LOUISVILLE, KY—Tuesday, January 20, 2026—In 1776, the United States of America declared its independence.
Join us at the Frazier Kentucky History Museum—Kentucky’s largest history museum—as we mark the semiquincentennial of America. All year, the museum will feature America250-themed exhibitions, gallery updates, guided tours, programs, family and homeschool days, pop-up camps, podcasts, and more.
“As the US celebrates its 250th year, the Frazier Kentucky History Museum is committed to honoring Kentucky’s past and celebrating its unique and substantial impact on the country,” Frazier President and CEO Andy Treinen said. “It is a challenging, diverse, and enduring America that has survived through conflict from its very inception. Our Frazier250 exhibits, events, and programs throughout 2026 are thoughtfully and creatively crafted so every Kentuckian will see themselves as part of that history. This is our story, Kentucky, and the Frazier is sharing it unconditionally!”
The first offering is Pursuit of Happiness, a family-friendly exhibition that opened January 17. Featuring secret codes, tabletop games, and other interactive experiences, Pursuit of Happiness spotlights thirteen figures who tried to make a difference in America during the Revolutionary Way. Figures include inventor Benjamin Franklin, spy Anna Strong, bodyguard Prince Whipple, clockmaker Benjam Banneker, Shawnee chief Nonhelema, poet Phillis Wheatley, and military strategist Henry Knox.
What makes you happy? How do you know when you have enough happiness? How do you “go after” or pursue happiness?These are the questions the exhibition poses as it investigates these thirteen individuals and the choices they made to shape their community and their country.
Learn more at fraziermuseum.org/frazier250. For photos, visit this Dropbox folder.
AMERICA250 EXHIBITIONS
- Pursuit of Happiness, January 17, 2026–May 2027. Pursuit of Happiness is a dynamic hands-on experience inspired by the immortal words from 1776.
- I Too Am a Kentuckian, July 2, 2026–May 2027. Celebrate 250 years of Kentucky’s spirit in I Too Am a Kentuckian. Those words were spoken by one of the most famous Kentuckians of all, Abraham Lincoln. The exhibition is a powerful journey through the Commonwealth’s ongoing pursuit of America’s founding ideals and the many people who have made a mark and continue to on our beloved Kentucky. From voting to civic duty, public and military service, and community leadership, I Too Am a Kentuckianshowcases how everyday citizens preserve the promises of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Through inspiring stories of individuals, communities, and pivotal moments, visitors see how the spirit of the Founding Fathers lives on in the Bluegrass State—and how many people take great pride in saying, “I too am a Kentuckian.”
- Revolutionary Threads, August 16–December 31, 2026. This special temporary exhibition focuses on the wartime experience of Revolutionary War soldiers, both men and women, and what they wore. The exhibition was developed and loaned to the Frazier by the Transylvania Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Lexington, Kentucky, and features replica uniforms of their Patriot ancestors. It’s a way to honor the America250 celebration and tell the stories of real people, real Kentuckians. Sandy Marting, co-designer and curator of the exhibition, says: “The goal of this project is to honor the personal wartime experiences of actual men and women who fought, sacrificed, and struggled to win our independence.” Women Patriots are represented, as well—from the women who fought on the battlefield to those who served as nurses, as spies, and in domestic capacities.
AMERICA250 PROGRAMS
- Lady Washington: America’s First First Lady, February 15.
- Family Day, March 14.
- The Legacy of York, June.
- Family Day, July 4.
- Was Kentucky Transylvania?, October.
- Our Kentucky Service: Military Families Show & Tell, November.
MORE AMERICA250 OFFERINGS
- Blackburns Exhibit. Thornton and Lucie Blackburn were an enslaved couple who fled Louisville in 1831 and eventually settled in Toronto. In April, the Frazier will open From Louisville to Liberty: The Blackburns’ Journey, a small exhibit that traces their harrowing journey from slavery in Kentucky to freedom and prosperity in Canada. On display will be select objects recovered from an archaeological dig of the site where they lived.
- Podcasts. The museum’s podcast, Kentucky Wide, debuted in 2025. In 2026, our second season will focus on stories related to the times and themes of America’s 250th anniversary. Season one of Kentucky Wide is now available on major podcast platforms.
- Gallery Updates. Through additive labels and audio entries, guests can experience self-guided and guided tours highlighting objects and stories in our permanent galleries. Each area in our permanent exhibitions will have a special icon that indicates it’s part of the 250th anniversary tour.
- Stories in 120: Cool KY Counties. The 120: Cool KY Counties permanent exhibit collects hundreds of stories from across the Commonwealth—including histories, legends, and oral traditions curated at the local level. With the 250th celebration, we will provide additional stories to a variety of counties that have history specific to the start of our nation.
- Educational Programs. We’ll offer Family Days, Community Days, Field Trips, and Homeschool Days that revolve around themes of America’s 250th anniversary, plus a Presidents’ Day Pop-Up Camp.
For media inquiries, contact Simon Meiners at smeiners@fraziermuseum.org or (502) 753-5668.
ABOUT THE FRAZIER
The Frazier Kentucky History Museum is where the world meets Kentucky. Opened in 2004 and located on West Main Street in Downtown Louisville, the Frazier presents and preserves Kentucky history through artifacts, exhibitions, educational programs, Bourbon tastings, and guided tours offered daily. Subjects of exhibitions include Kentucky history, Kentucky counties, Kentucky pop culture, Bourbon whiskey, the Lewis & Clark Expedition, the Stewart Historic Miniatures Collection, the Founder’s Gallery, and KentuckyShow!.
Learn more at fraziermuseum.org.
