Alice Rogers

Director of Public Relations & Marketing

(502) 564-1792, ext. 4476

alice.rogers@ky.gov

http://history.ky.gov

FRANKFORT, Ky. (November 5, 2004) – Admission will be free to all visitors to the Kentucky Military History Museum from November 6 through 13 in observance of Governor Ernie Fletcher’s proclamation of Veterans Week.

“We are pleased to offer the public this special opportunity to consider the service of Kentuckians to their country during this observance of Veteran’s Week,” says Kent Whitworth, executive director of the Kentucky Historical Society. “It is a fitting way to remember the sacrifice and courage of Kentuckians throughout our nation’s history.”

The Kentucky Military History Museum emphasizes the service of the Kentucky Militia, State Guard, and other volunteer military organizations, from the Revolution through the Gulf War. Displays include an impressive collection of firearms, edged weapons, artillery, uniforms, flags, photographs, personal items, and other equipment that illustrates the Commonwealth's martial heritage.

The museum also now includes a recently opened exhibit, Into the Wild Blue Yonder, which chronicles the history of the Kentucky Air National Guard. The exhibit commemorates more than 50 years of service of air guardsmen and women. Since 1946, these citizen soldiers left their jobs, families, and homes behind in times of crisis to serve their country. The exhibit includes artifacts, oral histories, and photographs from the early days of the P-51 Mustang to the C-130H Hercules of today.

Veterans and active duty service members who visit the Kentucky Military History Museum are always admitted at no charge. The KMHM is operated by the Kentucky Department of Military Affairs and the Kentucky Historical Society.

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An agency of the Commerce Cabinet, 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 thirty-million-dollar History Center has welcomed almost one million visitors.   For more information about the Kentucky Historical Society and its programs, visit the Web site at http://history.ky.gov or call (502) 564-1792.