Do you know that Kentucky has more than 100 counties? Incredibly, the Bluegrass State has 120 counties, the fourth-most of any U.S. state. I admit that I am not very familiar with the details of some Kentucky counties, and I'd love to know more. A new exhibit, 120: Cool Kentucky Counties, at the Frazier History Museum in Louisville focuses on what makes each Kentucky county unique.
120: Cool Kentucky Counties is a permanent collection of stories, music, culture, history, and traditions from around the state. The exhibit has two large touch screens, and when visitors select a county, they are presented with information about it. They might learn about the world's first Dollar General, which opened in Allen County, or the largest apple pie, which was baked in Casey County. They may also learn about remarkable Kentuckians, like Lillian South, the first female state bacteriologist from Warren County, or Sara Bradley, a celebrated chef and Top Chef contestant from McCracken County.
Music is a significant part of 120: Cool Kentucky Counties and visitors can enjoy songs by musicians from every Kentucky county. The songs featured are diverse and include works from many types of artists, including gospel, folk, bluegrass, opera, and more. The exhibit also showcases interesting and historical objects from Kentucky counties, which rotate over time.
The new 120: Cool Kentucky Counties exhibit is part of a larger part of the Frazier History Museum called Cool Kentucky. Cool Kentucky displays some incredible pieces of the state's history, including the boat Tori Murden McClure used to become the first American to row alone across the Atlantic. There's also a tree stump in which Daniel Boone purportedly inscribed his name. Many famous Kentuckians like Muhammad Ali, Abraham Lincoln, Edwin Hubble, and Jennifer Lawrence are celebrated. Visitors can also enjoy a multimedia experience called the KentuckyShow!, which celebrates Kentucky's history and culture and is narrated by Ashley Judd.
The Frazier History Museum is a fantastic place for locals and tourists to learn about the Bluegrass State. In addition to 120: Cool Kentucky Counties and Cool Kentucky exhibits, the museum has exhibits focused on the history and culture of bourbon, Lewis and Clark's Corps of Discovery, and more.
For more information, visit the Frazier History Museum's website and Facebook page.
Downtown Louisville is packed with fantastic museums, including the Louisville Slugger Museum and the Kentucky Science Center. There are also wonderful restaurants, like Proof on Main and Merle's Whiskey Kitchen.
Consider showing your Kentucky pride by wearing apparel from Wear Your Roots, a high-quality clothing brand with items tailored to every state.
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