Kentucky Historical Society
Last Chance to See “Kentucky Military Treasures” Exhibition

FRANKFORT, Ky. — (March 23, 2011) — History buffs, military enthusiasts and proud Kentuckians have only limited time remaining to view the Kentucky Historical Society’s (KHS) “Kentucky Military Treasures” exhibition.  The exhibition, which features signature stories from Kentuckians who fought in battles from the War of 1812 to more recent engagements in Iraq and Afghanistan, will close at the Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History on April 9.

“Kentucky Military Treasures” features the stories of Kentuckians such as Richard M. Johnson, who led his regiment of Kentucky Mounted Rifles to victory in the Battle of Thames. Or the story of William Horsfall, a young man from Newport, Ky. who was seeking adventure when he stowed away on a steamer and became a drummer and later a private in Company G, First Kentucky Infantry Regiment, U.S.A.  Horsfall distinguished himself at the battle of Corinth, Miss. in 1862 and –to this day --remains the youngest Kentuckian ever to have earned the Medal of Honor.

Other stories include those of John H. Rodman, an Owensboro native and veteran of World War II; Chadwick Burns, a Frankfort High School graduate who was killed in action in Korea; Martha and Marcus Davis, a brother and sister from Harlan County who both served their country in the military; and Lexington resident Franketta Zalaznik, who retired from the military in 2002.

Many featured artifacts in the exhibition have been in storage while renovations continue at the Kentucky Military History Museum, one of the museums on the KHS history campus. Displayed artifacts include an Appalachian rifle; the Burgoyne canon; swords; saddles; bugles; military uniforms; numerous varieties of guns, including machine guns and anti-aircraft guns; medals; gas masks; a Jeep; and sea bags.

The exhibition is on display in the Keeneland Changing Exhibits Gallery at the Center for Kentucky History. It was made possible by generous support from the Kentucky Historical Society Foundation, Martin F. Schmidt, Tawani Foundation and the Kentucky Department of Military Affairs.

The Center for Kentucky History is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to 8 .m. on Thursdays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. For more information on visiting, see www.history.ky.gov.

-30-
An agency of the Kentucky Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet, the Kentucky Historical Society, established in 1836, is committed to helping people understand, cherish and share Kentucky's history. The KHS history campus includes the Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History, the Old State Capitol and the Kentucky Military History Museum at the Old State Arsenal.  For more information about the Kentucky Historical Society and its programs, visit the website at www.history.ky.gov.