Finance and Administration Cabinet
2006 Limited Edition Capitol Christmas ornament now available

FRANKFORT, Ky.—The Finance and Administration Cabinet’s Division of Historic Properties has announced the release of the 2006 Kentucky State Capitol Ornament for the holiday season.  This year’s ornament is the fourth in the limited-edition series.

The 2006 ornament features a representation of one of the majestic oil paintings on the east end lunette of the Capitol’s Great Hall: “Boone and Companions taking their First View of the beautiful level of Kentucky.” This exquisite work of art not only remains a predominant feature in the Capitol building, but also pays tribute to Daniel Boone and the historical foundation of our state.

Each expertly crafted ornament is packaged in its own presentation box along with a brief history of the mural and its significance to the Capitol. The 2006 edition, along with previous editions, has been masterfully created by the ChemArt Company, which also designs and provides the annual White House Christmas ornament to collectors around the world.

The proceeds from each edition of the commemorative Capitol Christmas ornament go to the Division of Historic Properties’ endowment fund, which serves the restoration and preservation of the beautiful state Capitol as it approaches its 100^th anniversary.

The lunette painting was completed in 1906 by Gilbert White, a highly sought-after mural artist whose works may also be found in various other state capitols. While Boone’s first view of Kentucky was to have transpired in the Cumberland Mountains, White positioned the figures in place of the existing Boone monument and gravesite in the Frankfort cemetery, facing toward the site of the new State Capitol. The mural and its beauty is still highly recognized and appreciated by visitors today.

Ornaments may be purchased for $20 each and are available at the 1792 Store at the Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History, the Capitol Gift Shop, at the front desk of Kentucky State Resort Parks and the Berry Mansion. The ornament may also be viewed and purchased online at https://secure.kentucky.gov/mall/ or via phone at (502) 564-3000, extension 226 or 228.

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