Tami Vater, Media Relations

(502) 564-1792, ext. 4457

http://history.ky.gov

FRANKFORT, Ky. (May 17, 2004) – The Kentucky Historical Society announces that it is the recipient of a $74,000 Save America’s Treasures grant.  This grant, matched by funds in the amount of $74,000 from the Kentucky Historical Society Foundation, will allow conservation of nine significant paintings in the Old State Capitol including Daniel Boone, George Washington and others.  

Nationally, the Society is one of 722 officially designated projects.  Kent Whitworth, Executive Director of the Society commented, “We are honored to be among four Kentucky projects receiving this significant award.” 

These paintings will undergo conservation measures beginning this summer and continue through late 2005.  Conservators will work on the paintings as they continue to hang in the chambers of the Old State Capitol.  Visitors, during this time, will get a first-hand look at the conservation of these paintings, most of which were commissioned by the legislature prior to the Civil War.

Save America’s Treasures is a public-private partnership between the National Park Service and the National Trust for Historic Preservation, dedicated to identifying and rescuing the enduring symbols of American tradition that define us as a nation.

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The Kentucky Historical Society, since 1836, has provided connections to the past, perspective on the present and inspiration for the future.  KHS operates the Old State Capitol, Kentucky Military History Museum and its five-year-old headquarters, the Kentucky History Center.   Since 1999, the $30 million History Center has welcomed almost one million visitors.   For more information about the Kentucky Historical Society and its programs, visit the Web at http://history.ky.gov or call (502) 564-1792.