayed in three sections: the world famous "Tower of London," Royal Armories in Leeds, and also the Royal Armories in Fort Nelson. Also in this area is the Tower theatre which seats 48 visitors.

You can watch live performances daily in the "Tournament Ring" where two handed sword combat takes place. The witchery of archery is also demonstrated, as you come face to face with some of the people who helped to change the world forever.

But if you're still ready for more, then check out the audio tour which is also available at the museum. On the audio tour you can listen to a Norman knight as he recounts the battle of Hastings back in 1066.

You can also listen to a Lancastrian archer as he recalls the bloodiest battle ever fought on English soil. Or you can find out what it was like for young boys aboard ships in the defeat of the Spanish Armada. Also on exhibit at the museum is the "Swords of the Americas" and also the "Art of duel" from March 17th through August 9th.

Many of these artifacts in the museum once belonged to famous: soldiers, Native American Warriors and also frontiersmen. The vision of the Frazier Museum is that the general public leaves with a "broader knowledge of history, and a greater respect for the human spirit."

Admission rates:

Adults - $9.00
Seniors - $7.00
Military - $8.00
Children under 14 - $6.00
Students (ID) - $6.00
Children under 5 - Free

Group rates are also available.
Contact Sara Bachman at: (502) 753 -1688

Hours of service

Monday - Saturday: 9.00 AM - 5.00 PM
Sunday: 12.00 noon - 5.00 PM

The Frazier International Museum is open from Monday through Saturday, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, and on Sunday from 12:00 noon until 5:00 pm. Located one block from interstate I-64 provides easy access to interstates I-65 and also I-71. So, what are you waiting for because this is the museum "Where History is happening."

Sources for the article:

www.fraziermuseum.com
www.wikipedia/fraziermuseum.com