Past Exhibits

The Education of a Southern Gentleman- Jefferson Davis
This Auxiliary exhibit to Lincoln and His Wife's Hometown focuses on Jefferson Davis' early years and his time in Lexington. Davis attended Transylvania University and after becoming an army officer he returned to Lexington to recruit. While he was here with the army cholera hit lexington and instead of leaving, Davis stayed to help bury the dead.

Three Exhibits Showcase Bluegrass History
The three inaugural exhibits at the Lexington History Museum examined the community's role in communications, the local African-American culture and  treasures from "old" Lexington.  The exhibits are being constantly upgraded with temporary exhibits, rotating display of new acquisitions and glimpses of partner organizations in the Guest Gallery.

Shakespeare: 200 Years in Lexington

Lexington’s cultural connections to the works of Shakespeare provided the focus for this exhibit, coupling famous Shakespearean performers with historic Lexington venues that drew them here. When John Wilkes Booth stepped onto a Lexington stage as Richard III in 1862, his appearance was not as rare an early theatrical event as one might expect.  Lexington had, in fact been hosting Shakespeare’s plays and players since 1810.

Fashionable Fayette
By the middle of the nineteenth century, Lexington had become the social and cultural center of the Bluegrass Region of Kentucky. It was the wealthiest town in the state and attracted residents from all over the United States and from Europe. This exhibition illustrates the type of clothing inspired by the fashion plates of the period. Many pieces were made by locally and in surrounding areas. The variety of color, style, fabric, and detail reflects the individual tastes of the period between 1840 and 1880.

Racing on Main Street
The Lexington History Museum continued its role as an original participant in the “Best of the Bluegrass” week activities when it unveiled a new exhibit on Tuesday, April 12th.

This is Home Now
 “This Is Home Now: Kentucky’s Holocaust Survivors,” is a multi-media exhibit exploring the lives of nine Holocaust survivors who have made their homes in Kentucky.

The Written Word
Lexmark International sponsors an exhibit the portrays the fascinating history of typewritters and their connection to the Bluegrass.

Christmas During the Civil War 1861-65
The Lexington History Museum's holiday exhibit for 2008 was focused on Christmas during the Civil War. It was an auxiliary exhibit to Lincoln and His Wife's Hometown. In addition the Play Date with History section of Lincoln and His Wife's Hometown was arrayed with the fun and splendor of Christmas past, and as always children were encouraged to learn from playing.

Jockeys of the Bluegrass

Shakertown: Then and Now