Kentucky Historical Society
Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History to be Site of Public Inaugural Event

Sponsored by the City of Frankfort, Franklin County and the Frankfort/Franklin County Tourist & Convention Commission

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Dec. 7, 2011) — The Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History in downtown Frankfort will be the site of a public and family-friendly inaugural party for Gov. Steve Beshear and Lt. Governor-elect Jerry Abramson on Tuesday, Dec. 13.

The Frankfort/Franklin County Tourist & Convention Commission is coordinating the event along with the Kentucky Historical Society and Downtown Frankfort, Inc. The Center for Kentucky History, the Old State Capitol and the Kentucky Military History Museum are all part of the Kentucky Historical Society’s history campus and will be open free of charge beginning 10 a.m. Dec. 13. 

A variety of family-friendly activities will be offered, giving participants a chance to show their love for Kentucky history and to welcome the newly sworn in governor and lieutenant governor. Stop by the Center to receive a free “I Love KY History” button and enjoy musical performances, live KHS Museum Theatre productions and tours of the Old State Capitol and the Kentucky Military History Museum. Musical performers include the Kentucky State University Gospel Ensemble, Joanna Hay and Stirfry, and Frankfort Children Singers, scheduled to perform between 3:15 and 5 p.m.

Exhibitions in all three buildings are open free of charge, including “Kentucky Military Treasures,” “Great Revivals: Kentucky’s Decorative Arts Treasures,” “Makings of a Master: Kentucky Folk Art Apprenticeships,” “A Kentucky Journey” and the newly renovated “Toyota Kentucky Hall of Governors.” Guests may take a special tour of the Center’s Martin F. Schmidt Research Library, where they will be able to view the Ron Morgan Postcard Collection, which features over 10,000 images from Kentucky’s past.

The inaugural gown worn by First Lady Jane Beshear in 2007 will be on display. An inaugural party will begin at 3:30 p.m. and is open to all. The event will feature the traditional country ham and white cake presentation to Gov. Beshear, which is an inaugural tradition followed for at least the past 100 years. It is said to have started when an outgoing first lady left a baked ham, cake and a platter of beaten biscuits on the dining table for the incoming first lady.

The public reception will include seasonal Kentucky desserts and beverages. The inaugural party is free, covered through the use of private funds.

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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 State Arsenal.  For more information about the Kentucky Historical Society and its programs, visit www.history.ky.gov.