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      Kentucky Historical Society

      Overview

      The Kentucky Historical Society (KHS) was formed in 1836 by a group of prominent Kentuckians intent on preserving the history of the Commonwealth. We are a membership organization with members from Kentucky and around the world. We are part of the Kentucky Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet; have full American Alliance of Museums accreditation; are a Smithsonian affiliate; and endorse the History Relevance statement.

      Our Mission

      We educate and engage the public through Kentucky’s history in order to meet the challenges of the future.

      Our Vision

      The Kentucky Historical Society is becoming the recognized leader in helping people understand, cherish and share Kentucky’s stories.

      Our Values

      Service

      We value our role in serving the public and work to ensure those services are exemplary.

      Discovery

      We value dialogue, discussion, education and scholarship. We value an organizational culture of discovery that inspires, engages and motivates learners of all ages.

      Excellence

      We value continuous improvement with the goal of excellence. To that end, we place high value on adhering to and shaping professional standards.

      Authenticity

      We value integrity, legitimacy and the power of the authentic. We therefore value research, collections and programs backed by fact.

      Stewardship

      We understand that stewardship is all about what you do with your resources and how you do it. As a result we value the proper stewardship of Kentucky’s historical assets, of KHS’s financial and human resources and of the KHS mission.

      Kentucky Historical Society's collections

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      The Harlan County War

      <p>The Harlan County War, also known as "Bloody Harlan," is one of many violent labor conflicts that characterized the early industrial period in the U.S. Although underemphasized in modern curriculums, these struggles have large implications on present-day American labor rights and the broader economic structure. The aim of this collection is to provide a case study into one particular conflict, examining the context surrounding it, the interaction between policy and labor action, and the value of labor organizing as both a means of socioeconomic progress and a driver of history. This collection also showcases the resources available at the Kentucky Historical Society and the Smithsonian in the hopes of inspiring further historical research into the topics discussed here. </p> <p>This Learning Lab collection was created by Daniel Song in the summer 2021 Smithsonian Affiliate Digital Learning and Engagement Internship, in partnership with Emerson Collective and the Kentucky Historical Society, <em>a </em>Smithsonian Affiliate. #SAintern #RaceAndSocialJustice #ChangingAmericanNarrative</p>
      Kentucky Historical Society
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      Our Stories Our Service: Kentucky's Women Veterans

      <p>Women's place and role in the military have continued to evolve since the establishment of the Army Nurse Corps in 1901. They traveled across the world healing soldiers, worked at U.S. bases, served as Marines, learned how to fly with the Air Force, and so much more. Their experiences and lives are often overshadowed by men in the military, but it's time that we tell their stories. This learning lab will take you back in time to just before WWI and guide you into the present day through Kentuckian women's stories. These unique stories of individual women and all-women units will help users learn about the evolution of women's role in the military and help reshape perceptions and biases. Join us on this powerful journey and meet incredible women of the past and present. This is Our Stories, Our Service. </p> <p>This learning lab was created by Jenna Grace Piehl, an intern working with the Smithsonian in partnership with Emerson Collective. #SAIntern #WomensHistory</p>
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      LGBTQ+ History in Kentucky

      <p>This Learning Lab collection was created by Daniel Ren in the summer 2021 Smithsonian Affiliate Digital Learning and Engagement Internship, in partnership with Emerson Collective and <em>the</em> Kentucky Historical Society<em>, a Smithsonian Affiliate</em>. #SAintern #RaceAndSocialJustice #ChangingAmericanNarrative</p>
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